polarizer question

TerryP

I recently bought a circular polarizer. I know there are other polarizers out there and wonder what the difference is in spinning the filter?

Also, I understand polarizers don't work unless I am at a 90 degree angle to the sun? Do I have that right?

Any info on working correctly with a polarizer would be great. :thumb

Thanks.

Terry

spider-t

photo.net

TerryP wrote:

I recently bought a circular polarizer. I know there are other polarizers out there and wonder what the difference is in spinning the filter?

Also, I understand polarizers don't work unless I am at a 90 degree angle to the sun? Do I have that right?

Any info on working correctly with a polarizer would be great.

Thanks.

Terry

I get a lot of my answers on photo.net. Here's a quick posting about circular polarizer filters:

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HH6W

cheer!
Trish

TerryP

spider-t wrote:

I get a lot of my answers on photo.net. Here's a quick posting about circular polarizer filters:

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HH6W

cheer!
Trish

Thanks so much, Trish. I like your site and your suggested Photo.net site for my questions is now bookmarked. You were kind to answer.

Terry

toddquinn

Determine best angle for effect
A long while back, I read about a great tip on how to determine the best direction to shoot to achieve the maximum effect of a polarizer.

A circular polarizer (and maybe linear polarizers) work best when pointing at right angles to the light source being filtered (like the sun). To see the exact band that will be the most strongly affected, point your index finger (either hand) at the light source like you're holding a gun with the thumb extended up. Keep your index finger pointed at the light source, rotate your hand clockwise and counter-clockwise. Your thumb will describe an arc that will match the areas that will be the most affected. If the subject you want to shoot doesn't fall within that arc (accounting for the lens field of view), then a polarizer will have very little effect on the shot and might detract from it by discoloring the image or adding extra stops if you aren't using a high quality neutrally colored filter.

schmoo

I always love taking "with" and "without" shots with the polarizer when I get the chance. I guess it just makes me feel better.

Phyxius

schmooo wrote:

I always love taking "with" and "without" shots with the polarizer when I get the chance. I guess it just makes me feel better.

Hehe, and the first being the one without and the second shot being the one with the CP It did a nice job on the water sup