Lense filter question

[Deleted User]

I bought a circular polarising filter today, but I was supprised to find a little handle on the filter that you use to twist the filter round with . Now there is very little instruction with the filter (read none) so what do I do with it on the camera.

I tried it outside on the camera but it very cloud and dull here today and as I turned the filter the image through the view finder darken and lighten, so where do I start with it.

Sorry if this is a dumb question :scratch

Tim

TheMightyZog

Assuming they have aligned the handle correctly - point it in the direction of the sun for maximumn effect.

[Deleted User]

Thats my problem, where do I align the handles, is it when pointed at the sun do I adjust to the maximum darkness or until the view is acceptable??

The paper work says "best shooting angle is between 30 and 40 degrees" based on what starting angle?? (thats the only instruction\suggestion it makes)

Tim

Scott_Quier

draggin wrote:

I bought a circular polarising filter today, but I was supprised to find a little handle on the filter that you use to twist the filter round with . Now there is very little instruction with the filter (read none) so what do I do with it on the camera.

I tried it outside on the camera but it very cloud and dull here today and as I turned the filter the image through the view finder darken and lighten, so where do I start with it.

Sorry if this is a dumb question

Tim

Tim,

May I respectfully suggest you do a little google searching? This page (link) might be a good place to start in gaining an understanding of a CP filter.

Glenn NK

Without a sunny day, you won't see much with a CPL.

Wait for a sunny day, point the camera 90 degrees to the sun's rays (with the sun on either your left or right shoulder), and rotate the filter. You will have a "eureka" moment, and understand everything clearly.

Some other comments:

1. A CPL removes glare from non-metallic surfaces.

2. When you use a lens wider than about 17 mm, only the central portion of the sky in your images will be affected - this often results in a darker area - a telltale sign that a CPL was used. There is no way around this. Period.

3. Corallary to 3. If the axis of the lens is not perpendicular to the sun's rays, the dark area in the sky will not be centered.

4. Heavy cloud essentially acts like a polarizer.

5. If you're looking to enhance the colours of foliage with a CPL - in particular for flowers - a cloudy/rainy day will produce the best saturation and the least amount of saturation-robbing reflections. In other words, leave the CPL off.

6. A CPL can require up to two stops more exposure (but the camera's metering system can adjust for this).