Circular Polarizer

[Outhouse]

I recently purchased a Sony Alpha 200 and I put a UV filter on the kit lens primarily, I think, to protect the lens. I also purchased a circular polarizer primarily because I like to take pix on the water while fishing. What other times is the polarizer helpful? What filters should be in everyone's bags? My level of knowledge is pretty basic and I am just trying to learn.

[TCav]

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogr...lter#Polarizer

Basically, you've got the two most popular filters available. There are others, but their uses are more specialized. You might consider a Neutral Density filter, though. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogr...eutral_density

[Chato]

Originally Posted by TCav

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogr...lter#Polarizer

Basically, you've got the two most popular filters available. There are others, but their uses are more specialized. You might consider a Neutral Density filter, though. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogr...eutral_density

Good summary.

Filters are less necessary for digital than for film, but the effect of a polariser cannot be simulated by software, and those attempts I've seen to simulate a neutral density filter, in my opinion aren't worth much.

Polarisers, reduce glare off of any surface, and in general act to saturate the image.

Dave

[VTphotog]

Polarizers will increase contrast overall, and can be useful in a number of situations, such as reducing haze. Stack two, and you have a variable ND filter.

brian

[whitepass]

No "Polarizers, reduce glare off of any surface" this is only partly right a polarizer will not reduce specular glare as it is not polarized light, this is mostly glass and shiny metal.

[TCav]

Originally Posted by whitepass

No "Polarizers, reduce glare off of any surface" this is only partly right a polarizer will not reduce specular glare as it is not polarized light, this is mostly glass and shiny metal.

Actually, if you take a look at the Wikipedia article, it contains examples of polarizing filters reduced glare from glass and shiny metal. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogr...lter#Polarizer

[Chato]

Originally Posted by TCav

Actually, if you take a look at the Wikipedia article, it contains examples of polarizing filters reduced glare from glass and shiny metal. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogr...lter#Polarizer

My first experience with polarisers was hunting Carp with a bow and arrow. You NEED the polarised sun glasses, which allow you to see into the water.

I actually love them, but they do cost you one to two f-stops, depending on whether your turn the element to max it out.

Dave