Oct
06
Q: Why do you need a Circular Polarizer?
Filed under: Accessories, Recommendations by toby
A: It is the one filter whose effects cannot be recreated in post-process.

Left - Polarizer On | Right - Polarizer Off

Left - Polarizer On | Right - Polarizer Off
What a polarizing filter does:
- Reduces haze
- Removes reflections
- Increases color saturation. The effect is particularly evident in skies and in foliage.
- Neutral density. The natural loss of 1-2 stops of light, without shifting color, makes a polarizing filter a good ND filter as well.
Notes:
- The effect of polarization (outdoors) is most prominent at a 90-degree angle to the sun. Make an “L” with your thumb and pointer finger. Point your thumb at the sun, your pointer is now showing you the direction that the polarization will be most noticeable.
- If you use a lens <about 28mm (in 35mm film terms) the sky could be unevenly polarized, much darker in one area than another.
What size do you need?
- If you have the Canon Kit Lens (18-55) -HOYA 58CIR 58mm Circular Polarized Filter
- Nikon Kit Lens (18-55) -Hoya 52mm Circular Polarizer and Filter Wallet
- Nikon Kit Lens (18-105) -Tiffen 67mm Circular Polarizer
- All other lenses – Circular Polarizers
If you search your lens on Amazon it will show in the Frequently Bought Together section a UV filter that matches your lens diameter, use that to find the correct polarizing filter
Related posts:
October 7th, 2009 at 3:01 am
My Nikon kit lens (18-115 D90) is 67mm not 52mm.
October 7th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Good Catch- I updated the info above.
Thanks!