When to use a Polarized Filter? I have a Nikon D7000 Camera and just recently purchased a Poloarized Filter for 18-105 zoom lens. I know to use the filter when there may be a glare...

RedBaron4730

I have a Nikon D7000 Camera and just recently purchased a Poloarized Filter for 18-105 zoom lens. I know to use the filter when there may be a glare from an object, but would you suggest to use the filter on cloudy days?

Objective is to get a richer or deeper amount of color from the sky and objects.

Thanks

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

RedBaron4730 wrote:

I have a Nikon D7000 Camera and just recently purchased a Poloarized Filter for 18-105 zoom lens. I know to use the filter when there may be a glare from an object, but would you suggest to use the filter on cloudy days?

Objective is to get a richer or deeper amount of color from the sky and objects.

Thanks

Without strong sun, the polarizer (CPL) won't have much effect, so forget it on a cloudy day. If you point the camera at a 90° angle to the sun, you will get the maximum effect from the CPL. So stand with the sun directly to your right or left. Rotate the CPL slowly till you see it reducing glare and deepening colors. It works great with water. It removes the surface glare, and you can see right in there.

icram2

RedBaron4730 wrote:

I have a Nikon D7000 Camera and just recently purchased a Poloarized Filter for 18-105 zoom lens. I know to use the filter when there may be a glare from an object, but would you suggest to use the filter on cloudy days?

Objective is to get a richer or deeper amount of color from the sky and objects.

Thanks

And don't wear polarizing sunglasses when using the polarizing filter. You won't see the results of turning the polarizer--or at least it will be difficult to see the effect from the filter.

Samuraiz Loc: Central Florida

One of the many benefits of digital is immediate gratification and feedback. So, experimentation is king. Although cloudy days are not the best for sky shots they are wonderful for photographing flowers and the like. The soft even light removes any hot spots that are apparent under direct sunlight. Richer and deeper sky colors can be enhanced by slightly under exposing. But experiment and keep records.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

jerryc41 wrote:

Without strong sun, the polarizer (CPL) won't have much effect, so forget it on a cloudy day. If you point the camera at a 90° angle to the sun, you will get the maximum effect from the CPL. So stand with the sun directly to your right or left. Rotate the CPL slowly till you see it reducing glare and deepening colors. It works great with water. It removes the surface glare, and you can see right in there.

I concur with Jerry. A CPL does nothing on a cloudy day. The best effect is at 90 degrees with a blue sky & spatterings of white cloud. A CPL will really contrast & enhance the blue sky & white cloud. A CPL will sometimes cause minor vignetting with an ultra wide lens, but this is easily fixed with a very light crop.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

RedBaron4730 wrote:

I have a Nikon D7000 Camera and just recently purchased a Poloarized Filter for 18-105 zoom lens. I know to use the filter when there may be a glare from an object, but would you suggest to use the filter on cloudy days?

Objective is to get a richer or deeper amount of color from the sky and objects.

Thanks

Red, perhaps people are misinterpreting your question. Cloudless and overcast, no effect. But with say, blue sky and puffy clouds in the sky, yes, the filter can have a dramatic effect. But you will see it in the viewfinder. Just turn the filter while peering through the viewfinder till you reach the effect you want. It will also give you bluer sky. Just experiment. Don't worry about where the sun is, if it has effect, use it, if not, no harm done. lots of caveats, you'll find them on your own, it's part of learning.
Have fun with your filter. SS

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

RedBaron4730 wrote:

I have a Nikon D7000 Camera and just recently purchased a Poloarized Filter for 18-105 zoom lens. I know to use the filter when there may be a glare from an object, but would you suggest to use the filter on cloudy days?

Objective is to get a richer or deeper amount of color from the sky and objects.

Thanks

A polarized filter can eliminate glare when your subject is behind glass Doc .....

TNmike Loc: NW TN

Other than the intended use for lessening glare I really like to use one on sunset shots with a few clouds. Seems to enhance to sky and clouds. TNmike

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Wabbit wrote:

A polarized filter can eliminate glare when your subject is behind glass Doc .....

Wabbit, what gives? I could see a demo with a rabbit in it, but a CAT ??
You'd better get in for a complete check-up, pronto !! SS

FredB Loc: A little below the Mason-Dixon line.

Wabbit wrote:

A polarized filter can eliminate glare when your subject is behind glass Doc .....

As per the shots in your demo, I'd be interested in seeing how the camera took the shots on the left with "No Lens"...

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

SharpShooter wrote:

Wabbit, what gives? I could see a demo with a rabbit in it, but a CAT ??
You'd better get in for a complete check-up, pronto !! SS

Hey Doc ..... there's another little pussy cat right here lookin for ya

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

FredB wrote:

As per the shots in your demo, I'd be interested in seeing how the camera took the shots on the left with "No Lens"...

You can do this stuff with a Nikon Doc ..... remember, you saw it first on UHH

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Wabbit wrote:

A polarized filter can eliminate glare when your subject is behind glass Doc .....

Good examples.

RedBaron4730

Thanks you all for your suggestions - I'm looking forward to going out and try the techniques you all have adivsed.

Red

masonmike Loc: Vancouver, Washington

You can use a CPL on a overcast & rainy day. In Bryan Peterson book "Understanding Exposure" He shows how to use a CPL shooting a waterfall & stream on a overcast rainy day. It removed the reflection & dull gray glare from the surface of the water. Being dark he needed a small aperture f/22 with a long exposure 1 sec to get that cotton candy look from the falls. He was able to get 2/f stops of light reduction with his CPL. Have used myself with good results. There is a wealth of information in his books.