Using polarizing filter
Dec 22, 2011 18:35:57 #
First of all let me wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, or whatever other holiday you celebrate at this time of year. Now, for my question.....I have a polarizing filter, but when I try to use it, I get a "marbled" effect when rotating it. It looks like the sheen you get on water when there is oil floating. It is very difficult to tell whether or not I have it rotated properly, but take the shot when the filter dampens down the highlights, and everything in the viewfinder looks "crisp." However, when I download and view my pictures on my computer, sometimes the top of my picture is really, really, blue with really dark blue in the upper left and right corners. I know that a polarizing filter will not work well unless the sun is at a 90 degree angle, but am I doing something wrong? How can I tell when I have the filter rotated properly?
Notice the upper corners
Sky really blue
Sky really blue
Dec 22, 2011 18:38:50 #
Dec 22, 2011 18:47:19 #
With a lot of these 24-28mm lenses now, you have to user a wide angle slim polarizer. I do on my G12, or I get vignetting. Or just a touch on the zoom, will usually clear it up.
You can tell when the filter is rotated properly, by looking at your LCD.
You can tell when the filter is rotated properly, by looking at your LCD.
Dec 22, 2011 18:55:07 #
AuntieM wrote:
First of all let me wish everyone a Merry Christma... (show quote)
I think the polarizer is properly oriented when you see the highlights you want, and minimize those you do not want. There is no single correct orientation.
I am also intrigued by the faint crenellation pattern that appears in several of the blue bands across the sky. Any idea how that happens?
Dec 22, 2011 18:57:35 #
I've never seen a CP darken a sky that much or show that much vignetting! That's why I asked if that CP was on with a UV at the same time.
Dec 22, 2011 19:15:14 #
What make is the polarizer?. I don't recall having one that dark either, adding a UV shouldn't have that effect. My son has had both on his lens at the same time before, without having that much darkening. But he did have the vignetting.
Dec 22, 2011 19:21:04 #
My stock lens from Sony does not have a UV filter on it, my telephoto likewise does not have a UV filter on it, and my 50mm has a Skylight filter (whatever that is). I know from watching this site that it is recommended that I have a "filter" if you will, that protects my lens if I drop it, or hit it against something hard, but I am not familiar enough with the terminology between UV, Skylight, etc. to know what I am getting. Is there a lens protector that is just clear glass, and if so, what is it called?
Dec 22, 2011 19:23:47 #
There is a clear filter, its called a "plate glass" filter, or just "clear glass". Depending, on the company producing the filter.
Dec 22, 2011 19:24:45 #
The make of the polarizer is B&W, made in Germany. I purchased it through B&H photo. Just wondering if adjusting the white balance, or bracketing my shots could exacerbate this.
Dec 22, 2011 19:24:59 #
What we're trying to determine is why your Circular Polarizer is so dark and showing vignetting ! Is it the only filter you have on ? And what brand is it ?
Dec 22, 2011 19:26:02 #
AuntieM wrote:
The make of the polarizer is B&W, made in Germany. I purchased it through B&H photo. Just wondering if adjusting the white balance, or bracketing my shots could exacerbate this.
You're bracketing those shots ?
Dec 22, 2011 19:26:20 #
Did you buy the wide angle polarizer by B+W, or just the regular.
Dec 22, 2011 19:29:54 #
I don't know what crenellation is, will have to look that up, and not knowing what I am looking for, makes it hard to find. All I know is that on these pictures, I rotated the filter until the shot looked good, and took the picture.
Dec 22, 2011 19:32:33 #
The wide angle B+W, comes with a lens cap, and is not as thick as a single section filter (real skinny). Also you did get a circular polarizer, and not a linear didn't you?. If its not a wide angle, that's where your vignetting (shadows) is coming from.
Dec 22, 2011 19:33:18 #
The filters say F-Pro on the outside, and TOP-POL on the inside ring. Sometimes I bracket shots, using my + an - scale. I look at the histogram (which is a whole other puzzlement to me) and try to get as much of a Bell Curve as I can.
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