Polarizing filters: I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya...

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

They are very good with digital and just make sure it is a cpf, circular polarizing filter, glass is the way to go and Hoya is good brand I use them and Tiffen

foathog wrote:

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-)

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

Polarizing (and neutral density for slow shutter images) filters are just about the only filters still essential in digital photography - most of the other kinds of filters used in film, digital post processing can do instead.

JerseyJim Loc: New Jersey, USA

foathog wrote:

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

Don't be cheap when it comes to lenses and filters. Hoya is worth it. If you have the budget, go for the HD multi-coated filters. The reflected glare is much reduced (a problem in sunny outdoor scenes). As Terry said above, digital cameras require circular polarization.

TexasBadger Loc: Wylie, TX

foathog wrote:

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

I would highly recommend B+W. They are made by Schneider from optical schott glass. Brass mounting rings so that they do not get stuck. Not inexpensive, but they are the best.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

I think so, I use them on my lenses.
Mine are Tiffen.

nakkh Loc: San Mateo, Ca

I agree!

TexasBadger wrote:

I would highly recommend B+W. They are made by Schneider from optical schott glass. Brass mounting rings so that they do not get stuck. Not inexpensive, but they are the best.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

foathog wrote:

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

Yes, they have the same value applied to digital. Yes, Hoya makes excellent polarizing filters.
I am going to tell you a secret, except for a Nikon polarizer all of my polarizes are linear polarizes and as old as Stephen Hawkings. I do not meter through them, I set them on my glass once I meter without them and apply the filter factor, usually 2 stops at full polarization.
I am sure you know they are not the best filters for wide angle photography since they only polarize the light at 45 degrees to the sun.
Although so many people buy polarizers to darken the sky I do not use mines like that rather I use them to eliminate reflections from non metallic surfaces and to cut down glare from foliage and other surfaces.
I do not use polarizers as much as I used them when I shot film.
Modern polarizers with multicoating surfaces are a real pain to clean.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

foathog wrote:

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

Like yourself, I've had an SLR since the late 60s, or so. Yes, polarizing filters are definitely a useful accessory. The only thing is get a circular polarizing (cp). Hoya is a good brand, but I've preferred B+W filters. A bit more money but worth it.

Another tip is to get a filter that fits your largest diameter lens. Use step down rings to adapt it to your smaller lenses. The rings are dirt cheap and you won't need to purchase additional expensive filters.
--Bob

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

foathog wrote:

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

Here is an addition thi the OP's question. I have been looking to add neutral density filters to my arsenal. I already have a circular polarizer. I know Hoya is good but pricy. What basic steps in ND should you start with? and also I have seen a few variable NDs but not on what I would consider a major brand. In addition, stacking Neutral density to get a stronger mix like a .3 and a .6?

Carlo Loc: Maryland, NW.Chesapeake Bay

foathog wrote:

I'm new to digital. But I've had SLRs since 1973. I know the value of a polarizing filter with film. Is that value the same with digital cameras?? If so, is Hoya worth the expense??

Yes polarizing filters really a must. I was advised to B&W...
Top Quality...Reasonable Price...Vary happy with B&W.
You will be too...! :thumbup:

ralphc4176 Loc: Conyers, GA

Polarizing filters work the same with digital as with film, but, with digital, you need a circular polarizer. Hoya is a good brand. Make sure every filter you buy is multi-coated; it improves the optical properties and reduces flare.

JerseyMan Loc: NJ Pinelands

Shot with Tiffin CFP

(Download)

scsdesphotography Loc: Southeastern Michigan

When I got my first DSLR (Nikon D80) I was advised to keep a UV filter on my lens if for no other reason than to protect the lens itself from scratches and damage. Cheaper to replace the filter than your 18-200mm zoom.

Then I discovered the properties of polarizing filters and I now keep one on all my lenses. In addition to protecting my lens, polarizers can affect the blueness of the sky (an effect you may or may not always like, I mostly like it), make white clouds pop against the sky, reduces reflections (you can see through the surface of water) and intensify colors indoors or out (even on cloudy days or when using a flash). I do take it off for low light situations in which I'm not using my flash.

The difference in cost within the quality brands mentioned by the other contributors here (I use Hoya's myself) has to do with the amount of light transmission by the filter and the thinness of the frames, which prevents vignetting with wide angle lenses.

foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

rmalarz wrote:

Like yourself, I've had an SLR since the late 60s, or so. Yes, polarizing filters are definitely a useful accessory. The only thing is get a circular polarizing (cp). Hoya is a good brand, but I've preferred B+W filters. A bit more money but worth it.

Another tip is to get a filter that fits your largest diameter lens. Use step down rings to adapt it to your smaller lenses. The rings are dirt cheap and you won't need to purchase additional expensive filters.
--Bob

thanks for that tip, Bob.