Problem with Polarizing Filter...
May 20, 2012 17:44:04 #
gunwolf
Loc: Currently - Central MA
I am using a Canon T2i and went out to one of the local dams to shoot a few photos of some people canoeing and kayaking.
With a circular polarizing (by Vivatar) on the Canon 55-250mmIS I could not get a clearly focused picture using autofocus. Took off the filter and the lens focused fine.
I've owned and used Nikon D70, D200, Canon 40D, 60D and now the T21 and never experienced a problem with a circular polarizing filter.
Was I holding my tongue wrong or what?
It wasn't just this shot it was several.
I had the same problem with the 18-55IS kit lens also.
I was using both lenses hand held with IS on.
photo 1 was shot at 1/320, f/6.3, 250mm , ISO 160
Photo 2 was shot at 1/400, f/7.1, 250mm, ISO 100
-Wayne
With a circular polarizing (by Vivatar) on the Canon 55-250mmIS I could not get a clearly focused picture using autofocus. Took off the filter and the lens focused fine.
I've owned and used Nikon D70, D200, Canon 40D, 60D and now the T21 and never experienced a problem with a circular polarizing filter.
Was I holding my tongue wrong or what?
It wasn't just this shot it was several.
I had the same problem with the 18-55IS kit lens also.
I was using both lenses hand held with IS on.
photo 1 was shot at 1/320, f/6.3, 250mm , ISO 160
Photo 2 was shot at 1/400, f/7.1, 250mm, ISO 100
-Wayne
with polarizing filter
without filter
May 20, 2012 17:47:41 #
Are you sure it says "CP" or "Circular Polarizer" on it? Looks like a linear polarizer error to me. Just because its round does not mean its "Circular"
May 21, 2012 06:54:03 #
May 21, 2012 07:20:51 #
Got to agree with MT shooter, looks like you have a linear Filter rather than a circular one. Auto focus will never give you the correct results through a linear filter. Try borrowing a circular polariser - marked 'CP' around the edge - and try a few shots. Should work fine. In passing the amount of polarisation is adjustable by turning the filter in its mount. If you use it at its greatest strength you will get greatly oversaturated colours and a vignetting effect on the corners, especially if you are shooting against a blue cloudless sky. Try it at about two thirds maximum power for amuch better, natural feel to you shot.
May 21, 2012 07:46:44 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Are you sure it says "CP" or "Circular Polarizer" on it? Looks like a linear polarizer error to me. Just because its round does not mean its "Circular"
Well I agree with MT , and it seems he is back and in his regular rare form. It also looks more like "camera shake" to me , I don't think that's from a C P or a linear Pol.
May 21, 2012 08:55:57 #
rayford2
Loc: New Bethlehem, PA
Blueduck wrote:
Well I agree with MT , and it seems he is back and in his regular rare form. It also looks more like "camera shake" to me , I don't think that's from a C P or a linear Pol.
MT Shooter wrote:
Are you sure it says "CP" or "Circular Polarizer" on it? Looks like a linear polarizer error to me. Just because its round does not mean its "Circular"
Well I agree with MT , and it seems he is back and in his regular rare form. It also looks more like "camera shake" to me , I don't think that's from a C P or a linear Pol.
If it's camera shake at 1/320 sec it must have been taken during an earthquake or a hard sneeze.
I think MT is on the right track here.
May 21, 2012 09:32:31 #
Don't know about that camera but many will not AF past f5.6 or so.
You don't say how much of an f-stop your CPL costs you but you are getting up there. Try your total of aperture setting plus CPL below f5.6 on any scene. If that works, creep up on your total f-stop until you are above f7.0.
Check your manual for AF vs f-stop.
Good luck!
You don't say how much of an f-stop your CPL costs you but you are getting up there. Try your total of aperture setting plus CPL below f5.6 on any scene. If that works, creep up on your total f-stop until you are above f7.0.
Check your manual for AF vs f-stop.
Good luck!
May 21, 2012 12:45:23 #
I am going to agree with MT on this one. You are experiencing a problem that most new photographer experience: you get what you paid for. This really applies to filters.
Filters are made with 2 materials, plastic and glass. The Vivatar filters (depending on which line and where they were manufactured) are mostly plastic with a film that (in my opinion)"filter light in a direction" to minimize/prevent unwanted reflections. It is better to purchase glass filters.
Glass filters are better constructed and I have yet to get my 5 year Hoya CPL to give me any problems with the auto focusing of any of my cameras. A good glass filter can cost approximately $81.00 - $280.00 for the professional grade quality.
I hope it helps.
Filters are made with 2 materials, plastic and glass. The Vivatar filters (depending on which line and where they were manufactured) are mostly plastic with a film that (in my opinion)"filter light in a direction" to minimize/prevent unwanted reflections. It is better to purchase glass filters.
Glass filters are better constructed and I have yet to get my 5 year Hoya CPL to give me any problems with the auto focusing of any of my cameras. A good glass filter can cost approximately $81.00 - $280.00 for the professional grade quality.
I hope it helps.
May 21, 2012 13:11:07 #
gunwolf
Loc: Currently - Central MA
The filter does have "CP Polarizing" marked on it.
Of course it along with a ND and a UV filter were included FREE with a lens hood I purchased off of ebay - that very well may be the problem!
Thanks
Of course it along with a ND and a UV filter were included FREE with a lens hood I purchased off of ebay - that very well may be the problem!
Thanks
May 21, 2012 13:38:09 #
MT Shooter wrote:
I have problems with my polarizing filter also and after reading this I checked and it has nothing other than 62mm polarizer on it. It's a Tiffen glass filter and one of the reasons I bought it was because it's made in the USA. I was told it was a quality filter and it has a 10 year warranty on it...........Are you sure it says "CP" or "Circular Polarizer" on it? Looks like a linear polarizer error to me. Just because its round does not mean its "Circular"
May 21, 2012 13:43:26 #
I notice your spelling "Vivatar" is this an error or is this the way it is spelled on the filter? The correct spelling is "Vivitar". One of those tricks used to fool people into buying low quality grey market items.
May 21, 2012 15:48:04 #
I agree with the ones that think you have a linear filter instead of a circular filter.
May 21, 2012 16:25:23 #
coco1964 wrote:
quote=MT Shooter Are you sure it says "CP&qu... (show quote)
You definitely have a Tiffen Linear Polarizer. Nothing wrong with them at all as I have a Tiffen Linear that I have used for over 30 years and its great! The Linear polarization is stronger than circular polarization, but is totally incompatible with AF, even before digital cameras were invented, that is why circular polarizers were designed. Additionally, the Linear is often incompatible with meters. Mine works with my D7000 meter, but would totally freak out my D90 meter. Use it in manual mode and get terrific results. But get a circular (a REAL one) to use with your AF system.
May 21, 2012 16:29:08 #
gunwolf wrote:
The filter does have "CP Polarizing" marked on it.
Of course it along with a ND and a UV filter were included FREE with a lens hood I purchased off of ebay - that very well may be the problem!
Thanks
Of course it along with a ND and a UV filter were included FREE with a lens hood I purchased off of ebay - that very well may be the problem!
Thanks
Then you have no complaints if it was "free" right?
Seriously, anyone who gets a "freebie" like that really cannot complain about the function, regardless of how the name is spelled. My suggestion? Throw the free filters away, they are all worth just exactly what you paid for them. Buy a GOOD CP, they are worth it. A decent ND is also nice to have. A UV is mostly unnecessary except in situations of early morning haze, which is what they were designed for anyway (they really are not such a good idea for lens protection, an optically clear protective filter is much better). And always buy true multi-coated filters, they will prevent flare, glare and ghosting when properly used.
May 21, 2012 16:54:48 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Thanks alot---more $$$ spent at the camera shop tomorrow. What's money for if you can't spend it........... quote=coco1964 quote=MT Shooter Are you sure it ... (show quote)
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