was_a_guru

Recently added a CPL filter to my equipment.

Wondering how to best use it when situation is right. There doesn’t seem to be any markings or indicator on the filter that would show a “home” position, i.e. minimum/no polarization.

So I’m guessing it’s just visual. You look through the viewfinder (DSLR) and rotate the filter ring until you see the effects/result you want.

Is that correct or am I missing something?

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Spot on!

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

A circular polarizer is actually a neutral density filter and as such it has a filter factor of 2 stops of light which menas that using the filter to full polarization 2 stops of light need to be added to the exposure. Polarizers work best when at 90 degrees from the sun if darkening of the sky is what the photographer has in mind. The filter is very useful to eliminate unwanted non-metallic reflections which by the way are common on rainy days. It is a very good filter to photograph the foliage during the fall season. It is not good to photograph people and it is not the filter to keep in front of the lens all the time.
You are right, polarization effect is done visually. The darkest part of the filter makes full polarization. If used with a wide angle only part of the sky will be polarized making the image look unnatural. Using the filter with a wide angle for other purposes is perfectly fine.
In my particular case, I seldom use a polarizer to darken the sky.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Everything you ever wanted to know in 10 minutes:

https://backcountrygallery.com/how-to-use-a-polarizing-filter/

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

rydabyk Loc: Florida Panhandle

Yep, great article, sums it up perfectly.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

CPLs only work when 90 deg off axis from the Sun. And yes, it's all visual through the viewfinder.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

I don't your correct in that, William. A CPL filter polarizes the light coming thru the filter. A neutral density filter doesn't do that.

See https://www.adorama.com/alc/nd-filter-vs-polarizer-what%25e2%2580%2599s-the-difference

Photocraig

For SOME of us using a Polarizer was the primary reason to switch to an SLR so we could SEE the Polarizing effect and meter for it correctly. Remember the CPL has maximum effect when pointed 90 degrees (as in right angle) to the Sun position. Open your hand and point your thumb at the sun and your index finger will point to the area of maximum effect. The polarization across a wide field of view will vary in your photo, so watch carefully in your viewfinder. Live View may be best. It is also great for removing reflections on shiny stuff like chrome, car surfaces, windows, etc. It also can remove these same micro reflections that show up visually as atmospheric haze. AND, in a pinch, a CPL can be used as a neutral density filter to reduce your exposure to allow for slower shutter speeds for moving water, or wide open aperture for limited depth of field for subject separation from the background.

HEY!! It's DIGITAL. The feedback is instant and the exposures are essentially free. Also there are a few very good tutorials on Youtube--including a very good one at the Adorama Learning Center where the young lady photographer in NY's Central Park refers to her CPL as sunglasses for her camera.
C

User ID

That will do just fine. If you want a mark on
the rim as a guide, find a flat level somewhat
glossy smooth surface. Level your camera,
and rotate the PL till it cuts thru the surface
reflectivity so that it maximally enhances the
underlying color. Then put a mark at the top
of the rim, plus another at 180 degr opposite.
Now you've marked the axis of polarization.


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John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

If using a zoom take the lens out to its widest setting and revolve the filter for best effect. Stand with shoulders in line with the sun and for MAXIMUM effect I find it works best with the sun at or around 45°.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

One of my Polar' filters has a (white dot)mark on the rotating rim. If this is pointing at the Sun (Source of light), that will give max effect of the filter. I suppose the dot mark to be most useful with Rangefinder cameras, where there is no view through the lens on composing the picture.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

Excellent Steve, Excellent!

Blaster34 Loc: Florida Treasure Coast

Thank you, appreciate the link

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

And to show how effective looking through a CPL can be: I once grabbed my camera to take a picture of a rainbow that suddenly appeared. When I put the camera to my eye, it wasn't there! Turns out I had a CPL on my lens and as we all know, it's purpose is to eliminate scattered light. Well guess what... A rainbow is nothing but 100% scattered light. When I rotated the CPL, it magically appeared and disappeared. Real good lesson there.