Re: Is exposure compensation needed with circular polarizer and camera with TTL metering (Nikon D7200).
May 25, 2019 08:30:36 #
YNY
Loc: Youngstown NY (Western New York)
I have read on various photography related sites that I have dial in either (+) compensation, (-) compensation or no compensation for a circular polarizer on a camera with TTL metering. Some sources say compensation is needed only if using external or hand held light meter (which I understand), or if using TTL camera in manual mode. Some sites make no mention of metering method. In my case the equipment is Nikon D7200 and B&W X-S Pro Kaesemann HT MRC Nano (1 to 1.5 stops).
Is there a general rule to start off with on whether compensation is needed with TTL metering in manual or other modes?
Thank you, YNY.
Is there a general rule to start off with on whether compensation is needed with TTL metering in manual or other modes?
Thank you, YNY.
May 25, 2019 09:24:49 #
I don't think you need the compensation. The polarizer will reduce light but the camera meter will see that.
May 25, 2019 09:30:34 #
BebuLamar wrote:
I don't think you need the compensation. The polarizer will reduce light but the camera meter will see that.
I check my Histogram and the image on my LCD screen to give me a hint of required compensation. Your metering system should compensate for having that polarizer on the lens.
May 25, 2019 09:32:28 #
BebuLamar wrote:
I don't think you need the compensation. The polarizer will reduce light but the camera meter will see that.
Totally agree. A TTL metering system reads the same light that the sensor does
May 25, 2019 10:28:54 #
Your camera and meter are just tools and will give you their best guess as to the correct exsposure and usually do a very good job. If for some reason you do not like the exposure that it gave you the EV - or + is there to override the cameras decision and correct the problem. As always, you need to reset it back to "zero" after you take the shot or every shot from then on will have the same adjustment to the images.
May 25, 2019 10:37:07 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Your meter reads the light coming through the polarizer, no need to compensate in Manual or any other mode unless you want to adjust for special lighting situations, the same as you would need to adjust without the polarizer.
May 25, 2019 11:42:36 #
If you are shooting in RAW and full manual mode exposure compensation is not useful from what I have read. If using auto iso it will affect that one setting but to what effect?
May 25, 2019 13:32:47 #
YNY wrote:
I have read on various photography related sites t... (show quote)
It depends on the situation, as always, a CPL does not change that!
May 25, 2019 14:59:40 #
YNY wrote:
I have read on various photography related sites t... (show quote)
You have hit on one of the main reasons folks use SLR cameras. What you And your in camera meter see, is what you get. Composition, focus and exposure and all.
All filters have some effect on exposure. If you're not metering through the TAKING lens, you need to compensate. But since the SLR "sees" through the taking lens, there is no compensation necessary.
C
May 25, 2019 16:31:23 #
I use EV compensation on just about every shot I take. The meter looks at the entire scene and averages out the exposure to middle gray. A lot of my images are of white egrets and without the EV compensation at around minus 2/3rds or one full stop in the minus direction the white bird is blown out. For other situations the meter may nail the exposure but a lot of times it needs my help to get it right.
May 25, 2019 20:27:05 #
YNY wrote:
I have read on various photography related sites t... (show quote)
It really depends on the subject and how familiar you are with your camera's metering, and what you normally do. The filter just reduces light and some reflections. If they are specular reflections, like off water, the camera will see that and adjust accordingly. If you are accustomed to dialing in some exp comp for certain scenarios, you may find it helpful to continue doing that. It's always a good idea to turn on highlight warning in your camera, and check the histogram from time to time.
I shoot manual and never use exp comp. I just read the scene and set the camera accordingly.
Jun 1, 2019 14:31:02 #
YNY
Loc: Youngstown NY (Western New York)
Thank you all for your helpful comments. Shooting without dialing in compensation seems to work just fine for most situations. YNY.
Jun 1, 2019 14:38:28 #
I never "compensate" when using a CPL, as it's not needed
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