Polarizing Lens & Grain/Noise: With the new advances in Lightroom & Elements, why do we still need to consider Polarizing Lens and high ISO's due to less than fast lens. The Noise...

PCsReasy

With the new advances in Lightroom & Elements, why do we still need to consider Polarizing Lens and high ISO's due to less than fast lens. The Noise handling and the ability to paint what you want in one's photos makes me question why we continue to purchase expensive filters and exceptionally expensive fast lenses.
All comments encouraged and welcomes.
Thanks,
Dan

77firebird Loc: Van Buren Ar.

PCsReasy wrote:

With the new advances in Lightroom & Elements, why do we still need to consider Polarizing Lens and high ISO's due to less than fast lens. The Noise handling and the ability to paint what you want in one's photos makes me question why we continue to purchase expensive filters and exceptionally expensive fast lenses.
All comments encouraged and welcomes.
Thanks,
Dan

get right in camera,less pp = more time behind camera

heyrob Loc: Western Washington

77firebird wrote:

get right in camera,less pp = more time behind camera

Made my point. :thumbup:

KennyMac Loc: Lynchburg, VA

PCsReasy wrote:

With the new advances in Lightroom & Elements, why do we still need to consider Polarizing Lens and high ISO's due to less than fast lens. The Noise handling and the ability to paint what you want in one's photos makes me question why we continue to purchase expensive filters and exceptionally expensive fast lenses.
All comments encouraged and welcomes.
Thanks,
Dan

I think you mean a "circular polarizing filter", not lens. I don't believe anyone makes "polarizing lens". Circular polarizing filters do have a unique niche primarily in landscape applications due to light being reflected in many different directions even with a cloudy sky and rain ! Search here at UHH and google "polarizers", you will find it's 1 of 3 filters most landscape photographers use. Also if you ask those photographers, no software can emulate the polarizer effect !
"HIGH ISO'S" allow more flexibility primarily in low lite activities (concerts, etc) and sports action. Technological advances have steadily increased sensor sensitivity to where ISO 3200 is almost as good as 400 was 20yrs ago!
Keep in mind the photography triangle (shutter speed, aperture, sensor or film sensitivity) determines limitations just as it did for the very first pictures.

olcoach Loc: Oregon

77firebird wrote:

get right in camera,less pp = more time behind camera

r
Great response. Something we should all keep in mind.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

KennyMac wrote:

"HIGH ISO'S" allow more flexibility primarily in low lite activities (concerts, etc) and sports action. Technological advances have steadily increased sensor sensitivity to where ISO 3200 is almost as good as 400 was 20yrs ago!

Amen to that.
I got our D800's early this year.
The high ISO capability has opened up more opportunities to shoot things I have not been able to in the past. I do a several events every year, not much outside. High ISO and fast lenses help me a lot!

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

The polarizer is the one filter that software cannot duplicate. Yeah, you can darken a blue sky, but you sure cannot remove a reflection to see through the reflecting surface.

Frank47 Loc: West coast Florida

CaptainC wrote:

The polarizer is the one filter that software cannot duplicate. Yeah, you can darken a blue sky, but you sure cannot remove a reflection to see through the reflecting surface.

:thumbup: :thumbup:

And, simply darkening the sky probably won't provide the appropriate enhancement of cloud formations that may be present. I spent a lot of money on a good polarizer and have never been sorry.

Peekayoh Loc: UK

PCsReasy wrote:

..... makes me question why we continue to purchase expensive filters and exceptionally expensive fast lenses. ...

Using high ISOs is no substitute for a fast lens. Move above base ISO and Dynamic Range, Tonal Range and colour depth are all progressively reduced. Add to that the detail destroying noise of higher ISOs and you have four good reasons to choose a fast lens and stick to base ISO as long as possible.

yhtomit Loc: Port Land. Oregon

CaptainC wrote:

The polarizer is the one filter that software cannot duplicate. Yeah, you can darken a blue sky, but you sure cannot remove a reflection to see through the reflecting surface.

:thumbup:

Mashubi1 Loc: Salem, Oregon

I totally agree with Captain & Frank 47...the Polarizer is without a doubt worth it's ability to enhance a photo....

Wombat Loc: Michigan

A polarizing filter is a must have, you can go extreme with Singh Ray filters, but the results are amazing, but so expensive.. Check it out