Polarizing filter question: If I'm out finding images to creat with a polarizer on my camera but I see something to capture that would not be helped with that filter, what negative...

lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

If I'm out finding images to creat with a polarizer on my camera but I see something to capture that would not be helped with that filter, what negative effect other than a slight increase in neutral density would not going through the bother in filter removal cause?

Is leaving the polarizer on all the time when outdoors a good/bad idea?

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

I wouldn't do it. Use it when you need it. Don't be lazy.

Neilhunt

When you are zoomed wide, and your field of view includes angles at right angles to the direction of the sun (sky will be darkened) as well as angles more parallel to the direction of the sun (no darkening), then the sky will have a strong light to dark gradient which looks quite unnatural.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

You're losing one to two stops of light, so remove when not using.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

lsupremo wrote:

If I'm out finding images to creat with a polarizer on my camera but I see something to capture that would not be helped with that filter, what negative effect other than a slight increase in neutral density would not going through the bother in filter removal cause?

Is leaving the polarizer on all the time when outdoors a good/bad idea?

Bad idea....filters are for effects....so depends upon the effect you want for a particular view.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

1 or 2 stops of light? Seriously? Polarizers work on a 90 deg angle to the sun, so if it is directly over your shoulder or you are shooting into it, there is no discernible effect. But, leaving it on all the time will not add any neutral density and or loss in light, since your camera will continue to expose correctly. If you are worried, simply rotate the bezel (at aforementioned 90 deg angle) so the polarizing effect is gone, then shoot away.

Frankly, it is not worth the hassle removing it and replacing with a UV or Daylight protection filter.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

1 or 2 stops of light? Seriously? Polarizers wor... (show quote)

So you're saying there is none or less than a stop of light lost? Does that include the filter that is left on the lens and not touched and who knows what is going on with adjustments. I have read various reviews and many reference a loss. What specifically is your take?

wolfman

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

1 or 2 stops of light? Seriously? Polarizers wor... (show quote)

Yeah, Seriously!
I use the Lee Landscape Polarizer, with a filter factor of 3 (1.6 Stops) Only put it on when you need it, and don't use with wide angle lenses.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

If it is a standard CPL, I do not care what anybody says, you aren't going to notice the difference. Just use your camera's exposure compensation to bring it back up.

lsupremo Loc: Palm Desert, CA

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

1 or 2 stops of light? Seriously? Polarizers wor... (show quote)

Thanks for the straight answer w/o the self promotions.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

If it is a standard CPL, I do not care what anybody says, you aren't going to notice the difference. Just use your camera's exposure compensation to bring it back up.

I agree. With today's cameras, losing one or two stops in daylight is not a big deal, at least not in most situations. Easily remedied through compensation. It's not like in the film days when for example, one may have the camera loaded with 25 ASA film and losing two stops of light could potentially be a problem shooting handheld.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

Yup, you lose two stops, but depending on what you're shooting it may or may not be a big deal. Just use it when you need it, keep it off when you don't.

This video may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMOsBG2JaZY

Revet Loc: Fairview Park, Ohio

Steve Perry wrote:

Yup, you lose two stops, but depending on what you're shooting it may or may not be a big deal. Just use it when you need it, keep it off when you don't.

This video may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMOsBG2JaZY

Great video Steve, Thanks!! Saw some Hocking Hills water in it!!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

lsupremo wrote:

If I'm out finding images to creat with a polarizer on my camera but I see something to capture that would not be helped with that filter, what negative effect other than a slight increase in neutral density would not going through the bother in filter removal cause?

Is leaving the polarizer on all the time when outdoors a good/bad idea?

Get Xume magnetic filter adapters. Pop your filters on and off in less than a second.

J2e Loc: Canandaigua, NY

Steve Perry wrote:

Yup, you lose two stops, but depending on what you're shooting it may or may not be a big deal. Just use it when you need it, keep it off when you don't.

This video may help:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMOsBG2JaZY

Excellent video, Steve. Many thanks for posting it.