Why Use a Polarizing Filter?
A polarizing filter helps reduce reflective surfaces including the sky, plants, water, and any object that creates a glare. You can even use polarizing filters to help reduce glare off people's faces!
The effect is most dramatic when shooting at 90 degrees to the sun. When shooting directly toward or away from the sun, the polarizing effect is minimal.
Benefits of a Polarizing Filter
- Darkens blue skies making clouds pop
- Removes reflections from water to see below surface
- Reduces glare on wet rocks and foliage
- Increases color saturation naturally
- Can be used as a 1-2 stop ND filter
How to Use a Polarizer
A circular polarizing filter (CPL) screws onto the front of your lens. It has two rings - the back ring attaches to your lens, and the front ring rotates to adjust the polarizing effect.
Important Technique
Look through your viewfinder or at your LCD screen while slowly rotating the front ring. You'll see the reflections and glare appear and disappear. Stop at the position that gives you the desired effect - you don't always want maximum polarization!
Be aware that polarizers reduce the light entering your lens by about 1-2 stops. This means slower shutter speeds or higher ISO. At sunrise when light is already limited, you may need to remove the polarizer or accept longer exposures.
When NOT to Use a Polarizer
Skip the Polarizer When:
- You WANT reflections (calm lake mirror shots)
- Shooting into the sun (no effect + flare risk)
- Using ultra-wide lenses (uneven sky polarization)
- Light is very low and you need faster shutter
- Shooting rainbows (polarizer can remove them!)