Beginner Polarising filter

meddyliol

meddyliol

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Brian
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I have just ordered a Jacobs Digital Circular CPL Polariser for my 18-70mm lens. The filter is described as 'standard' so presumably it will not be one of the thin ones. My question is, will it make any difference to my photographs? I have seen some reports of vignetting, will this affect me? (well not me but the photographs). Never used a polarising filter before so still learning.

Thanks

Brian
 
A polarising filter will definitely make a difference to your photographs in various ways. If you use it properly (but the differences are clear through the viewfinder). Richer, darker blue skies and a minimisation of glare will be obvious. The first time you play with a polariser it's always good fun to watch the glare on the surface of sunlit water disappear as you turn the polariser - allowing you to see what's underneath.

Not familiar with the brand but I doubt you'll get heavy vignetting with a simple screw-on polariser.
 
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On a crop sensor @ 18mm there will be no vignetting. I think you will be fine. There are quite a few applications you can use it for, a lot of them being said above, its an excuse to get out and experiment.
 
A word of caution. You often get beginners looking for quick fixes - not saying that this is what the OP is after but it's something worth bearing in mind: while a polariser used correctly will clearly change some aspects of how the image looks...it is not a magic wand for great photography. The effect it produces may enhance an already decent photograph (for which the effect is appropriate). It won't make a camera magically churn out so-called "WOW!" photographs. You still need good subject, composition and light. Boring or badly conceived pictures are still going to be boring or badly conceived with a polariser.

For most great photographs, the vast majority of factors which make them great have nothing to do with kit.
 
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ghoti said:
A polarising filter will definitely make a difference to your photographs in various ways. If you use it properly (but the differences are clear through the viewfinder). Richer, darker blue skies and a minimisation of glare will be obvious. The first time you play with a polariser it's always good fun to watch the glare on the surface of sunlit water disappear as you turn the polariser - allowing you to see what's underneath..
Click to expand...

Exactly what i'l b doing this week after reading this thread!
 
Mat0tam said:
Exactly what i'l b doing this week after reading this thread!
Click to expand...

For reflections, the optimum angle is around 30-40 degrees to the surface. Then rotate the filter and reflections within that zone will disappear.
 
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