Which CPL for my new Canon EF 70-300mm?

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generic

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Ordered myself the Canon EF 70-300mm for my Safari and I think I'll be needing a 58mm CPL. From what I've been reading, Hoya are the way forward. But unfortunately when going to buy one I've been massively confused by all the different ones available.

Which one should I get for nature shots?

While I'm on the subject, is a UV filter just a UV filter, or does a more costly one really improve the photographs at all?

And last question! Does stacking a UV and CPL have any issues?
 
generic said:
Ordered myself the Canon EF 70-300mm for my Safari and I think I'll be needing a 58mm CPL. From what I've been reading, Hoya are the way forward. But unfortunately when going to buy one I've been massively confused by all the different ones available.

Which one should I get for nature shots?

While I'm on the subject, is a UV filter just a UV filter, or does a more costly one really improve the photographs at all?

And last question! Does stacking a UV and CPL have any issues?
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You would never need to use both. Some people use the UV's for protection, others don't like them, its your choice in the end. But always take it off if you're using the polariser.

I'd go for something mid-range if I were you. A cheaper one may fall apart.

People have been raving about the Hoya HD range recently, but I find I get more glare from it than any other polariser I've ever used.

Edit - for glare, read flare
 
generic said:
Ordered myself the Canon EF 70-300mm for my Safari and I think I'll be needing a 58mm CPL. From what I've been reading, Hoya are the way forward. But unfortunately when going to buy one I've been massively confused by all the different ones available.

Which one should I get for nature shots?

While I'm on the subject, is a UV filter just a UV filter, or does a more costly one really improve the photographs at all?

And last question! Does stacking a UV and CPL have any issues?
Click to expand...

A polariser is less popular on longer lenses because the thing they do best is darken blue skies and you tend not to get much sky in long lens shots, plus you're often struggling to keep the shutter speed up and can't afford to lose the two stops approx that they absorb.

That said, they still work and have benefits. I have the Hoya HD that I got because it only absorbs 1.2 stops which is handy. I think it's a brilliant filter - not had any of Jerry's problems - the best you can get at any price IMHO.

Whatever you get, make sure it is at least coated and preferably multicoated to reduce flare.

A UV filter is a complete waste of time, unless you are one of those people that insists on using one for protection. Film suffers from excessive UV but digital sensors have UV (and IR) filters already on them.
 
BIG fan of Hoya...:thumbs:

but read this ......"here" about UV filter tests v quality

good prices and 7dayshop and "Denton"
 
You'll have fun with a CPL on the 70-300 as the front element rotates while focussing, completely changing the amount of polarisation.
I'd give the filters a miss and just get yourself a lens hood. The one for this lens is pretty deep and should give your front element a decent amount of protection.
 
For a safari where the majority of shots are of animals at long distance near dawn/dusk, I would not bother with a polariser. UV filters are only there to protect the front element from dust/finger prints - but if you clean your gear every night, even that should not be an issue.

Certainly never us a UV and PL together, as it can be very difficult getting them apart again as the only part of the PL that you can grip also turns freely by definition.
 
Jim.R said:
You'll have fun with a CPL on the 70-300 as the front element rotates while focussing, completely changing the amount of polarisation.
I'd give the filters a miss and just get yourself a lens hood. The one for this lens is pretty deep and should give your front element a decent amount of protection.
Click to expand...

I agree 100% with all of this, its spot on.

I've used that lens in the most filthy disgusting places you can imagine and the hood is very good at keeping the crap off of the front element. I think some of the "precious" UV filter wearing loons on here wouldn't even have wanted to take the camera out of the bag in the places I've been with it, but it held up like a trooper.

All all of this from a consumer lens.... its a keeper!
 
Showing off my naivety there I think! I'm glad I asked the question before going out and buying them! Saved myself a good £40-60 there. I'll probably have the hood on all the time, so I guess the UV filter is pointless. I'll just be sure to clean the lens daily.
 
Spend the money on a rocket blower instead :D

If you think you might encounter some really harsh bright light, you might want to consider a couple of different ND filters (they come in various degrees of darkness, best to have at least a 1 stop and a 2 stop, although maybe 3 stops in Kenya might be needed!), or you will find you are shooting everything at ISO50 and F32 which won't make for the nicest of photos.
 
desantnik said:
If you think you might encounter some really harsh bright light, you might want to consider a couple of different ND filters (they come in various degrees of darkness, best to have at least a 1 stop and a 2 stop, although maybe 3 stops in Kenya might be needed!)
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Agreed. When in India I didn't take any ND's with me, and ended up having to use the CPL in some cases just for the fact that it absorbs light!
 
CPL desperation? Been there done that :D Gives nasty effects with plastics on bikes *** *blurgh*
 
Actually went through my camera stuff this evening and found I had quite a weighty CPL already. No idea where it came from or what manufacturer it is though. Don't you love it when you find stuff you didn't realise you had?! Will have to play with it and see what affect it has this weekend.
 
generic said:
Actually went through my camera stuff this evening and found I had quite a weighty CPL already. No idea where it came from or what manufacturer it is though. Don't you love it when you find stuff you didn't realise you had?! Will have to play with it and see what affect it has this weekend.
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Lucky you!

Do use the polariser. Maybe not for wildlife shots at max extension, but a telephoto can be good for landscapes too. Just remember that you need to rotate the polarising ring last thing when you've got your focal length and focus spot on.
 
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