Who has a polarizing filter?

[Sticks&Strings]

I bought a general plain lens filter because I was unsure if the polarizing one is good for everyday use on everything.

Do you use a regular filter, polarizing, or something else?

[Chad C]

I just bought a 58mm circular polarizer (Nikon II) filter and a 52-58mm step-up ring (lens to filter) to toy around with. I got them mainly for cloud/landscape and through glass type photography.

I think a hood is more important in bright light in order to reduce flare.

I'm new to this. I'll be checking in to see what are local pro's have to say.

[Legdog]

Mine has served me well.

You want the sky to pop, it certainly helps.


hey look by legdog, on Flickr

Works best when used perpendicular to light source.


without getting killed or caught by legdog, on Flickr

[Shane]

I use a polarizer almost all the time outdoors. I take it off in low light situations, because it will cost you a stop or two of light. But in good light, it's the bomb (as evidenced by Leggy's pics).

If I don't have a polarizer on, my lenses are naked. I don't use a UV filter or anything like that just for "protection". I just pay attention to what I'm doing, keep the lens hood on, and take care of my gear.

[WildMatt84]

Mine has served me well.

You want the sky to pop, it certainly helps.


hey look by legdog, on Flickr

Works best when used perpendicular to light source.


without getting killed or caught by legdog, on Flickr

Which filter are you using?

[Legdog]

Which filter are you using?

Good question.

I'll try and remember to look tonight.

I do know that it wasn't a cheap one... I thought maybe around $100?

It might be this one but my B&H purchase records only go to 2009 so I'm not sure.

B&H link

[Sticks&Strings]

I use a polarizer almost all the time outdoors. I take it off in low light situations, because it will cost you a stop or two of light. But in good light, it's the bomb (as evidenced by Leggy's pics).

If I don't have a polarizer on, my lenses are naked. I don't use a UV filter or anything like that just for "protection". I just pay attention to what I'm doing, keep the lens hood on, and take care of my gear.

I'm not questioning you, just trying to learn, but why don't you use one for protection? I do and just curious of its costing me quality.

Leggy, nice pics. I may pic one up for my alaska trip.

[Shane]

I'm not questioning you, just trying to learn, but why don't you use one for protection? I do and just curious of its costing me quality.

Leggy, nice pics. I may pic one up for my alaska trip.

I don't want any unnecessary glass in front of my lens. Even though the loss of image quality with the better UV filters isn't significant, I just want the best images that my lenses can produce. I do the best I can to keep my gear safe, and I have it insured if it does end up getting damaged. So far, I haven't had to file a claim on anything.

I don't know if my thinking is best or not. Just my thinking.

[Chad C]

I don't want any unnecessary glass in front of my lens. Even though the loss of image quality with the better UV filters isn't significant, I just want the best images that my lenses can produce. I do the best I can to keep my gear safe, and I have it insured if it does end up getting damaged. So far, I haven't had to file a claim on anything.

I don't know if my thinking is best or not. Just my thinking.

I don't use one either! Same train of thought. I know people that swear by them due to dropped lenses.

[Hillary]

Shane's words are wise.

I do all of the following.

Need to use my polarizer more.
(that has been a trend with me lately!)

[Sticks&Strings]

So for you guys that don't use a filter, do you carry a microfiber cloth or some other lens cleaner with you at all times? My fear is getting something on it and usIng my shirt to clean it and scratching the actual lens. Is cheaper to replace the filter. And I'm notorious for using my shirt to clean stuff and I know that's wrong

[Shane]

I have a lens cloth in my camera gear backpack. I also use my shirt.

[Chad C]

I have two lens pens.

[Legdog]

All of my lenses have some kind of UV filter or polarizer attached.

I'm hard on gear.

[scotty]

No UV filters for me. I always use my lens hoods. While I don't baby my gear, I do take care of it. And it is insured.

I use a lens pen to clean mine. Lots of action with the brush before I ever start to use the cleaning end.