Different PL and Uv filters?

[sando]

hi,

Looking for a PL and UV filter.

There seems to be two types of filter... like a circular and is is di-polar or something? Does that refer to the 'pattern' of the filter? Which is best, if there is a best?

Thanks,

Matt

[DavidW]

There's two types of polarisers - linear and circular polarisers. The descriptions don't refer to the shape, but to the way the filters are put together. A circular polariser contains an extra element (typically a quarter wave plate) which turns the linearly polarised light into circular polarised light.

For any type of autofocus SLR, digital or film based, you need a circular polariser. At some polarisation angles, a linear polariser will disrupt autofocus or metering.



David

[sando]

How about for a pro-sumer/EVF camera?

[DavidW]

A linear polariser will work on many compact cameras, but I'd still go for a circular polariser. You know there'll be no compatibility issues, and if it's a size that will fit an EF mount lens (such as 58mm) you'll have a suitable filter if you ever buy a DSLR.



David

[sando]

It's 55mm :(

Mayber getting an SLR next year too... :)