Newb Question...Polarizer use?

[bonzi13]

Hey all, I ended up getting a circular polarizer for my Rebel XTi this Christmas. What are the most appropriate uses of a circular polarizer? When should I be using one? What effects can I get from one? Any examples would be great too.

Thanks a lot:)

[Mark_Cohran]

A circular polarizer is used to increase contrast between clouds and the skie (darkens blue sky) in the polarization band (90 degrees from the sun's axis), to simply darken skies in the polarization band, to remove reflections from non-metallic objects (such as glass or water), to remove glare and cut haze, and to provide more saturated colors (especially in foliage) by removing glare.

[bonzi13]

Thanks Mark!

Another quick question, I can turn the end of the polarizer. What exactly does that do?

[i_am_hydrogen]

Turning the polarizer will increase or decrease the polarizing effect. You'll be able to see this visually as you turn the filter while composing your shot.

[Mark_Cohran]

Turning the polarizer will increase or decrease the polarizing effect. You'll be able to see this visually as you turn the filter while composing your shot.

What he said! Additionally, this is not a filter you want to leave on your lens all the time. It will introduce about 1.5 - 2 stops of light loss and is really only effective in sunlit applications. So, if you don't need it for a specific shot or set of shots, put it away.

[Village_Idiot]

http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Polarizer

[PhotosGuy]

(darkens blue sky) in the polarization band (90 degrees from the sun's axis), You can see the effect here:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/Forum%20Junk/PolarizedPano_2.jpg?t=1199412268

[bonzi13]

Awesome, thanks guys!