Is a polarizing filter for trip to Hawaii a must?

[Watarski]

I will be heading to Oahu for a week in late June. The last time I went, I had a crappy P&S camera. I want to be as prepared as possible to take better pictures this time. Is a polarizing filter (~$120) worth the cost? Will it make the skies/water appear more natural? The only filters I've ever used are UV for lens protection. Opinions appreciated!

[gjl711]

With all the blue sky, fluffy white clouds, and very reflective water, I would say absolutely, it will help a lot. Hawaii skies are blue but with a polarizer they are magic.

[nutsnbolts]

I would bring it.

[ben_r_]

I would DEFINITELY bring mine!

[FLY GTI]

Yes.

[Watarski]

OK, next question. Where to buy one? I'm assuming a B+W would work well...

[scot079]

I like B&H but alot of people like hvstar.

To answer your original question: A polarizer is a must (where ever you may find yourself!)

[Watarski]

HVStar definitely looks like a go. However, which one would be the smarter choice for my Tamron 17-50 - Kaeseman or slim? Will the Kaeseman really cause vignetting at the 17mm length?

[scot079]

Get the F-Pro and you'll be fine.

Edit: F-Pro should come in both MRC and Kaesemann, which just describes the way the polarizing film is applied to the glass

[Watarski]

They actually have 3 types

F-pro - $91

Kaeseman - $101

Slim - $105

The F-pro just says standard MRC. If I'm already spending around $100, wouldn't the Kaeseman be worth the extra $10?

[scot079]

My Kaesemann IS an F-Pro...and that one may be too. F-Pro describes the way the ring is built. Let me ask you this: Are the filters you're looking @ brass or aluminum?

[Watarski]

In the description it says brass rings

[scot079]

Good deal! If it gives a manufactureres part number for the Kaesemann, look that number up on another site (like B&H) and see if they're description says whether it's a F-Pro mount

[Mark1]

Dont tell anybody.... but I got a CP from Best Buy for$20. I know you get what you pay for... but so far it has been flawless. I got it to see if I want to spend the money for a good CP. Best buy has a good return policy so it was easy to test, then just return it. But I have not returned it yet. Ill probably end up keeping it, and not getting a top shelf one.

[argyle]

I get all of my B+W filters from hvstar. You normally would not need a Kaesemann-style CPL, but since the difference at hvstar is only $10, it'd be well worth it to get one over the non-Kaesemann. In addition to better polarizing foils, the Kaesemann style CPL is sealed to prevent moisture from getting in between the glass plates...could be helpful in Hawaii with the humidity and salt water.

Only one caveat...if you're going to Hawaii in late June, best to order it from hvstar now...delivery takes almost two weeks from Hong Kong.

And you shouldn't need a slim filter for that lens...the typical F-Pro Kaesemann CPL (MRC) will do just fine. I used the same filter with my 30D/10-22 and didn't have any vignetting...you shouldn't have a problem at 17mm.

[Watarski]

Placed my order - hopefully it will get here by June 10th...

Does the polarizing element rotate within the brass rings?

[scot079]

Yes there is an outer ring that contains the rotating element.

PS-you got a circular polarizer not a linear polarizer right?

[Watarski]

Thanks for the info. Yes, I got the circular. What is the difference?

[scot079]

linear polarizers are made for manual focus and don't work well w/ AF systems...enjoy your filter!

[deletedpenguin]

I'm in the same boat. I'm heading to Kauai and the big Island in August and although I've been numerous times, this will be my first trip with a nice camera, so I'm looking forward to it. I've got my circular polariser ready to go.

Have fun, and post the pics up when you get back!

[siddr20]

would be keen to see picture difference - with no polarizing filter.. and with one..

just curious.. if anyone has any shots.. pls post them up

thanks

[JohnJ80]

I will be heading to Oahu for a week in late June. The last time I went, I had a crappy P&S camera. I want to be as prepared as possible to take better pictures this time. Is a polarizing filter (~$120) worth the cost? Will it make the skies/water appear more natural? The only filters I've ever used are UV for lens protection. Opinions appreciated!


Yes. Absolutely.

j

[LuxuryGlass]

I was there a couple months ago. Big Island and Oahu. Of course, I didn't go there with the intention of showing differences between certain pieces of camera gear, so side by side comparisons I don't have. When outdoors I pretty much had the polarizer on all the time except for a few instances. I wouldn't dream of going to hawaii without one.

Here's a couple. Though they were taken about an hour apart (after I had breakfast) from my room in the morning, and the sun had fully risen.. You still get some idea.

Big Island Kona side.

before breakfast without polarizer:

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1157/0326115906nw7.jpg

after breakfast WITH polarizer:

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/1065/0326145523tk1.jpg

A couple from oahu, excuse the compression:

sharks cove

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/1385/0401184046zy2.jpg

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/6237/0401190325dd9.jpg

Cook Monument

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/4624/0329213423jq6.jpg


And the one that will really show the difference.. a little video where I was turning the polarizer filter in the front. It's not as good a filter as the B+W Kaesemann that was on the 5D, but you can see how the image is affected.

taken at Waimea beach on Oahu (highly recommend visiting- parking is a hassle, but the bodysurfing is a blast)

video removed

[DANATTHEROCK]

I have a Hoya Pro 1 dmc. Got it at B&H for about $190. Saw it at at the below site for about $112. You click on the "buy" button and the real price is shown. Quite a savings compared to what I paid. Wish I would have heard of this site earlier. Great filter and it has front threads to hold the standard Canon lens cap.

http://www.2filter.com/hoya/hoya_pro1_digital.html

[DANATTHEROCK]

Below are some images from my trip to the Kenai Peninsula last weekend. Most all the mountian scenes were taken with the Hoya Pro 1 dmc CP on my 24-105.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/21144083@N02/sets/72157605295387576/

[jhom]

Water, water everywhere
My pictures look like hell
Water, water everywhere
I wish I had a CPL

[Docthomas]

Would you same the same DEFINITELY applies to cruising in Alaska. I'm referring to the NEED for a circular polarizer.

[pointerDixie214]

Crap I am happy I saw this thread- I need to get a CPL too since I am leaving for Kauai in two weeks! Ordering now!

[Jon]

Would you same the same DEFINITELY applies to cruising in Alaska. I'm referring to the NEED for a circular polarizer.If you're outdoors, a polarizer is a must. You may not need it all the time, but when it's useful, you'll be glad you used it. Seeing glaciers? Land of the Midnight Sun? Yep. It's not going to push you over the "allowable baggage" limit.

[Docthomas]

Glaciers yes, and whales and tigers and bears Oh my! Ok no tigers, but I couldn't resist
Thanks for the info

[Jon]

Yep - well if it's sunny there will be reflections off the ice; a polarizer will help there.

[deletedpenguin]

Crap I am happy I saw this thread- I need to get a CPL too since I am leaving for Kauai in two weeks! Ordering now!

Nice, have a blast. I'll be there in two months with my g/f.

[pointerDixie214]

OK- got my CPL... should be here by the end of the week!

Man I am seriously happy I saw this thread.

[Docthomas]

so coming from the world of 'new to DSLR' for that price i'm wondering if i should keep the polarized filter on 24/7. i know it'll help in the situations described but is there a harm to using it all the time as a protective filter too?

wondering because I will use it on the 28-135 and considering it for the 70-300 as that will be my outside/sports and nature lens. but that's 2 high end filters of diff sizes or 4 if you tell me i need a basic uv for general lens protection. gets pricey. cpl is a must for this trip but some have said don't put it on 70-300 as it won't do much good on the longer focal lengths.

so now I'm really confused. suggestions. 2 filters or 4 and if 4 what should I choose for basic protection if cpl is not to be left on all the time.

Thanks
S.

[Jon]

Well, it'll cost you around 2 stops of light. Basic protection filters Protective Filter FAQ (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=368177). I use B+W.

[Docthomas]

so well lit, cpl. low to normal light then nothing or uv? is this considered a 'clear' protective lens? just want something to shield the lens from the stray kid or dog.

i assume the uv is ok for indoor and low light?

reason to use cpl on the 70-300?
i reread the faq. thanks pick something up new everytime.

S.

[Jon]

I use a polarizer when I need to control reflections off anything other than bare metal, or when there's a blue sky with maybe a bit of haze. Light levels don't have a lot to do with the decision,if I need to control a reflection from, say, a pane of glass.
Yes, a UV will qualify as a clear protective filter. I have one on any of my lenses any time I'm not using some other type of filter. And those curious critters are one reason why I rely on filters . . .

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=177214&d=1180591256

[Docthomas]

thanks, incredibly helpful

Shawn

[Nortelbert]

I have a Hoya Pro 1 dmc. Got it at B&H for about $190. Saw it at at the below site for about $112. You click on the "buy" button and the real price is shown. Quite a savings compared to what I paid. Wish I would have heard of this site earlier. Great filter and it has front threads to hold the standard Canon lens cap.

http://www.2filter.com/hoya/hoya_pro1_digital.html

Is this the same one form HVstar?

http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=654

[Roadrunnr]

I just got back from my Hawaii vacation and I practically just left my Polarizer on my wide angle lens like 80% of the time that I was there! :-)

A definite must have!

I got the Hoya PRO1 DIGITAL Circular Polarizer Filter DMC from here:
http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=266

[GCD1]

I just got back from my Hawaii vacation and I practically just left my Polarizer on my wide angle lens like 80% of the time that I was there! :-)

I just can't tell if I should be using a CPL with my wide angle. When I look through the viewfinder and adjust the polarizer, the sky looks uniformly blue. But when it comes to looking at the pictures on my computer, you can definitely see a transition where the filter really effects the sky and then areas where it does not.

Is there some type of trick to lining it up? Does the little white hash mark mean something that I don't recognize?

[argyle]

I just can't tell if I should be using a CPL with my wide angle. When I look through the viewfinder and adjust the polarizer, the sky looks uniformly blue. But when it comes to looking at the pictures on my computer, you can definitely see a transition where the filter really effects the sky and then areas where it does not.

Is there some type of trick to lining it up? Does the little white hash mark mean something that I don't recognize?

It depends how wide. An ultra wide lens such as the Canon 10-22 has a 107-degree field of view. As such, you're taking in a whole lot more sky than the CPL is capable of affecting evenly. So with a UWA, you will see a dark-to-light gradient from one side of the frame to the other. This usually goes away at slightly longer focal lengths (in the neighborhood of 20-22mm or so). What you're seeing is perfectly normal for ultra wide angles. For this reason, some folks don't bother using a CPL on a UWA, unless its being used for controlling reflections. OTOH, some use it expressly to achieve the gradient effect if it will enhance the composition. Just depends...

[JohnJ80]

I use a polarizer when I need to control reflections off anything other than bare metal, or when there's a blue sky with maybe a bit of haze. Light levels don't have a lot to do with the decision,if I need to control a reflection from, say, a pane of glass.
Yes, a UV will qualify as a clear protective filter. I have one on any of my lenses any time I'm not using some other type of filter. And those curious critters are one reason why I rely on filters . . .

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=177214&d=1180591256

Goat slobber is not going to hurt your lens. :lol:

J.

[Jon]

I just can't tell if I should be using a CPL with my wide angle. When I look through the viewfinder and adjust the polarizer, the sky looks uniformly blue. But when it comes to looking at the pictures on my computer, you can definitely see a transition where the filter really effects the sky and then areas where it does not.

Is there some type of trick to lining it up? Does the little white hash mark mean something that I don't recognize?It's for when you have a camera that doesn't allow through-the-lens viewing. You line up the filter for maximum effect, note where the index mark is, and then attach the filter and orient the index mark as it was when you were viewing directly. With digital cameras, it's much less important.

Goat slobber is not going to hurt your lens. :lol:

J.If they stopped at slobbering, maybe not . . . as long as the lens is weather-sealed without the filter. And birds can be just as curious.

[happybee]

Polarizing filter is a must when you visit hawaii. You will know what I mean when you hike a diamond head to take some shots.

[Docthomas]

Well,

I got back from Alaska and here's what I can show you. Straight off the camera first w/o polarizer

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3033/2602227756_232e8ea270.jpg

this one with B+W CPL

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2601400161_224650c6d0.jpg


the difference is impressive. the first was very blown out and colors were off from all the reflections off the glacier. Same shot, except First one is zoomed in more than the second but it's of/from the same location

I am sold. I bought this CPL literally in the last hour before I got on the cruise ship and BOY am I glad I did.

Hope this helps anyone with questions about the need for a CPL in situations where reflections are a concern.

Thanks to everyone for all their feedback and help.

Shawn

[dliveleyphotography]

Glad I went into this thread, I am leaving for Alaska in two days and was debating on getting a CPL or not, I will be heading to local store to pick up one today.

[af1snaikboi]

A pro1 67mm CP from hv star would fit my tamron 17-50 correct?

[Docthomas]

Yes the 67 will fit that lens.

[gjl711]

A pro1 67mm CP from hv star would fit my tamron 17-50 correct?
The tammy's got a 67mm filter size so yes, it will fit.