Let's talk CPL Filter - Using It - Which One - Related to cars

[dinanm3atl]

So I want to get one and want to start with a mid grade and really learn and then get a top notch one.

First question is which one? I currently use a 17-40 f/4L and 70-200 f/4L when shooting cars. Thus I can use the same filter IIRC so it will serve both.

I have never used one so I kind of need some instruction. Obviously you can spin the outer ring. Will it be obvious when it is taking out reflections so I know when to stop spinning? Focus first and then spin? Or focus, spin and refocus to confirm focus?

Want to really get some killer car photos and up my game a bit with killing off reflections and grabbing colors :)

[FLATOUT]

I have a couple mid grade CPL's that I have been using on my L lenses, and I personally enjoy using them.

I personally have found it a little difficult to tell the "best" or sweet spot while turning the filter.

I usually focus my eye on the glass and watch the reflections change. It works well if you want to be able to see a pair of aftermarket seats in a tuner type car, or cut down on the reflection of the sky in the glass.

I will tell you though that it does not remove all reflection I still need to get the vehicle in a great spot and then work the filter to get the shot.

Also you will get vingetting when zoomed all the way in so just keep that in mind.

I personally wonder if by stepping up to a better CPL that the issues that I am having might improve.

I think I am shooting with Tiffen CPL's right now.

Good luck Buddy!

Andy Wheeler

[rigshots]

Polarizing filters are quite handy when shooting cars and it would normally be quite easy to see differences as you rotate the fiter. There's some info here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/howto3.htm).

For example, here it's set to remove reflections from the side of the car.
http://www.rigshots.com.au/images/light101/l_222_400.jpg

And here it's set to remove reflections from the windscreen.
http://www.rigshots.com.au/images/light101/l_223_400.jpg

I often combine the 2 into a final image, more info here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/cl_066.htm). Another example here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/cl_096.htm).

JJ

[dinanm3atl]

Thanks goes to you mate!

Excellent post and thanks for the info!

[dixonk]

How good is the Sigma CPL filter. It was the only one I could find here locally and haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet.

[PhotosGuy]

Or focus, spin and refocus to confirm focus? That would work. Occasionally I take a CPL with me. Usually I'll look at the car, rotate the filter, & then put it back in my pocket. For me, it's better to MOVE MY FEET! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=536323), than to use a CPL because I want reflections to define the contour of the car & I find that when I remove the bad reflections, & also lose some of the good ones. Polarizers usually make the late model headlight plastic covers show a "rainbow", too. How do you fix CPL-rainbowed headlights? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1019153)

And working with "late light" (see my Sig), a CP costs me two stops of exposure, which is only useful if I'm panning & need a slower shutter speed.

[DonJuanMair]

I just got a b&w one for my 17-40L and I love it. I need to get a decent one for my 100mm and 50mm.

[Zillon]

I use a Hoya CPL for my 17-50, and love it as well.

I prefer using a CPL while also moving around the car, as it richens the colors, and decreases reflections at the same time. There are going to be some instances when you have a desired background with an undesired reflection on the side of the car.

I'm sorry, but moving your feet only does so much.

[lambocars]

I will use a Circular Polarizing filter when the sun is out, on an overcast day it might not be so interesting as you are always loosing at least one stop of light.

Take a look at this Lamborghini shot (handheld by the way) :
http://www.carphototutorials.com/photo/countach.jpg
The way you can look through the windshield would have been impossible without using a polarizing filter.

On the other hand, you don't always need it, this shot for instance was taken without any filters (also handheld)
http://www.carphototutorials.com/photo/countach21.jpg
(This shot is part of an extensive post-processing tutorial (http://www.carphototutorials.com/case_study_countach.php) by the way)

Do get a good one, either B+W or Hoya, they tend to have the least influence on the quality of your shot, some cheaper ones can seriously degrade the end result instead of improving it.

Mark

[PhotosGuy]

The way you can look through the windshield would have been impossible without using a polarizing filter. I don't see anything through that windshield that looks at all interesting? I'd rather see defining highlights in the hood.
But I do understand that sometimes you just can't get away without shooting in bright sunlight. ;(

On the other hand, you don't always need it, this shot for instance was taken without any filters (also handheld) That one is really nice. I might have moved it back a little, or shot a tiny bit higher angle to avoid the fence growing out of the top of the car.

[Go4EVA!]

I currently use a 17-40 f/4L and 70-200 f/4L when shooting cars. Thus I can use the same filter IIRC so it will serve both.


Um, the 17-40 takes a 77mm filter:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-17-40mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

and the 70-200F4 takes a 67mm filter:
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EF-70-200mm-f-4.0-L-USM-Lens-Review.aspx

Did you mean the 70-200F2.8? The F2.8 takes a 77mm filter.

[DonJuanMair]

Polarizing filters are quite handy when shooting cars and it would normally be quite easy to see differences as you rotate the fiter. There's some info here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/howto3.htm).

For example, here it's set to remove reflections from the side of the car.
http://www.rigshots.com.au/images/light101/l_222_400.jpg

And here it's set to remove reflections from the windscreen.
http://www.rigshots.com.au/images/light101/l_223_400.jpg

I often combine the 2 into a final image, more info here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/cl_066.htm). Another example here (http://www.rigshots.com.au/cl_096.htm).

JJ

this is a great tutorial, i love how sharing you are with your knowledge, i appreciate that

[rigshots]

this is a great tutorial, i love how sharing you are with your knowledge, i appreciate that

Thanks, good of you to say.

JJ

[CorzyPhoto]

CPL filters are nice, but need to be used correctly. You still need to have good reflections on the body to show the curves. CPL filters tend to hide body lines and wide fenders - similar to what rigshots posted. When used correctly, you can get some amazing pictures. Also, be careful of the headlights - CPLs tend to give headlights a rainbow effect which is distracting and just doesn't look right.

[DonJuanMair]

yeah i hate that, anything on photoshop you can do about that after?

[rigshots]

yeah i hate that, anything on photoshop you can do about that after?
Select that area and desaturate it.

[rigshots]

Also, be careful of the headlights - CPLs tend to give headlights a rainbow effect which is distracting and just doesn't look right.
I think it's a personal thing. I like it, but it's true that it isn't a part of the natural look of the car so can be distracting.

I think the worst thing about polarising filters is the oil/water effect they sometimes have on windows.

Sometimes the only way to get a particular shot is with the use of a polarising filter, other times it does more harm than good. You just need to use your own judgment and use them correctly. It's just another tool.

JJ

[CorzyPhoto]

I think it's a personal thing. I like it, but it's true that Sometimes the only way to get a particular shot is with the use of a polarising filter, other times it does more harm than good. You just need to use your own judgment and use them correctly. It's just another tool.

JJ

Exactly what I'm saying. :)