Circular vs linear polarizer for G1?

[RobertP]

Can anyone (Pekka?) tell me whether a circular polarizer has any advantage over a linear one when used with the G1? I already have a linear polarizer and wonder whether I really need to replace it.

Also, am I likely to see any difference in image quality between a less expensive brand of filter (Sunpak, Tiffen) vs a more expensive one (Hoya, BW) when using with the G1?

Thanks!

[Dick S]

Linear polarizers are normally used with non-autofocus cameras. I assume that a circular polarizer would be required with the G1--I could be wrong though. All of my polarizers are circular as I do not want to have to worry about what type of filter I have on what camera. Circular works fine with ALL lenses/cameras but are more$.

As for brands. I have a bunch of Tiffen ($$), Hoya ($$) and a few B+W ($$$). I do not have any Heliopan ($$$$). As far as I am concerned all that I have are about the same. I would stick with one of the "big four" however as it doesn't make sense to put a cheepo off brand filter on a good/expensive lens.

I consider Sunpack ($), Lensmate ($), Bower($), etc. etc. off brands.

On the other hand I do not need the brass ring on the B+W for the extra $$$.

A word about Tiffen. Some self proclaimed "experts" bad mouth Tiffen. However, they have been around for a loooong time and have long been a leader in filter technology e.g. their 812 warming, enhancing, Hollywood FX series etc. I have had excellent results with Tiffen and I figure if the're good enough for the movie industry to put on their $100,000 Panavision cameras--they are good enough for poor ol' Dick.
See www.photonet.net

Regards,
Dick S, Temecula, CA

[RobertP]

Dick S wrote:
Linear polarizers are normally used with non-autofocus cameras. [etc.]


And yet some are saying that linear polarizers work just fine with the G1. Can anyone confirm this?

I've started shopping for circular polarizers just in case, and now confront an array of subcategories:

-regular
-multi-coated
-thin
-Kaesemann

The price differences are significant. Can anyone help me understand the trade-offs? My buying criteria will be whether a feature makes a _perceptible_ difference in image quality with a G1-caliber camera.

Thanks, everyone.

[Dick S]

Hi again,

As I said I'm not for sure that the G1 does in fact require a circular. When I said the new AF require circular that is not really necessarily the case. The real defining factor is the "split-beam" metering system that is used on all of the newer cameras that I'm familiar with (there a zillion that I'm not familiar with) even including the newer non-AF models.

For coatings--there are non-coated, single coated, and multi-coated. I have both and my un-educated eye really can't tell the difference. One thing with coated is that you have be more careful to keep from scratching the coating--but--you supposedly (I'm sure you do) get a little better light tramsmission through them.

I do not recommend the "thin" for the G1--the only thin filters I own are for my 20mm EOS EF lens. I do not get any vignetting with the G1 at 7mm with the "thick" ones. The thin ones are more$ AND are not threaded on the outer element prohibiting you from screwing on a lens hood/shade when shooting into the sun to keep the lens flare down.

BTW in addition you will also want a UV, UV/Haze or Sky/1A to keep on the lens when you do not have the polarizer on. And, yes you WILL want reflection sometimes for effect and remember polarizers will cost you up to two f-stops at max effect.

Are you confused? I am!!!!!!!

Good luck--enjoy!

Dick S

[scascon]

Hi,

Just to let everyone know, I have been using a B+W linear polarizer on my Canon EOS 20d w/ EFS 18-55 and everything went great, anyway I just got myself a new 58mm B+W circular polarizer just in case.

Sam

[crn3371]

Haven't had any issues with a linear on my G5.

[paladin]

Can anyone (Pekka?) tell me whether a circular polarizer has any advantage over a linear one when used with the G1? I already have a linear polarizer and wonder whether I really need to replace it.

Also, am I likely to see any difference in image quality between a less expensive brand of filter (Sunpak, Tiffen) vs a more expensive one (Hoya, BW) when using with the G1?

Thanks!

I went round and round with this one when I got my G3. You don't really need a circular unless you have a split beam(?) which the G series does not. According to this section "Circular Vs. Linear Polarizers" in this article http://luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/polarizers.shtml the linear is your best bet. As for brands, I usually hear "you get what you pay for"!!!

Gil

[Jon]

It's a 5-year-old thread, guys. OP hasn't been around since June 2001.

[paladin]

It's a 5-year-old thread, guys. OP hasn't been around since June 2001.

jeez ... need new glasses or need to get my head out of my ***:lol: :lol: :lol: