Difference b/w Polarizing filter and CIRCULAR polarizing fil

[taltalita]

Hi,

Can someone please tell me the difference between the two? Now that I have my G3, I really want to get serious about photography. In fact, any advice about which filters are indispensible in your opinion is welcome. I've been reading through the forum and it seems Hoya filters are recommended. Is that right?

Thanks!!! This is a GREAT forum, I am totally addicted to it now that I have my G3...

Tal

[taltalita]

I am beginning to figure it out...

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The difference is in the way that the polarized rays enter the filter. It has almost no effect on the final outcome. However, if you use lens with autoFocus feature you will need the circular version, otherwise the AF will not work properly.

Also, polarizer means less light will enter into the camera and you should compensate for that (done automatically most of the times, but should be aware of).

- Gadi Eidelheit 2/13/2002 5:40:19 AM

Circular Polarizers can be used with any camera. Linear Polarizers can only be used with cameras that do not use "semi-silvered mirrors or prisms to split the light entering the viewfinder in order to calculate exposure and focusing distance. PL (Linear Polarising) filters can sometimes interact with these items to give unpredictable exposure or focusing. So we recommend that you choose a PL-CIR filter unless you have a manual focus camera which has no beam splitter." (courtesy of Hoya, http://www.thkphoto.com/catalog/h/011pl.html ) Check your camera's user manual, but if you have any doubt, use a circular polarizer.

- Jon Close 2/13/2002 6:23:27 AM


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Taken from a betterphotos.com forum.

[slejhamer]

taltalita wrote:
if you use lens with autoFocus feature you will need the circular version, otherwise the AF will not work properly.

In the context of point & shoot digital cameras, this is not correct. A linear will work with the any of the G-series AF systems and will save you some money.

[anomie]

speaking of filters and such...

I have a Polarizer (Linear) filter along with the lensmate 52mm adapter... should I also get a sky or UV filter to boot and attach to the PL filter? I'm guessing (or rather, hoping) this is possible. What do I have to be aware of as far as exposure compensation goes when adding a sky or uv filter to a PL filter.

[slejhamer]

anomie wrote:
What do I have to be aware of as far as exposure compensation goes when adding a sky or uv filter to a PL filter.

It just depends on how you use your camera. If you are always outdoors in daylight, you might get away with simply leaving the polarizer on all the time.

I use mine more indoors than out, so the UV is on all the time as a lens protector. When I am outside, I stack the polarizer in front of the UV. No problems.

With a UV(0) you lose no light, with a sky 1(A) or 1(B) you might lose a little but the camera will compensate automatically (in every mode but manual.) With the Polarizer you will lose several stops of light; but again the camera's exposure system will automatically adjust unless you are in manual mode.

[anomie]

slejhamer wrote:
With a UV(0) you lose no light, with a sky 1(A) or 1(B) you might lose a little but the camera will compensate automatically (in every mode but manual.) With the Polarizer you will lose several stops of light; but again the camera's exposure system will automatically adjust unless you are in manual mode.

Great response, thank you.

Quick question--which is best a sky filter (A or B) or a UV filter? If you had to pick between one or the others, which would you go for?

Thanks again,
Diane

[slejhamer]

anomie wrote:
which is best a sky filter (A or B) or a UV filter?

No such thing as 'best' !

Just depends on how you use it. If you shoot mostly outdoor landscapes, the B might give you a little more distant haze reduction, but then again you may not notice the difference. And if you are using the polarizer, don't bother.

I have a UV-0. It's really just protection for the lens, so I wanted the most neutral glass.

One thing I do suggest is a multi-coated filter, such as the Hoya UMC series. It costs a bit more, but is treated to reduce lens flare / glare. My thinking was that since it's going to be on my camera all the time, I did not want to worry about using cheap glass that would interfere with my images. I splurged on that, but went cheap with a Sunpak polarizer - no complaints!

Regards,

[anomie]

slejhamer wrote:
One thing I do suggest is a multi-coated filter, such as the Hoya UMC series. It costs a bit more, but is treated to reduce lens flare / glare. My thinking was that since it's going to be on my camera all the time, I did not want to worry about using cheap glass that would interfere with my images. I splurged on that, but went cheap with a Sunpak polarizer - no complaints!

Regards,

Thanks, Mitch. I don't mind splurging on the G3--it's well worth it!!

Beautiful Gallery by the way! Breath-taking!

[hypokondriak]

taltalita wrote:
The difference is in the way that the polarized rays enter the filter. It has almost no effect on the final outcome. However, if you use lens with autoFocus feature you will need the circular version, otherwise the AF will not work properly.

Also, polarizer means less light will enter into the camera and you should compensate for that (done automatically most of the times, but should be aware of).

As stated, this is definitely incorrect. Linear filters *DO* work with G-Series camera's.

I leave my UV filter permanently on - as stated before, it's much cheaper to replace a scratched/cracked filter than lens. My .02

[cedar forester]

I talked to filter connection (2filter.com) this morning. Their general recommendation was for the UV (0) over the sky filter as the sky filter adds a tinge of color and the UV doesn't. They do offer a "special" that includes a kenko adapter, UV filter and a snap-on lens cap for about $30. Give them a call. They will help you with understandable explanations, and from my experience they want you to be a satisfied customer. (They aren't paying me for the plug.)

[anomie]

Hi...

Why is it that Hoya Super HMC Circular Polarizer filters are slightly cheaper than HMC filters? I thought Super was better?

[goldrush28]

Later today I'll cut and paste Cannons exact answer to your question. In short they say to use a circular lens rather then a linear. Stay tuned.

[G3Hawaii]

I want to order a UV filter and a polarizing filter. What size should I order? Lensmate adapter?

[goldrush28]

As promised here is a "cut and paste " of the answer I got from Canon when I questioned the usage of linear or circular polarization filters The PowerShot G3 has a built-in ND (Neutral Density) filter. This
filter, because it is an internal component, is enabled or disabled via
the camera's REC (Recording) menu. For your reference, this is shown on
page 110 of the Camera User Guide.

If you wish to use a polarizing filter, we would suggest using a
circular polarizer. To use filters with the G3, you must first attach
the Lens Adapter LA-DC58B (sold separately). This adapter allows you to
mount any standard 58mm filter on the camera.

Hope this helps,Art

[satnitefever]

Can I have a circular polarizer and a Canon wide lens added together?