car show runied by circular polarize filter

[s2kologist]

EDIT2: there was a huge smug on the filter that is why the pic came out super hazy.

EDIT: i used the filter wrong, i did not rotate it.

What did I do wrong? Should i have not use a filter? It was a very bright day and thought i would try out the B+W circular polarizer filter i just picked up. All of the pictures came out hazy. I was using a 40d with 17-55 2.8 with hood.

[mlav]

Did you just clean the lense/filter? Check it closely, I have smeared crap on the glass before, not a good outcome.

[A2EVOMR]

Did you turn and adjust the filter properly for the angle of shots you were taking?

[s2kologist]

Originally Posted by A2EVOMR

Did you turn and adjust the filter properly for the angle of shots you were taking?

no. tell me about this.

[s2kologist]

Originally Posted by mlav

Did you just clean the lense/filter? Check it closely, I have smeared crap on the glass before, not a good outcome.

the lens and filter are brand new. i just pulled them out of the box and shot. maybe i smugged it later in the day.

[tedBalog]

For a Circular polarizer to work properly you must turn the one layer of the filter.

[CincyShooter]

You didn't use it correctly

[s2kologist]

how do i use it correctly?

[Pete]

Originally Posted by s2kologist

how do i use it correctly?

When you're looking at your subject through the viewfinder, rotate the front of the filter around. You'll see that the reflections on windows will appear and disappear as you rotate it.

Just take the shot when the reflection (or not as the case may be) is how you like it. Mostly, you want to try and get the windshield clear (no relfection).

[Bill Ng]

Polarizers only work their best when the lens is pointing at a 90 degree angle from the sun, in other words, not pointing towards it or away from it, but positioned so that the side of the camera is pointing at the sun.

Second, your polarizer should have a floating front-element that allows you to rotate the glass while the filter is installed. You need to rotate the glass while looking through the lens until the filter's effect is at its strongest. Then shoot.

Just go outside today if you have a chance and watch what happens as you rotate the filter and turn your body around to different directions - it will effect the potency of the filter.

Bill

[elysium]

Looking at it, the white car on the right seems to be much more clearer.

Have you tested it more. How did it look when using the viewfinder on your camera?

[Mark1]

You can test it here at the computer. At least with LCD screens... hold the filter up and turn it. You will see the screen change. This is what you need to do when shooting. It does slow you down, but the results are usually worth it. When you do the rotation depends on weather the front element of your lens rotates or not. If it does, you need to focus first then align the filter. If it does NOT rotate it really does not matter. However every shot will most likely take an adjustment.

[s2kologist]

i did not know you had to turn the filter. i will do some more testing with it today. when i was looking through the view finder the pics looked dark. the sun was too bright to see how the pics looked in the monitor on the camera.

[s2kologist]

Originally Posted by Bill Ng

Polarizers only work their best when the lens is pointing at a 90 degree angle from the sun, in other words, not pointing towards it or away from it, but positioned so that the size of the camera is pointing at the sun.
Bill

so is the filter a bad idea for walking around at a car show?

[Mark1]

They will be fine. Note he said" work their best". Not "only work at". Polarizers will cut down reflections at most angles. "Cut down" not necessarily eliminate them. Just take your time and adjust the filter before each shot and you will do fine.