Polarizer filter vs UV filters

I'm tempted to order a polarizing filter over a UV filter for one of my lens and was wondering what are some of your thoughts about having a polarizing filter on at all times instead of a UV filter? This lens is to be use for both in and outdoor.


Thanks in advance

There a bit specific to have on all the time, the polariser that is, plus you'll lose a bit of light so not great for indoor use. Why do you want it?

I wouldn't keep a polarizing filter on it, especially indoors. Even outdoors, there are only certain conditions under which I'd use one.

I wouldn't bother with a UV at all, unless you plan on shooting where there's sea spray, fine blowing dust, and so on.

Generally, use a hood for protection, not a filter.

Opinions may, and will, vary

Oh, and whichever filter you decide to use... do yourself a favor and get a good one.

Eel Noob wrote in post #15675255
I'm tempted to order a polarizing filter over a UV filter for one of my lens and was wondering what are some of your thoughts about having a polarizing filter on at all times instead of a UV filter? This lens is to be use for both in and outdoor.

Using a Polarizing Filter indoors can be very limiting. You will lose about 2 stops of light. Have you considered how 2 stops of light will effect your camera settings?

For example..... If you were to shoot a typical indoor scene at ISO 400 using 1/125 and f/2.8, adding a CPL could mean you would now have to shoot the same scene at 1/30 or bump up the ISO to 1600.

Outdoors on a gloomy day, or when the sun is low, can also be a problem.

In the digital world,
polarizing filters = very useful as it's one of the only filters where it is almost impossible to recreate in PS.
UV filters = totally worthless except to keep blowing sand and salt spray off the front element while at the beach.

Thanks for all the responses.

My original plan was to order one of these to help protect the lens. I have read about a few keeping polarizing filters on 24/7 and very tempted to do the same.

If you just want a filter for protection, look into the clear glass filters. Even a UV looses some light. Make sure it's a pretty decent one, multi-coated and all that.

The polarizing filters are needed to cut off sun glares, reflections off surfaces (e.g., water, leaves, or window glasses), to make sky look blue, etc. Its effect is practically impossible reproduce in post processing, and that's why most of us carry one in a bag. They are pretty much useless for anything else, just cutting down your exposure by 2 stops.

You may want to do some reading on polarizers, before spending considerable money on them.

UV filters were made for film not digital cameras, since they already have one...

LV Moose wrote in post #15675345
I wouldn't keep a polarizing filter on it, especially indoors. Even outdoors, there are only certain conditions under which I'd use one.

I wouldn't bother with a UV at all, unless you plan on shooting where there's sea spray, fine blowing dust, and so on.

Generally, use a hood for protection, not a filter.

Opinions may, and will, vary

Oh, and whichever filter you decide to use... do yourself a favor and get a good one.

Good advice here. Don't use a Polarizer as a means to protect the lens. If you are set on having some kind of protection, go with a good clear filter or a UV filter.

I used to have UV or clear filters on all my lenses (high end Hoyas). About a year ago, I took them all off and went "commando" so to speak. My images seem much crisper without any filters. And, as someone pointed out above, digital cameras do not benefit appreciably from a UV filter.

The only time I'll use a protector filter is if I am in a dusty or damp environment and the extra sealing is needed to protect the lens. Otherwise, I don't use any filters, as the lens engineers intended. I'll use a polarizer for landscapes and to reduce glare on water shots. Never indoors.

I have a CPL, and yeah, it is only for very specific uses. If you want a filter for protection, getting a good multi-coated protector filter like the higher grade Hoya (EVO, etc) or B+W filters will do a good job with minimal flaring or loss of image quality.

Forget about "protective" filters, they're a waste of money. Use your lens hood to protect your lens. Circular Polarizers on the other hand are excellent filters to use is specific conditions and for needs, but not to have on your lenses on a permanent basis.

I just looked at the economics of it. I have about 10 lenses. For me to buy a filter for each at about $100 for a decent filter would cost me more than it would to replace the front element if something had happened.