Question re.: Polarizing Filter

I am thinking of getting a Hoya Pro Polarizing Filter to put on my Canon 24-105mm lens. That lens is what I consider my all purpose walk around lens and will use it to shoot people, animals and landscapes. The reason I'm thinking of using the filter is mainly for the landscape photo's which I understand having the filter can improve picture quality. Here's my question: I recall several years ago I did have a wide angle Canon lens (since sold it) and I had a circular polarizing filter on it. I went to remove it prior to selling and it was an ordeal getting the damn thing off. The thing would just turn and turn and finally through some tips in these forums figured a way to get it off. Will I have the same problem again in this situation? Is removing a circular polarizing filter always an ordeal? Is it OK to just keep it on the lens at all times regardless of the subject matter I am shooting? Thoughts? Opinions? Thank You.

No; I use a CPL on the 24-105 all the time with no problems getting it on/off. It sounds like you might have had the old one cross-threaded, which would make it difficult; but, in general you should be fine.

Snydremark wrote in post #16696203
No; I use a CPL on the 24-105 all the time with no problems getting it on/off. It sounds like you might have had the old one cross-threaded, which would make it difficult; but, in general you should be fine.

Thx.--Do you keep it on the lens all the time regardless of the type of picture you're taking or do you use it on an as needed basis?

You are aware that a polarizing filter is two pieces of glass, the outer piece will typically rotate full circle, never being stopped? The inner piece screws into the lens at the filter thread. To remove a stuck filter try using a rubber band around the mounting portion.. Some camera stores also have what is called a filter wrench that can remove most any stuck filter.

Bogino wrote in post #16696177
Is it OK to just keep it on the lens at all times regardless of the subject matter I am shooting?

I would not leave a polarizer on all the time. Depending on its rotated position, some can eat up almost two stops of light. There are also some positions of the sun at which the filter doesn't work effectively. You should learn what they are and remove when needed.

Bogino wrote in post #16696213
Thx.--Do you keep it on the lens all the time regardless of the type of picture you're taking or do you use it on an as needed basis?

Definitely on an as needed basis. Among it's benefits, one characteristic of a CPL which can be good or bad is that it reduces the available light by 1-2 stops. So, i don't tend to put it on unless I'm looking for a specific effect from it.

Same here. Put it on as needed and no more. Aside from what was mentioned above, you are also putting two more pieces of glass between you and your subject which can soften the image somewhat no matter how expensive the filter is.

Just to add some info, I have been very happy with my Marumi CP's. Very affordable if bought on Amazon. I laughed out loud when my local camera store was trying to sell me a ProMaster CP for like $270. I get that they make money off this type of accessory, but dang...
Anyways, it works great on my 24-105, but its an as needed type of thing, like other prior have stated

gnome chompski wrote in post #16696499
Just to add some info, I have been very happy with my Marumi CP's. Very affordable if bought on Amazon. I laughed out loud when my local camera store was trying to sell me a ProMaster CP for like $270. I get that they make money off this type of accessory, but dang...
Anyways, it works great on my 24-105, but its an as needed type of thing, like other prior have stated

+1 on the Marumi Super DHG. Great bang for the buck.

I never overly tighten my filters, and when adjusting the CPLs, I only spin the filter the same direction as when I put the filter on. That eliminates possibility of the filter becoming unscrewed. I never leave any filters attached.

These wrenches can prove useful. I've had to use them a couple of times.

I am one of those who leaves the polariser on all the time. I just compensate with my exposure settings. I find it a pain to be taking it off/on and replacing with the clear filter all the time.

I only put the CPL on as needed.

Alveric wrote in post #16696898
These wrenches can prove useful. I've had to use them a couple of times.

+1

I've never had a CPL get stuck on a lens, but frequently get them stuck on a step-down ring. These wrenches were the only way I could get them apart.

LV Moose wrote in post #16696929
I've never had a CPL get stuck on a lens, but frequently get them stuck on a step-down ring. These wrenches were the only way I could get them apart.

Ditto. Slim filters are particularly nasty if they get stuck.

I prefer the rubber bands. Cheap (free), and they take up zero room, and they have multiple uses.

A poloriser works at its best when at 90 degrees to the sun. Can also work well in damp & rainy conditions. Only use mine when needed.