how important is a Polarizer Filter ? (new lens)

I bought a Sigma 10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM,I have not received it yet,

I got it for landscape shots,& exploring more creativity with it,

how important is a Polarizer Filter ? lets say I am not taking pics looking down on water.

I am looking at this filter, http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=133​012&is=REG

Granted this isn't a crazy expensive L lens, I always try and put great glass in front of glass. If you are truly going to use a polarizer you need to keep in mine what it does. You can google up circular polarizers and all. I personally use B+W Kaeseman filters. Since your lens is wide (16mm perceived) you will NOT want a standard filter. You want a slim filter so you don't have vignetting.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Circular_Polar​izing.html

That's the one you want if you're going to do it. If you think it's too much, just remember how diverse it is. It can fit on any 77mm lens. My wide is an 82mm, so I buy my slims in that size and use a step up ring if I have to for my 77's. If you don't foresee getting an 82mm lens anytime soon, stick with 77 but get a slim so your 10-20 doesn't vignette on wide. You will appreciate it later! It will work on your 24-105, etc. If you ever upgrade to a 16-35 or something similar you can know you have the best polarizer available.

A polarizer is imho the one filter everyone should have. For outdoor shots in sunny weather, it gives bluer skies, greener foliage, and generally better colour off anything with reflected sunlight. It's also useful for eliminating glare. For example, I used it on a helicopter tour to get shots out the window which otherwise would have had huge glare. It's also very useful for car photography to eliminate reflections and capture proper colouration of the car.

How important? Well, everyone should have one! AND a GOOD one, not a cheap one!

I too have the Sigma 10-20 and am loving this lens!

I purchased it for landscapes, so having an equally good CPL was a must have on my list for this purpose. I bit the bullet, saved up and went with the B+W Kaeseman and am so happy I did!

All of my current lenses sport 77mm threads, so this eased the pain of the purchase a little as well. Also, you do not need a slim version, there is no vignetting at 10mm with the Ksm whatsoever.

I have found this lens to be so versatile. Great for landscapes, but also equally fun for portraiture. And with the super close minimum focus distance, you can get a pseudo fisheye effect.

I have some examples with this lens in my flickr.

Here are a few examples with my 10-20, you are going to love this lens!

@10mm with KSM

Unfortunately B+W Kaeseman is not compatible with canon lens cap !!! it seems crazy.
I use Marumi DHG Super Circular P.L.D 72 mm and 77mm ... they seem to be as good as B+W and more convenient.
http://www.lenstip.com …_Results_and_su​mmary.html

Yeah its not compatible with the lens cap - no slim filter will be. But you don't run them 100% of the time either.

JonK wrote in post #10695453
Yeah its not compatible with the lens cap - no slim filter will be. But you don't run them 100% of the time either.

Marumi in slim version is compatible ! ...

thanks for all the informative replies,and the B&W filter I am looking at is slim (5mm) and it comes with it's own push-on cap because of the lack of front threads.
the ultra slim filters are 3mm and this one is 5,so maybe it won't vignette

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ails&Q=&sku=133​012&is=REG

&

BucketMan wrote in post #10695154
I too have the Sigma 10-20 and am loving this lens!

All of my current lenses sport 77mm threads, so this eased the pain of the purchase a little as well. Also, you do not need a slim version, there is no vignetting at 10mm with the Ksm whatsoever.

thanks BucketMan , my 24-105 is the same 77mm,so maybe that will ease the pain a little

you just need to be careful with brightly lit landscapes and a CPL. The angle of the incidence with the sun onto the filter changes from the left to the right on the image and this can cause banding that looks like vignetting

What lettershop posted is correct.

Again, the B+W non-slim KSM does not vignette, even at 10mm. Additionally, my Canon lens cap fits just fine with no issues.

To put this issue to bed:

Look ma, no vignetting! Both shot at 10mm with the B+W, EXIF intact.

Content warning: data

BucketMan wrote in post #10696557
What lettershop posted is correct.

Again, the B+W non-slim KSM does not vignette, even at 10mm. Additionally, my Canon lens cap fits just fine with no issues.

To put this issue to bed:

Look ma, no vignetting! Both shot at 10mm with the B+W, EXIF intact.

all your pics are very nice

I have a 7D and I just purchased a 17-40 L. I want a Polarizer and was looking at the one recommended in this thread:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …_Circular_Polar​izing.html

Is that the correct one for my lens?

Another question - I also have a 28-135mm, 70-300mm and 50mm 1.8 lenses. Can I buy step-up/down rings so this filter fits them all?

Sorry for these noob questions, but that's what I am.

Anyone?

Need to be more patient with replies. But, yes, except not the slim version. You won't need it and it would be too much of a hassle.