Polarizer Examples/Brands

Loki

Loki

Veteran
I posted a similar message in the Hardware forum, but I wanted to get some more concrete info and feedback before making a purchase choice.

I was pointed towards a Polarizer from Hoya.

Couple questions, as I am still green on the whole camera accessory front.

- What is the mounting system called on the DVX? like what is it referred to ? Bayonet?
- What is the size of the filter I should be getting? I am assuming 72mm...
- Anyone have a particular brand that they think is best?

I was looking at bhphotovideo.com, what is the difference between a UV filter and a Polarizer? according to the "simulated" images there they do the same thing... but I don't think that is the case.

I am just trying to make an informed purchase, any insights would be great.

cheers,
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

A couple things...first off, you definatly want to get a UV filter. It doesn't offer all that much noticable filtering, but it's main use is to protect your lens. It's a lot cheaper to replace a filter than it is a lens if you scratch or crack it.

As for the polarizer, I use all Tiffen filters, a link to the Polarizer I have is below. And yes you want 72mm threaded (not bayonet). I won't get into the science of it, others can do that better than me. Polarizers are great when you are shooting something and you want to lose the reflection (glass, water). Say you are shooting through a shop window, normally you wouldn't be able to see what's going on inside all that well. With a polarizer, you spin the filter and you can see inside. I use it for getting a richer blue out of the sky on outdoor shots.

I would caution if you get it, shoot some shots just to practice with it. Like all things, it's a tool and it takes some learning to use it most effectivley.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=56636&is=REG
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

Thanks a bunch for the reply. I will be buying the tiffen filter any day now.

thanks again,
loki
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

Loki,

Most of the time you need a good UV filter, stay with the good brands, I like B&W, Schneider, Tiffen. You can also use B&W KR 1,5 (light skylight filter against bluish cast) as UV.

Bayonet screw on your lense, 72 mm.

Polarising filter to eliminate reflections for color or Black & white, it's also exaggerated reproduction of distance in landscape pictures and add some contraste, deep blue sky and white clouds.
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

polarized light can be thought of as light that oscillates in one plane, whereas normal light oscillates in all directions. what a polarizing filter does is only lets light oscillating in a single plane through. therefore, some part of all "normal" light gets through since at least some of it is in the correct orientation. polarized light however is only oscillating in one single plane, therefore as you turn your filter (it is mounted on a rotatable ring) you can gradually change how much polarized light comes in. so where does polarized light come from? well due to the atmosphere, light from the sky in the direction perpendicular to the sun (i.e. if you're facing the sun, then directly to your left and right) is polarized. under the right conditions, you can rotate the filter and really see a dramatic change as the sky deepens in blue color. also reflections coming off a shiny surface at a certain angle (i think around 30 degrees but i can't really remember) will be polarized and therefore you will have the ability to filter them out. a very useful filter indeed, i use one quite frequently. one of the few filters that you can't really simulate in post. oh and be sure to get a circular polarizing filter as opposed to a linear. the circular polarizer has a quarter wave plate added which basically keeps your auto sensors in check.
oh and while we're on the topic of polarizers, has anyone made their own variable ND filter with them?
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

yeah, singh-ray makes them - but they're like $340!!
pretty steep if you ask me. you could buy two of the best polarizers out and still have over 100 bucks left over.
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

Keep in mind with a circular polarizer that the filter is most effective when the light source (the sun) is 90 degrees from what you're shooting. (if sun is in the east, shoot toward the south or north if possible)

Also, the filter is very useful for reducing glare on vegetation (thereby deepening the saturation) and water--i've used it with great success in filming fish, for example.
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

I'm sure the fish are just delighted at the invasion of their privacy.
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

haha!

Different (but similar) topic but has anyone seen those variable strength ND filters that came out (fairly) recently? Totally cool!
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

:) Fish Paparazzi--no wonder I can't catch any, they see the camera and split! On a similar note, you all should try polarized sunglasses. Check out Gander Mountain or other sporting goods stores. They totally kill all kinds of glare, like you can see through the rear window of a car in front of you where with regular glasses you see reflections. And, of course, you can see into the water on a lake when you're fishing. Or if you're filming fish on their spawning beds. :o

While I'm on the subject, if you ever have the need to film underwater footage, you can probably find a bait and tackle shop to rent an Aqua View. $25/day around here. Connect it to your DVX and make a fishing show!

Shaw, got a link for those filters? Sounds very handy!
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

Just splitting hairs here, but a bayonet mount is not the same as a screw-on thread.

Bayonets on cameras, just as they are on guns, twist approximately 90 degrees into a positive lock position.

Other systems, like a PL mount, use a locating pin or ridge to position the lens, and a collar on the mount itself to secure the lens in place.

If you call a shop asking for a bayonet mount filter two things will happen: they'll be very confused and they will likely have a laugh at your expense once you hang up.

;D
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

How is this filter different than 2 pols. spooning ? We do it all the time. Two Tiffen pols. Cheap !!
 
Re: Polarizer Examples/Brands

Oh, we use Tiffen and Cavision 4 x 4" filters - here's a grab we have logged as a Cavision shot:

d2_watercrossing_cavision_lin_pol_ND6.jpg
 
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