Polarizer Filter Worth it?

Really!
I had never heard that a UV filter can degrade an image.
Is there an appreciable loss.
Every camera I've ever owned has had a UV filter.
I always assumed it was to protect the lens.
Is that too costly a trade off?
 
Yes, if you're using a cheap filter. If you insist on putting a UV filter on, it should be the very best UV filter you can get -- something like a Heliopan or B+W, not some cheap Hoya or Tiffen.
 
Tiffen circular filters are better than Hoya, yes, but they're not anything great.

Tiffen 4x4 glass, yes, that's pretty good stuff. But the cheap Tiffen camcorder filters are not anything to write home about.
 
Barry_Green said:
Tiffen circular filters are better than Hoya, yes, but they're not anything great.

Tiffen 4x4 glass, yes, that's pretty good stuff. But the cheap Tiffen camcorder filters are not anything to write home about.
Click to expand...

In way specifically does a cheap Tiffen UV filter degrade the image? Just curious.
 
bballplaya283 said:
You can't really polarize in post, because it affects different parts of the image differently.

I think it's a filter that's worth it if you get a high quality one. If you get a crappy one, you might as well not use it.
Click to expand...


Spot on response. Id say the worth-it filters are:

_ UV, just to protect the more lens without a affecting the image
_ Polarizer, exactly because of what Ballaplaya pointed out
_ ND, equivalent to half the built in NBs to allow you more control on deciding where to set your stop


Ann of these would be used a lot... well I would... so only the best quality or it negates your investment in the camera.
There is no excuse for not getting the best quality UV you can find. Well other than rent :)
 
Anybody use the 85b filter when outdoors anylonger? I dont use the polarizer cause outdoors I always use the 85b with a good white balance. To use a polarizer , I think I would need a step-up ring- since 2 filters might vignette
 
I was thinking about getting on too, but I don't shoot through windows a lot. If i start then, I'll definatley get one.
 
Put it on. Shoot an image. Take it off. Shoot the same image. Compare.

If you don't see a difference, then for your purposes it doesn't degrade the image. Tiffen's not bad, just not premium. (in screw-in filters; they're better in 4x4's).

Want real-world experience? http://dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=101465

I know the mantra that everyone hears is "immediately buy a UV filter and put it on and never take it off". Think about it -- you bought a high-def camera with a Leica lens... how exactly do you think forcing it to look at everything through a $10 filter is going to be a good thing?

Every frame your camera shoots is going to have to look through that filter. So you'd better make sure it's the very best, optically transparent, flare-free, pristine piece of glass you can possibly get.
 
I didn't notice a difference when I tried this indoors with soft, diffused light...not sure about lens flair and exterior stuff.
 
But Barry, I dont own a high def camera, I have the DVX. Technically, one could say well since I am in Standard Def, I should be doubly worried about image degredation......but, when all is said and done it is all about money. I didnt have the money for a "premium"filter, so I bought what I could afford. Ideally I would have bought a pro bogen tripod, steady flyer, etcetera, had I had the money....I paid 3500 for a dvx right? But again I didnt have the money.....

For me, if the difference whether the audience wants to see the film I am currently shooting or not is dependent on whether I used a tiffen filter or pro filter, then my film sucked anyway. When your in my income bracket, you do with what you have....might sound like an awfully big compromise, but at least I am getting the film made, and that's what it's all about.
 
I'm looking into getting a 4x4 linear polarizer. What should I look for? I've noticed there are different kinds. Water White and Warming?
 
Barry makes an excellent point and has pointed that out many times all the way back to when I first joined and found his posts for the first time. Just supporting something I consider a must.

For a DVX I wouldn't be so concerned, but still it is going to affect ALL of your work so go as high as you can. The Tiffen sounds like a solid performer for a DVX, it would seem like a safe bet.

Barry, my question is what Polarizer and ND filters I should purchase for use with a RedRock Matte Box for an HVX? (if the dang thing ever comes out!)
 
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