Polarizers from Cornfields to Ice Fields

[northbeach]

I had always thought polarizing filters came not only in different sizes and shapes but in different densities, colors etc., for a range of situations. Nancy's photograph this week has made me realize how little I know about them.

I would love some education please. Partly to improve my knowledge and partly because I'm hoping to go to Alaska next month and I do need help in having the right equipment with me to shoot glaciers and all of that ice.

Thanks.

Sheila.

[RTaylor]

I have a feeling you might be thinking of ND filters which stand for neutral density.
There are ND1 through at least 4, maybe more.
Then there are graduated ND filters which are good for bright sky. The top is darker, gradually becoming lighter to none and the lower part is for the land or non sky.
thats the technical description lol

[SMcEvoy]

Sheila, there's a nice explanation of polarizers on Wikipedia.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photogr...lter#Polarizer

In the camera stores you generally get Circular Polarizers and Linear Polarizers. Linear was used in pre 1970's cameras. Most that use 'through the lens' shooting require circular. I have one for each of my lenses except the new 24-70 (they run $100 for that one and I've been holding off.

I do like them because they can reduce glare in reflections or even slight adjustments can make reflections pop.

I take photos like this one with them to give slightly more intensity to Alberta's already blue skies. http://www.photoswithfinesse.com/Ima..._june_0040.htm and they can really bring out the blue/greens in water (already there, but seemingly flat without the filter.) e.g. http://www.photoswithfinesse.com/Ima...ber%20280a.htm

In general there is only one type that's normally used and they range from cheap to expensive but not in different grades. Some are slightly darker than other snd can reduce the light available by a stop or two. Cokin & Singh-Ray make a couple of specialty ones - a blue/gold, and a 'warm' one which can add different colours to your scenes. I tend to stick with the mid-ranges ones - Kenko & Hoya have both worked very well for me over the years.

Grad filters do come in different intensities. You can get one and two stop, 4 stops, 8 stops, soft. Depending on the system you can combine them to make a 5 stop etc.

Hope that helps!

[northbeach]

Ruth, you are of course right. I was thinking of ND filters ~ a quite different kettle of fish. I use a polarizer pretty much all of the time, but I have never bought an ND. For Alaska I might need to get one.

Suzan, thanks for the information. I need to start paying more attention to what's on my lense and not just in front of it

But what about Alaska!! Who wants to come? I'll meet you all in Juneau.

Sheila.

[SMcEvoy]

I've always wanted to do that too - glaciers, and bears in Katmai Park. Unfortunately September is a challenging month - kids back to school and the general chaos of life starts again. One day!!!