I am wanting to invest in a polarising filter for my camera (a Canon T2i/550D). What sort of things should I be looking for? What differentiates a good polariser from a bad one? Are there any brands to go for/avoid? Do you have any particular recommendations for specific filters?
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What you should look for is a circular polarizing filter, as that is needed for an SLR. And of course the correct size to fit your lens. Other than that, it depends on what you mean by "good". If you want quality, buy an expensive one. If you want a cheap one there are filters that aren't as durable, but should be enough for a hobbyist. |
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I would recommend a Marumi filter; they are relatively cheap, but good. They're the OEM manufacturer for a few other quality brands. The problem is that they're hard to find, though I see you can now get them through Amazon. As Guffa notes, you'll want a circular polarizing filter (abbreviated CPL) as linear polarizers are incompatible with most autofocus systems. Other good brands include B&W and Hoya. Be sure to get a multi-coated filter, to cut down on reflections. For the Marumis, this is the DHG or Super DHG lines. Polarizers aren't a good item to be cheap on; the cheap polarizers are really quite awful. Your lenses should be marked with the proper filter size (on Nikon lenses it looks like "72ø"); if not, check the lens cap. That info will also be in the manual. |
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The diameter required for the filter is always written on the lens body. There are different polarizers out there; For some time now you can find new ones which stop down the image by only one full stop (i.e. you need 1/100 s with filter instead of 1/200 s without filter). Older ones consume around 1.5 or more full stops (i.e. rather 1/60 instead of 1/200 s). Hoya calls them HD (like Hoya Pol. Circ. HD Filter, 52mm), I've got multiple of these and I can recommend them. For other branches you might want to check their specs sheet (or test before buying). You should get a circular polarizer, but it's a long time ago when I last saw a linear polarizer, so this should happen automatically anyway :) |
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If you can find them, get Cokin filters. I was informed (haven't yet confirmed) they were stopped being produced about 9 months ago,. You could get them relatively cheap if you hunt around for second hand gear, or try the bargain bins at your local camera store. That way you only need one polariser. and just get an adapter ring for each lens diameter. Plus you get the bonus of adding other filters as well, ND, gradients, color effects, or the more extreme star filters. |
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If you get Hoya, make sure to get either the Pro1 Digital Circ PL, or the HD Circ PL rather than the cheaper alternatives. The Pro1 or HD is my recommendation, I've owned both. (Unfortunately had to replace the Pro1 one when my camera which was on a Tripod on a beach went for a nosedive into some sand!! Luckily the filter took the brunt of it but was scratched, which is when I replaced it with the HD). I know a lot of people recommend the B+W too, but I've not used that. I do however own a B+W 10-stop filter which is excellent so if that's anything to go by their Circ PL will be too. Basically the filter itself is way thinner than on cheaper models which reduces vignetting and allows easier use of multiple filters should you wish to stack multiple filters. Also the more expensive ones have multi-reflective coatings to cut down on reflections and so forth. |
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