Circular vs. Linear Polarizer Filters – What’re the Differences and Why Do You Need One?
Navigating the world of photography & videography equipment can often lead us to complex decisions, one such being the choice between circular vs linear polarizer filters. Both filters eliminate unwanted reflections and glare, and boost the saturation and contrast in your images and footage. But, which one should you select for your camera?
This post unravels the intricacies between the two types of polarizer filters. We will delve into their definitions, differences, and why circular polarizers often take the cake. We’ll also offer a valuable tip for those of you using multiple lenses.
What are Polarizer Filters?
Polarizer filters are engineered to filter light that is linearly polarized, or in simpler terms, light that vibrates in one specific direction. These filters work magic in enhancing color saturation, reducing glaring reflections, and suppressing the reflections on non-metallic surfaces, such as water and glass.
Circular vs. Linear Polarizer Filters
Linear Polarizer Filters: The linear polarizers, true to their name, permit light waves vibrating in one specific direction. They are useful in decreasing reflections and augmenting color saturation. However, the drawback is that they can disrupt the autofocus and light metering mechanisms in your modern DSLR or mirrorless cameras, which also utilize polarized light.
Circular Polarizer Filters: In contrast, circular polarizer filters possess an additional quarter-wave plate that ‘circularizes’ the polarized light, thereby bypassing the issues found with linear polarizers. This function ensures your DSLR or mirrorless camera operates correctly in terms of autofocus and light metering, thus making them compatible with the current generation of digital cameras. Hence, in the modern-day showdown between circular vs. linear polarizer filters, it appears we have a clear victor. The majority of photographers and filmmakers are now gravitating towards the circular option.
Why Do You Need a Polarizer Filter?
Understanding the theory behind polarizer filters is all well and good, but how do they impact real-world scenarios in photography, videography, and filmmaking? Between Let’s delve into why you might need a polarizer filter and provide some practical tips for using it effectively.
Enhancing Skies: Whether you’re capturing still photographs or shooting a scenic video, a polarizer filter can help achieve stunningly vibrant blue skies that contrast dramatically with white clouds. This effect can add a significant visual impact to your landscape shots and outdoor film scenes.
Cutting through Reflections: Imagine you’re shooting a beautiful lake scene for your next film or photographing through a glass window. Unwanted reflections can detract from your shot. A polarizer filter can suppress these reflections, allowing you to capture the scene as you see it.
Increasing Saturation: If your landscape photos or outdoor video footage appear a bit washed out, a polarizer filter can enhance the saturation. It can make greens greener, blues bluer, and the entire scene more vibrant without the need for post-processing.
Protecting Your Lens: This is the bonus but whether you’re a photographer or a filmmaker, protecting your lens should always be a priority. A polarizer filter can serve as a protective layer for your lens against dust, scratches, and smudges.
Tips for Using a Polarizer Effectively
The Polarizer’s Position: The effect of a polarizer filter is most pronounced when it’s used 90 degrees from the sun. If you’re unsure about the angle, you can make a “gun” with your thumb and index finger. Point your index finger at the sun, and the direction your thumb is pointing is where the polarization effect will be strongest.
Avoid Wide-Angle Lenses: Wide-angle lenses cover a large field of view, which can result in uneven polarization because the angle to the sun changes across the scene. This is especially crucial to remember when shooting wide shots for a film.
Don’t Overdo It: While it might be tempting to always crank the polarizer to its maximum effect, sometimes a subtle touch can create a more natural-looking image or video.
Understanding how and when to use a polarizer filter can dramatically improve your photography and filmmaking. Whether you’re capturing landscapes, cityscapes, or experimenting with different styles, a polarizer filter is an indispensable tool in your creative kit.
Hybrid Filters: An Emerging Trend
As technology evolves, we’re seeing the development of hybrid filters that combine the effects of multiple filters, aiming to provide greater convenience for both DSLR and mirrorless shooters. These combined filters save you from carrying multiple separate filters and constantly switching them on your lens.
One prime example is the Peter McKinnon Edition Variable Neutral Density and Polarizer Filter. It integrates the functions of a neutral density (ND) filter and a polarizer, offering the benefits of controlling light quantity and quality simultaneously.
While the combination filter approach seems enticing, I personally prefer using filters that serve a single function at a time. The reason for this preference is simple: not all photographic situations require the use of both filters.
For instance, there are scenarios where I don’t need an ND filter but want to continue using my circular polarizing filter, especially in controlled environments where I can manage the lighting conditions. The use of a single-function filter gives me greater control and flexibility over the resulting image.
Yes, carrying multiple filters might sometimes result in a bit of vignetting due to the stacking, but in my opinion, the ability to precisely control the effects on the image outweighs this minor inconvenience. It’s all about evaluating your needs as a photographer and making choices that best suit your shooting style and situation.
Recommendation for Multiple Lens Users
If you frequently switch between different lenses, we recommend investing in an 82mm circular polarizer filter. The logic behind this suggestion is simple: you can easily use a step-up ring to fit the 82mm filter onto any smaller lens. Conversely, stepping down is not feasible as it would block part of the lens. This approach provides both versatility and cost-effectiveness for those of you with a collection of lenses.
Quality vs. Affordable Circular Polarizing Filters
When it comes to investing in a circular polarizing filter, you’re often faced with a wide range of options, from premium, high-quality ones to more affordable models. The question then arises, should you splurge on a top-tier filter, or would a budget-friendly one suffice?
Quality Circular Polarizing Filters: High-quality filters are usually constructed with premium materials, offering superior optical quality and durability. They often have multi-coating layers to reduce reflections, enhance color fidelity, and protect against scratches, water, and oil. The polarization effect tends to be more efficient, resulting in images with higher contrast and more vibrant colors. Brands like B+W and Polar Pro are renowned for their exceptional quality.
Affordable Circular Polarizing Filters: On the other hand, affordable filters offer decent performance at a fraction of the price. However, they may not have the same level of optical quality or durability as their more expensive counterparts. There might also be slight color casts or reduced sharpness in some cases. Brands like Tiffen and Hoya are quite affordable while providing reliable quality.
Choosing between the two essentially boils down to your specific needs, budget, and how serious you are about your photography.
If photography & videography is your profession or a serious hobby, and you demand the highest image quality, investing in a high-quality circular polarizer can be worthwhile. They’re designed to last and can significantly enhance your photos.
However, if you’re a beginner, on a tight budget, or simply want to experiment with polarizing effects, an affordable filter can be a good starting point. They can give you a feel of what a polarizer does without putting a dent in your wallet.
In both cases, remember to properly care for and clean your filters to ensure they last and perform at their best.
Top Circular Polarizer Filters
Selecting the right filter for your camera can dramatically enhance your photo quality. Here are a few top-rated circular polarizer filters on Amazon that we highly recommend:
- B + W Circular Polarizer Kaesemann – Standard Mount (F-PRO), HTC, 16 Layers Multi-Resistant Coating, Photography Filter, 82 mm
- PolarPro 82mm Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter | Signature Edition II (Polarizer & ND filter)
- Tiffen 82CP 82mm Circular Polarizer (affordable option)
Delve Deeper into Circular Polarizer Filters
For a more detailed look at how circular polarizer filters work, you can check out my YouTube video here.
