In the modern age of digital cameras the need to carry around an extensive selection of filters has pretty much come to an end. But is the polarising filter one we should consider obsolete?
For me two filters still deserve to have a place amongst the photographers accessory bag. Simply because the effects they create are virtually impossible to recreate in photo editing software.
The two filters I am talking about are the neutral density filter and the polarising filter. I will discuss the neutral density filter in a future article. For the time being I want to concentrate on the polarising filter.
A polarising filter is like a pair of sunglasses for your cameras lens. It reduces any glare and reflections and gives you more vibrant colours and stronger contrast.
A polarising filter is great for adding drama to the sky. When used correctly it will give you a vibrant blue sky which contrasts well with white fluffy clouds. They are also invaluable when shooting water because they reduce the reflection on the waters surface and give you a more satisfying image.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that polarises are just for use on sunny days either. They can also add a bit of liveliness to photographs shot on even the most damp or overcast days too.
Polarising filters come in two types liner and circular. The names refer to the way the filters polarise the light that enters them. If you are using a digital camera then you need to stick with a circular polarising filter. This is because liner filters do not work too well with digital cameras and tend to hamper the auto-focus system.
The polarising filter is made up of two separate parts. One part that fixes to your lens and the second part is free to rotate. The reason for this is so that you can turn the front of the filter to increase or decrease the effect that it gives you.
You can see the effect the lens is having on the image through the viewfinder. In order to achieve the optimum point where the effect is at its best, turn the filter slowly as you look through the viewfinder until you find the sweet spot.
To get the best out of a polarising filter you should always try and use it at a 90 degree angle to the sun.
A good way to judge this when you are out in the field is to point your index finger towards the sun whilst sticking out your thumb. The direction in which your thumb is pointing is where you need to point your lens.
A slight downside to using a polarising filter is that it reduces the amount of light entering the lens. This can result in the need to use slower shutter speeds or having to increase the ISO to compensate for the loss of light.
Another point to note is a good polarising filter does not come cheap. However, as with any glass you add to the front of your lens you should buy the best you can afford in order to avoid loss of quality in your final images.
That being said when you see the punch a polarising filter adds to your images, I’m sure you will consider this a small price to pay.
