Polarising Filters ?

  Thanks to Rod he has made me think about the polarising filter. I have never used one before mostly as I have read that they do not work on the kit level lenses as the front of the lens rotates when you focus making a circular polarising filter difficult to use. Having just got a new lens ( a modest walkabout the EF-S 18-135 STM IS ) I am now in a position to contemplate using filter of this type. So one goes looking for info on the net and I find there is a huge price range and as always I guess you get what you pay for, some of the reviews are very mixed some saying that the surface can often be damaged. 

   So my questions are , just how much of a difference will they make to a picture and as I have also read one needs to stand with the sun at 90 degrees to you ( which can often mean not the viewpoint you want or not somewhere you can get to ) ? Another question is do you leave the filter on all the time doubling as a lens protector or can it have adverse effect on shots in different situations?  

      Finally which make would be a good choice, I have seen Hoya being critisised a bit lately and some just way too much in price? One I have seen with reasonable reviews is Tiffen- over to you folks. 

An accessory well worth investing in. Try Google search for SRB GRITURN, they do them at very reasonable cost. I have a couple from them and although they are a composite material lens not glass but perfectly suitable. Make sure you order CIRCULAR.

The inference to 90 deg is simply because that is when they operate to their optimum but do generally have a good effect overall. Certainly very good for reducing surface glare on water and very good for landscapes giving a much better delineation between clouds and blue sky (when we get some!!) The filter fits into the filter thread of the lens as you are obviously aware, but the glass is attached to a front ring which is turned to gain the best effect.

I would not leave one on the lens permanently as it can effect exposure depending on the degree of polarisation

These filters are simple to use, as the effects are seen through the lens, once fitted. The angle of the sun makes a huge difference, but this becomes obvious by just looking through it. Rotate the filter and view the blue sky change from pale to deep blue, leaving clouds white. Look into water and rotating  will either enable you to see into the surface, taking away the reflections or the opposite. The filter can be used to control exposure too, a bit like a mild neutral,density.

As to make, I really can't advise on this. I use a Vivitar, but I'm sure that many makes give stunning results. Buy a circular one though.

I always take my polarising filter on holiday. We both love the sun! 

Very useful info here, thanks for starting the thread Vince.

I bought my very first DSLR a couple of days ago, I purchased two UV filters, one to go on the lens that came on the camera and another for the zoom lens that came as part of the package. I'm thinking now that a polarising filter might be a useful accessory along with the spare battery and SD card which I've already ordered. 

I'll have a look at SRB Griturn Dave, thanks. 

Well done Ruth! Got a pdf booklet from a magazine disc which might be of interest to you. Based on new SLR owners. Will send it later as it is stored on the main pc.

Need I ask what you purchased??

 Thank you gentlemen for info thus far. Dave, had a look at SRB Griturn and had already seen their advert in Amateur Photographer but nothing like a recommendation. They do indeed have said filters in 67mm and at a very good price and I did see for a few pounds more they do them in German glass as well known as "Camdiox".

       I assume that the filter thread on the lens is a standard unlike the lens mount.

      Next question is should one choose to get a UV filter at the same time ( mainly for lens protection ) will the polariser screw into the UV or is it a case of one filter at a time ?  

Filter thread is simply whatever your lens is.

UV is a useful addition and the polariser can be screwed into it but you might end up with a bit of vignetting depending on lens angle and depth of UV filter

Personally I tend to use polariser on its own

SRB is a good outfit I have had several items from them all delivered in very good time

Another good supplier of all photo items is Premier Inks, also adveryise in most magazines and again have used them quite often with good delivery times

Oh dear what a pity, but the Nikon is every bit as good and not a lot to choose between them. As indicated earlier with Vince and Rod, the Canon / Nikon 'feud' will go on for ever I expect.

Just sent you a mail with the 'minimag' which you may find helpful