How to Choose the Best Circular Polarizer Filter
A circular polarizer filter is a handy accessory that can enhance the quality of your photos. It can reduce unwanted reflections, increase contrast and saturation, and make skies and leaves look more vivid. But how do you know which one is the best for your needs? In this article, I’ll compare five of the best circular polarizer filters on the market and give you some tips on how to use them effectively.
What is a Circular Polarizer Filter?
A circular polarizer filter is a type of filter that attaches to the front of your lens and modifies the way light enters your camera. It works by blocking certain wavelengths of light that are polarized, meaning they vibrate in a specific direction. By doing so, it can eliminate or reduce reflections from shiny surfaces like water, glass, or metal. It can also darken the blue sky and make the clouds stand out more, creating a dramatic effect.
A circular polarizer filter is different from a linear polarizer filter, which is another type of polarizing filter that works similarly but can interfere with your camera’s autofocus and metering systems. A circular polarizer filter avoids this problem by adding another layer that depolarizes the light after it passes through the filter, making it compatible with most modern cameras.
How to Use a Circular Polarizer Filter?
To use a circular polarizer filter, you need to attach it the front of your lens and rotate it until you see the desired effect on your camera’s LCD screen or viewfinder. The effect will vary depending on the angle of the sun and the direction you are shooting. Generally, you will get the strongest effect when the sun is at a 90-degree angle to your subject. You need to play around with it for a while to get used to how it works and find the look you’re after.
Some things to keep in mind when using a circular polarizer filter are:
- A circular polarizer filter will reduce the amount of light entering your camera by about 1 to 2 stops, depending on the brand and model. This means you may need to use a slower shutter speed, a wider aperture, or a higher ISO to compensate for the loss of light. You may also want to use a tripod to avoid camera shake and keep your photos sharp.
- They may cause some vignetting or darkening of the corners of your image, especially if you are using a wide-angle lens or stacking multiple filters.
- They can alter the colour balance of your image, making it warmer or cooler depending on the brand and model. You may need to adjust your white balance settings or correct it in post-processing if you want to achieve a neutral tone.
- A circular polarizer filter may not work well with some lenses that have a rotating front element, such as some zoom lenses or fisheye lenses. This is because the filter will also rotate when you zoom or focus, changing the effect.
What are the Best Circular Polarizer Filters?
There are many brands and models of circular polarizer filters available on the market, each with its own features and characteristics. Here are five of the best circular polarizer filters available:
Hoya HD Nano Mk II CIR-PL
The Hoya HD Nano Mk II CIR-PL is one of the best circular polarizer filters in terms of quality and performance. It has a multi-coated nano coating that reduces flare and ghosting caused by reflections and enhances colour and contrast. It also has an ultra-thin frame that minimises vignetting and allows you to use a lens cap. Constructed with high-quality optical glass that ensures sharpness and clarity.
B+W XS-Pro HTC Kaesemann
The B+W XS-Pro HTC Kaesemann is another excellent choice. It has a multi-resistant coating that prevents glare and reflections and improves color fidelity and contrast. It also has an anti-reflective brass ring that prevents stray light from entering the lens and causing flare. It’s made of high-quality Schott glass that ensures optical precision and durability.
Tiffen Circular Polarizer
The Tiffen Circular Polarizer is a budget-friendly option that still delivers good results. Made with a single-layer coating that reduces reflections and enhances colour saturation and contrast. It also has an aluminium ring that is lightweight and durable. It has a standard thickness that may cause some vignetting on wide-angle lenses.
NiSi Landscape NC CPL
The NiSi Landscape NC CPL is a unique filter that is designed to work with the NiSi Filters Seven5 System, which is a compact filter holder system for mirrorless cameras. The filter is made of optical glass and has a slim profile that reduces vignetting. It has a variable polarizing effect that can be controlled by rotating the filter holder. It also has a built-in warming effect that adds a subtle warmth to your images.
Breakthrough Photography X4 Brass Circular Polarizer Filter
The Breakthrough Photography X4 Brass Circular Polarizer Filter is a premium filter that claims to have the world’s most advanced polarizing film. It has a nano coating that repels water, dust, and oil and prevents flare and ghosting. Includes a brass traction frame that provides a secure grip and prevents jamming, and has a very low light loss of only 1.3 stops and a high polarizing effect that delivers stunning results.
Which is the Best Circular Polarizer Filter for You?
Not all circular polarizer filters are created equal. Some have better quality, performance, and features than others. There can also be significant differences in cost.
If you are looking for the best overall filter, I’d recommend the Hoya or the B+W. They both have excellent quality and performance, minimal light loss and vignetting, and durable coatings. They are also available in a wide range of sizes to fit most lenses.
If you are looking for the best value filter, I recommend the Tiffen. It has a decent quality and performance, neutral color balance, and a lightweight and durable frame. It’s also very cheap and easy to use.
If cost is no barrier, I would highly recommend either the NiSi or Breakthrough Photography filters. I personally use the NiSi CPL and absolutely love it. The whole system is incredible.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy shooting!
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