Photo101: Polarising Filters - How and Why to Use Them (2022 update)

Polarizing filters are generally fantastic, so here you go - everything I know about them, updated for 2022.

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[ThioJoe]

Polarizing filters are probably my favorite, they're like a real life cheat code. As far as I know, they're the only filter you can't replicate at all afterwords in Photoshop / Lightroom.

(Though of course for specific cases, NDs and graduated NDs can come in handy for extreme HDR scenes or when you you want a long exposure in a bright scene and you can't just lower the ISO further).

[poisoncobra]

For anyone new to filters: Buy larger diameter filters and use stepdown rings to attach it to your lens, that way you don't have to worry about vignetting and you only have to buy one set of filters and they'll work on all your lenses.

Example:
I got filters in 67mm which is the diameter my biggest lens use so the filters fit without having to use step rings. For my wide angle lens which has a filter diameter of 49mm i got a step ring from 49mm - 67mm

[JET-Photo]

Wow. I just learned more in this 4 minute video than anywhere else. Thanks for this! I hope there are more videos coming about all kinds of filters!

[SilverLarry]

So happy you made this video. I started using CP filters 50 years ago, but in the digital era, over time, I stopped using them for a variety of reasons - reliance on editing, laziness. Your video reminded me just how effective they are in so many situations. I've put them back in my bag. You actually motivated me to go out and shoot. Thank you.

[AabhasLall]

I accidentally found out about these filters about 3 years ago, and since then, they are on my wide-angle zoom lenses almost all the time. The difference between the sky saturation and the grass/leaves is amazing! My go-to filter brand is Hoya. Highly recommended for any photographer's kit.

If you already have a pair of polarized sunglasses, you can see for yourself, just look at the sky 90 degrees from the sun and try to tilt your head left and right. You will notice the difference immediately. Then you can decide if you want to spend your money on a filter. :)

[JB-oufl]

I love this video. It is "short and sweet" but I gained a lot of knowledge from watching it.

[highamnj]

I haven't used one since my film days. You're right - this is one effect that can't be duplicated digitally, and with high ISO performance being so good nowadays, the loss of light is less of a problem for hand-held work.

[robertcudlipp]

Chris, many thanks for the hard slog of reviewing all these filters.
Seems like you did a very similar review, not all that long ago...doubtless seems like only a few weeks' ago to you.
Very helpful video for those thinking of getting their toes wet with these very useful, and in some cases, very expensive aids.
Nisi filters always tempt me, if for no other reason than I have never heard a negative, or even qualified comment as to their excellent results- of course, that's totally dependent on the users' abilities.

[stuartblink]

What a brilliant video. I had realised there were so many benefits. It was the benefit to leaf photography that was the particular surprise to me. Thanks for making.

[BloodmoonPyke]

Cool to see you from the other side of the lens again :)

[jeroenvdw]

Cheaper ones usually cast a different color, which you can ofc correct, but it adds more work in post. I used to use CLP filters when I first got them, but later on I didn't bother anymore. I often like that the sky isn't that deep blue, it doesn't look natural. I often just settle with bringing down the highlights a bit and get a better effect.

[steffgeezer]

Thank you! Such an insightful video, I watched it twice 👍

[NoSuRReNDeR]

Thank you for this wonderful video. Your videos zen me out... I often recall your Lens reviews when shooting on glass you've discussed .... and ill often recall you saying something like "stop it down to 5.6 and the corners become razor sharp" or something and I stop down and get a great shot. - Anyway brilliant thank you.

[WillCarterTech]

Oh wow! I didn’t realize a polarizers could be used for so many situations

[ExclusiveTravelReviews]

Une vidéo très sympa et riche en informations, j'adore ta chaîne !

[nanahobBob]

Thanks for this useful information! It seems silly, but I'm having a hard time buying filters until I feel I have the lenses I want. I guess I could just get a big filter and some step up rings.

[StillWinding]

Very helpful, Christopher. Thank you!

[serena-yu]

There's one thing to note though, according to Fresnel's Equations for Reflection and Transmission, the polarization effect from air particles is uneven depending on angle from the light source. As a result, the light transmission with a polarizing filter under a clear sky forms a circle opposite to the sun, something like the area circled in a rainbow. It's nearly unnoticeable with medium or longer focal lengths since the angle of view is small enough to capture a homogenous field, but with ultra-wide angles, it would be common the see a dark circle on the sky, like a hole.

[Vlay]

I usually order variable ND first but CPL is must have for every lens that I use! 📸

[aaronc]

Good concise video! I use polarising filters for Motorsport however as you say it can create some funky rainbow colours in the windscreens. I'm guessing it's down to the different composite of Plastic and Glass.