Circular Polarizer (CPL) Glass Filters Tutorial (HD)

[Sumiyya85]

I was taking night shots through a window of a public building so couldn't turn off the light indoors to help get rid of the reflections, but neither could i use the polarizer properly as it was too dim to notice through the viewfinder if the reflections were gone as i turned the polarizer - please can someone help on what to do in this situation??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Three options:

• LiveView if your camera has it.

• Hold the front of lens against the window without a CPL

• Use a dark colored fabric or cardboard to block the light without a CPL.

CPL filters aren't ideal for using in dark conditions.

[richieRich2006]

I have a Hoya PRO1 CPL. Does the 'Pro1' series remove this from the non-recommended list at all?

If not, what problems in particular should I look out for when using this filter. Thank you! I appreciate the help

[Lilkiwiguy87]

The entire Hoya brand is not recommended, including the Pro-1 Digital series.

Here's what to look out for:

• Keep any bright light source away from the front of lens and be sure to use a lens hood on at all the times. Otherwise, the images are hazy.

• A push in sharpening is recommended; sharpness isn't its specialty.

• Use a gray card to ensure the white balance is correct; set a new custom WB with the filter attached.

[richieRich2006]

@Lilkiwiguy87 thank you for your advice! I will make the best of it till I can afford something better...

[aalexxanderr]

Thanks indeed for the information. I consider using UV and CPL filter on the lens at the same time (CPL for the color effect & UV for the protection, just in front of CPL). But i think it is going to decrease the amount of light reaching to the sensor and also it may decrease the contrast so that i am not sure. Do you think it is a good idea to use both at the same time?

Thanks!

[superkiwizorro]

@aalexxanderr nah, UV doesn't decrease the light from entering the lens, whatever with or without a CPL filter on top of it. it won't be a problem to stack two filters as long as they're high quality ones and keep the lens hood on.

[dfabella31]

are leica and panasonic are the same?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Mmhm.

[mudit11]

can cpl filter be used with lens hood attache to canon 550D , is it any worth in doing this set-up if it possible to do.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes to both. Always, always leave the hood on for maximum flare prevention.

[LuisDFiguer]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thanks for the info. By any chance do you know if using a CPL filter while taking a long exposure photograph at night (those long enough that makes landscape look like day) would have any impact on the colors of the sky, or just plain darker?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Without any lighting, the CPL's effects are ineffective except it could be used as a plain ~1.3 stops ND filter. No impact on the colors with a regular CPL filter (not Warming or Skylight). If you're talking about adding an effect that makes the sky darker, a GND filter is recommended instead of a CPL. GND filters can make the sky darker with or without any lighting.

[LuisDFiguer]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thank you for the answer, I was thinking on doing something creative on a night with little to no wind and hopefully some interesting clouds and thought that this may add something to the mix. Thanks again.

[N20]

its not advisable to use CPL filter during night time or poorly lighted areas?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yeah, and?

[NadrojInc]

I usually see people saying Hoya is the next best thing after B+W, why is it under not recommended?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Watch the video again, your answer's there.

[blackneno]

The most effective time to use CPL filter is at noon (when the sun is directly above my head). Is that right?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Not just afternoon; anytime between 10am to 5pm is good enough.

[blackneno]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thanks :)

[kariakuta]

Is Marumi any good?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Nope, sorry. Please read the video description for other unlisted brands.

[armaanthebatman]

a CPL filter can be used on ef-s 18-55mm lens?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Don't repost your comment 4 times; they all require an approval.

CPL filters could be used on any lens from any brand.

[armaanthebatman]

@Lilkiwiguy87 i know it can be used but the problem is the front element of the lens rotates when auto focusing.... it can be a big issue.

-thanks

[Lilkiwiguy87]

That's not a problem, just readjust the filter after focusing.

[armaanthebatman]

@Lilkiwiguy87 OK‼

[wolfestine]

Hey, A gr8 video, really informative. Thanks.

Would you recommend a Polaroid (Corporation) CPL?

Also, what about a screw-in Cokin CPL, is it as good as their P series filters?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

A CPL filter from bunch of deadbeats? We don't think so. Polaroid is one of the brands that we don't recommend in the video description.

No, screw-in Cokins CPL filters use glass while P Series filters are resin (plastic-like material).

[wolfestine]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thank you. Really appreciate your reply. Am now considering the Cokin P-series system.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

*face palm*

We just said that Cokins' glass screw-in filters do a better job than their P Series. Resin filters are very well known for creating strong color cast and prone to scratches. So, you don't want the P Series filters unless you like strong color casting and fuzzy images from too many scratches on the filter.

[wolfestine]

Woops... misinterpreted your reply. Although I am a newbie, I was a little confused, since this was the first time someone recommended a plastic-like material, but then again, you guys said 'Resin' which sounded funkier than 'Glass' ;) But now I know better. I am sure by the time I'm done watching most of your videos, I'd be a lot wiser. Thanks again.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Try shooting into the sun, bro.

[TheNoNameUsername]

when i turn the lens, i dont see any difference really unless its held in front of the computer screen, same =effect doesnt work anywhere inside my house, or on my tv. i havent tried it outside yet though. but does htis mean i have a bad filter?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Oh, no, the darkening effect only works on blue sky and LCD displays (TV, computer display, etc.).  Your filter is just fine.

[tamim4ever]

whats the difference between CPL filter and DIGI CPL filter ?!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

There's no difference between digital and non-digital CPL filters.

Just marketing gimmick.

[tamim4ever]

@Lilkiwiguy87 thank you. have you heard about Konek ?! it's a Japanese brand!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

*sighs* Sounds like another Ebay crap filter brand that we never heard of. That means Konek automatically belongs to brands-that-we-don't-recommend category.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Wait, do you mean Kenko? If so, then no, we don't recommend it.

[tamim4ever]

@Lilkiwiguy87 oh I'm sorry. Yes, it's Kenko, I'm shocked! the price of this CPL "Kenko" is equivalent to the CPL "Nikon" !!! and yet it's crappy! I can't find any other brands than Kenko in Philippines! thank you for your time, I appreciate it!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You can order a high quality B+W or Nikon glass filters from B&H dot com but expect to pay an extra for shipping and customs. At least you don't have to worry about doing it constantly to replace bad quality glass filters.

[C4RM0N5T3RR]

thanks for your advice :)

[C4RM0N5T3RR]

shit man i was advised hoya was the best :/ eep so close to buying them for my canon the other day too! So i wanna get uv and circular polarising filters would b+w be the best option? i know you mentioned a bunch and b+w at the end just wanna make sure i dont buy the wrong thing like i almost did. :)

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yup, B+W is good to start with.

[lokingloking]

what about fujiyama brand???

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We never heard of that brand, definitely falls under brands-that-we-don't-recommend category.

[lokingloking]

@Lilkiwiguy87 japanese brand.since 2003. excellent  try it

[superkiwizorro]

@lokingloking my bf and i live in new zealand and the local camera store get their supply from japan. we tried that filter brand and it was the shittest one we've ever seen. hey joey & the guys, deffo add it to brands-that-we-don't-recommend category.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Consider it done and thanks for your reference, my dear cousin.

[mndtkr]

Thanks for making this video! Lots of good info. One question remaining is whether or not it is suitable to attach an adaptor ring and filter holder to the front of this filter for use with graduated or standard filters??

[superkiwizorro]

@mndtkr you dont need an adapter ring. just screw the second filter into the front of the first filter's thread to stack them. if you need to use nd filter with gnd filter then, yeah, you can. put the nd filter on lens first before attaching the square filter holder. its not recommended to attach the square filter holder on a cpl filter because cpl filter's rotating ring can break off due to heavy weight.

[Peregar4ik]

great video ) thanks

[listenTOcallum]

how come yours turns so dark as you rotate it mine just some light blue then through to yellow.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It becomes dark in this video because the video camera already have a CPL filter attached. The CPL filter shown in this video is a neutral one (not warming, skylight, or Blue-Yellow). What you have is a Blue-Yellow CPL filter, not neutral.

[kenz4094]

B+W Filter Kit XS-PRO MRC UV Filter + SLIM Circular Polarizer 52mm. Is it a good combination ? thanks

[Lilkiwiguy87]

If your lens' filter thread size is 52mm then go ahead.

[MikeW665]

I got the B&W filters for both my Canon 10-22mm wide angle and a 58mm filter for my other three lenses and I'm VERY impressed with both the quality, functionality, and results from the filters.

Thanks again for all the great Info, I've been passing it along to several friends so they don't fall into the same trap I did.

[MikeW665]

how can they put the Zeiss name on it?? I'm thinking Class Action suit!! False advertising.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We are afraid false advertising is everywhere, nothing you can do about it.

[MikeW665]

So is it a true Zeiss, or did I get taken for $144.00??? Be kind.....LOL

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Sorry to disappoint you, it is not a real Zeiss filter.

[MikeW665]

Thanks for the information! I noticed that you don't recommend Sony CPL filters, yet my Sony has Zeiss printed on the filter so I'm assuming that Sony just slapped their name on it. Also, my CPL filter is attached to a Canon 10-22mm lens, will it be effective or not? I'm finding conflicting information on this.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Quite right, Sony is desperately trying to get into digital SLR market by slapping Zeiss on their lenses and glass filters. Zeiss' glass filters are extremely rare today, though.

Sometimes when using a wide angle lens, in its very nature, it will pick up a great field of view that include the darkest part of the blue sky (without CPL, just look up).  With a CPL filter, it will make the sky even darker, nearly black. It is more effective for reflection reduction and color enhancement.

[kwakdeuze]

Thank you very much for the info. My lens is going to get a B&W Kaeseman.

[kjnyankee]

Hi, I was considering both the Hoya HD circular polarizer and the Tiffen HT 2-stop 0.6 ND filter, but if I purchase the polarizer is the neutral density filter really needed? Seems like the polarizer does the same as the ND filter and then some. Any suggestions or info appreciated. :)

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You might want to reconsider the brands (see 6:57 and 7:07).

CPL filters is basically already a ND filter because it has 1.3 stops factor. However, if you need a darker density ND filter then look at standalone ND filters (1, 2, 3, 6, or 10 stops). It is up to you, really.

[kjnyankee]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Are the Hoya/Tiffen brands not recommended b/c they are not as compatible with Nikon camera's or is it that they just aren't constructed or perform as well as the ones you recommend?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Last sentence, yes. For more information, watch the video, entirely.

[DiaryofPinuno]

Hello, im currently using Tokina 11-16 for my landscape photography, since you mentioned that its not advisable to use CPL to this type of lens, what type of filter do you prefer? Thank you for your advise.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Wide angle lenses in their very nature will darken the sky due to greater field of view. A CPL filter is not exactly necessary because it will only make the sky even darker.  If you need a CPL to enhance the saturation and/or remove reflections, grab a slim one (so, it will not make the vignetting worse).

[ionxi]

I don't understand why Hoya filters are not recommended. I own mostly top quality HD Hoya filters...I guess I should have went with B&W...

[dbknottyboby]

why don't you guys recommend sing-ray filters?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Perhaps watch the video again? Your answer is there.

[Neil1138]

Thank you very much for the video. It was extremely informative

I just purchased a 77mm B+W Kaesemann for use on automotive photos. I need to cut reflections a bit

[victorli1974]

Always great videos! A quick question for you: there's a white arrow/dot on the rim of most polarizers I have seen. If I want the sky to be more 'blue', seeing from the center of the CPL, do I rotate the arrow/dot to align with the sun or do I put 90 degrees perpendicular to the sun?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We are not sure about arrow / dot mark on your CPL glass filters because our CPL glass filters do not have it. It could mean anything. Just use the "L" method with your hand then rotate the filter. The results will become visible in the viewfinder as you rotate the CPL filter.

[omac104]

How is Nikon 77mm Circular Polarizer II Thin Ring Multi-Coated Glass Filter on 70-200 VRII?

Any Vingetting?? If not, what is your recommend?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We just tried the combo for you and the verdict: no vignetting that is caused by the CPL filter. However, in 70-200mm's very nature, it will still vignette at high apertures (even without filter attached).

[omac104]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thanks in your kindness. you do the good job. 

[exile4ever]

Hi, what are your thought on Marumi super cpl? It is ranked #1 and 2 at lenstip.com.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

They're Made in China crap.

[mang80]

very useful vid. thanks

[pbrandaodesign]

hi again :) so what brand you recommend for a 77filter for a nikkor10-24 lens. I have to buy from Internet since i don´t have stores photography with pro material in my state and can´t try it :(

B&W or nikon?

i have a CPL hoya HD slim and yes, you right. BAD BAD! The sky tend to be more yellow than blue :( can you help please! The best polarizer filter in your test :) txs

[Lilkiwiguy87]

*chuckles* Hence we told you to watch the video again because we do not recommend Hoya brand at all.

Either B+W, Nikon, or Heliopan CPL's will do just fine, but Heliopan is $100 more expensive than first two choices.

B+W have two different MRC models, regular (not sealed) and Kaeseman (sealed), only $4 difference. Nikon's CPL II Slim is the only circular polarizer available in Nikon's name.

So, without any access, go for B+W 77mm Kaeseman Circular Polarizer MRC Slim (~$175 on B&H's website).

[LiquidTurbo]

You don't recommend Hoya? what about the Hoya HD series polarizers?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It's a marketing gimmick; Hoya HD lineup is no different than Pro1 Digital lineup.

[LiquidTurbo]

@Lilkiwiguy87 So the Pro1 Digital lineup you do not recommend? I thought there was improved flaring with the Hoya HDs

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We do not recommend any Hoya brand filters, including Pro1 Digital and HD lineups. Yes, we heard the HD should be better so we took it out for some tests along with Pro1 Digital to compare. Turns out the results are the same.

[smokycatproductions]

Thanks for the great Tutorial on CPs.

I just ordered a 62 mm B+W Slim Kaeseman CP from B&H, for use on my Raynox 5050 Pro Super Wide angle lens.

It's arriving on Friday.

Cant wait to shoot some vids using the Kaeseman CP this weekend!

Thanks again.

[avucaldz]

thanks for a great video. I'm using D60 with Nikkor 12-24mm f4G, and I would either go for B+W or Heliopan. Should I go for slim version or standard one? Is the vignetting in standard version correctable in RAW development? Thank you.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We doubt there will be any vignetting on the 12-24mm ƒ/4.0G AF-S ED-IF DX because it is designed for use on DX where it "crops" most of the part off. We would suggest you to try slim and standard out in the store to make sure you don't see any cut offs on the corners in the viewfinder. No, vignetting caused by thick filters can not be corrected unless you crop the corners off.

[tony77tony77]

i read Hoya makes good filters.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Reading others' opinion can not help you with anything until you try them out to see for yourself. We experimented and tested all these filter brands and Hoya failed, miserably, to hold up the image quality.

[barone666]

@Lilkiwiguy87 @Lilkiwiguy87 Well, I'm not a pro photographer and today I just received my HOYA Pro1 D CPL...well, I've always red about good performances for these filters...if you can publish your tests results I will be happy ;) BTW, thank you for the video. Maybe Hoya is suitable for a 300euros camera... ;) Better to split between ultra professional items and professional ones (and faulty ones too! eheh). Have a good weekend, bye! ;)

[joey75220]

THIS was quite informative. Good job, guys!

Thanks.

[in2food]

With all the different options, even within brands, could I impose upon you to suggest the best Nikon and

Leica CPL models for my 67mm Nikon lens? THANKS!!!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Leica only have one 67mm Circular Polarizer of Leica 67E CPL but it's going for over $350 alone. Nikon only have one, too, 67mm CPL II (Slim) for $120.

Since you're going to a place with very high humidity (Hawaii), we would advise you to look at B+W Kaeseman 67mm CPL MRC (slim or standard) since it's sealed against moisture, which protects your lens' front glass element.

[in2food]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thank you so much! I will consider the B+W for sure. I know the standard will allow putting the lens cap on which is good for tropical / sandy areas but will it interfere with the wide end of this lens at 18mm? I'll be using an 18-105mm. Will the slim B&W allow for a lens cap?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

We checked our B+W Kaeseman 67mm CPL MRC (Slim) and unfortunately, the lens cap won't secure itself onto the filter.

Assuming you are using a DX camera body (any bodies other than D3-Series and D700). We doubt there will be any solid vignetting at 18mm end with a standard CPL filter because DX uses smaller sensor that has a crop factor of 1.5 (18mm x 1.5 = 27mm). We would suggest you to go to your local camera store and try it out just to double check before making the purchase.

[in2food]

OK, that's it. I'm getting one of these for my trip to Hawaii in June. The mix of water, sky, clouds and vegetation is perfect for a CPL!

[dakotablue52]

Thanks again for a great vid - you have helped me learn how to use my equipment and answer questions BEFORE a salesman sells me something I may not need ( or sometimes they don't push hard enough on what I DO need). Thanks

[pbrandaodesign]

hey, what u think about hoya cpl Slim HD?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

What do you think about watching the video again since your answer is there after all?

[ramezk]

great video! but what's wrong with Hoya filters? The multicoated ones are really good?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Hoyas fall under low quality glass filters category and the "multicoated" ones have the coating painted on the front surface. It's a marketing gimmick to get you to buy their useless products.

[Auffique]

i think ill get one cpl..