Polarizing filter and accessories

<p>Hello,<br>

I'm looking into purchasing a polarizing filter for use with my XSi. I currently own 2 lenses - the 18-55 kit lens and the 70-300 IS f4-5.6 lens - both of which have a filter size of 58mm.<br>

I'm looking into purchasing the Hoya 58mm circular polarizing filter but read that it might make better sense to get an adaptor ring + filter holder set + filter of largest lens size, so as to be able to use that filter across all future lenses. Is this a better way to go? If so, which adaptors/filter holders/any other accessories should I be looking into?<br>

Thanks,<br /> Kunal</p>

<p>Just be aware that both of your lenses have front rotation in focusing and this will make using a polarizer difficult. You will have to focus, then adjust the polarizer to your desired setting. Probably best to use manual focus so the lens doesn't refocus on something else that "catches its attention," so to speak.<br /> It would make sense to buy larger, but 58mm is big enough to fit on all the old, relatively inexpensive, prime lenses (28mm f/2.8, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.8 - all 52mm), so it might be just making things more troublesome, unless you already know what diameter filters you would need that are larger than 58mm. A relatively inexpensive step-up ring 52mm>58mm would take care of the primes I mentioned.<br /> Anything above 67mm starts to get pretty pricey, so for now, if I were you, I'd just buy 58mm. It will be trouble enough on your existing lenses without worrying about a step-up ring to whatever from 58mm.</p>

<p>Your options are either a 58mm screw on or a square filter (e.g. Cokin / Lee). For all lenses I use a screw on Circular polarizer (e.g. Hoya). Over the years I have built up quite a collection (52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm and 95mm - Fuji GX680). This collection is rather expensive - probably $500 plus but is much easier to use than a Cokin type filter. I do use Cokin filters for most other applications - such as black and white, ND and ND grad etc... Even with non-rotating lenses I use a circular polarizer a lot and find the screw in types much easier as you can keep them on the lens on a sunny day. One thought is that KEH has a selsction of cheap used filters you should be able to get one for about $30.</p>

<p>I might be wrong but a friend of mine told me that there are 2 types of polarizer filters..the only difference is the price and function..Anyone care to elaborate..i am all ears</p>

<p>Robert, there are circular (more expensive) and linear (less expensive) polarizers. The circular ones are simply linear polarizers with quarter wave plates laminated to them, the purpose being to reorient the wave pattern so that it is neither "vertical" nor "horizontal," loosely speaking. This is important for accurate metering, as vertically polarized light passes through a half-silver mirror more than horizontally polarized light. That said, I prefer linear polarizers because they have one less layer of material and are also slightly more efficient and color-neutral. I do most of my exposures manually anyway, so the metering issue is a nonissue to me. Those who rely on automatic exposure are better off getting the circular. Oh, one other difference is that multicoated linear polarizers are incredibly hard to find! Grrrr...</p>

<p>Kunal, yes, it's more cost effective to use the step-up rings, as you suggest, and there's nothing wrong with that solution. Just be certain to get an extra lens cap that is the size of the polarizer. That way you won't have to remove the polarizer and step-up ring to cap your lens! ;-)</p>

<p>Thanks Sara,<br>

Not to divert the main issue here but how do i know what i have cos i have 1 for my sony a200 and one for my xti and i can't tell the difference between the linear or circulart polarizers..grrrr...I am asking this cos since we are talking of polarizers,it would benefit other readers here.Thanks for your input</p>

 

<p>Also note, if you go with the step up ring and large filter option...your lens hood will not likely mount anymore. I would just bite the bullet and get the 58mm. As you already mentioned, it will cover those 2 lenses thus far.</p>

<p>Derrick</p>

<p>B+W Cir-PL Mono-Coated in 58MM<br>

The other great thing is, many lenses in the Canon Line-up (IMO) worth having use the 58mm filter.<br>

28mm f/1.8 - 50mm f/1.4 - 85mm f/1.8 - 100mm f/2 <br>

And you can always use a step-down ring to use on those Canon lenses that use the 52mm.</p>

<p>Get the 58mm Circular Polarizer <em>and</em> the proper lens hoods for your lenses, although the filter will be a little fiddly to work with when using the hood.</p>

<p>Worry about other sizes in the future if/when you get other lenses that require them.</p>

<p>I recommend <em>multi-coated</em> filters only: Hoya Pro, B+W MRC or Kaesemann, Heliopan SH-PMC, etc.</p>

<p>A linear polarizer is usually just marked "Pol" or "PL", a circular polarizer is usually marked "C-Pol" or "C-PL" or similar.</p>

<p>Besides <em>possible</em> metering issues (in some cases), the main reason C-Pols are recommended for our modern cameras is that a linear polarizer messes up auto focus. Most AF systems will fail some of the time if used with a linear PL.</p>

<p>>><a href="../photodb/user?user_id=255616">Alan Myers</a>,<br>

Thanks a lot Alan..now i finally understand why my xti has trouble focusing in low light conditions..all i have to do is to<br>

1.remove the polarizer or<br>

2.switch to manual as the last resort..<br>

Haahaa,if all else fails,<br>

3.switch to my trusty sony a200 (nudge,nudge,wink,wink and ducking tomatoes aimed at me) cos it has a fantastic low light function and it has built in body IS!</p>

<p>Thanks all for your responses. I'm going to check out the Hoya 58mm from Adorama.</p>