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Polarized vs UV filters

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Matt #19004

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Can you use a polarized filter all the time?

Debating about getting a coated polarized filter for all time use
vs

coated uv filter for all time use with extra non coated polarized filter when I need it
vs

coated uv filter all time use with coated polarized filter use separately when I need it

I shoot outside a lot, fishing....but I am not sure I if want to have a polarized filter for all time use....

Tying to figure out the most cost effective way. Hope this makes a little sense. All setups would be used with CLA-1, step up, then either UV, polarized, or both. Thanks, Matt
 
A polarizing filter ucts a lot of light. So using it when you don't need it will effectively slow the lens down a lot. A UV filter is optically clear.

Also, figuring out how to aim a polarizing fileter is not easy without through-the-lens viewfinding. Especially when the times you'll be using it are in bright lights, when the LCD is hard to see. I'd be interested to hear how folks use a polarizing filter with these cameras.
 
toner said:
What is the difference between a UV filter and a circular polarizer?
What does each do? Will a UV filter chnage the pict in any way, i mean
can you ALWAYS have a UV filter on as a protection for the 3030z lens?
Click to expand...
A UV filter will block ultraviolet light. A polarizing filter will block stray light. Normally, people use UV filters as a protective layer to the lens. It will not change the image at all. The polarizing filter will suck up some light. Remember, it is reflecting some light (light that otherwise could be used) It is best used when out in bright light to give richer colors. A polarizing filter is tougher to use to get it to work effectively. You can just bolt on a UV filter and go.

Different filters, different purposes.

Johnny

PS: I would opt for a UV filter all the time and a polarizing filter when out in the bright sunshine. As for cost, what is the cost of having the camera replaced should something break/scratch the lens and how much time would you save not having to retouch pictures?? A small price to pay, if you ask me.
 
A UV filter will not impact the exposure, thus it can serve as a lens protector to be left on the camera at all times; if desired. A plain polarizing filter can serve the same purpose as a Neutral Density 4 filter, cutting down the light by 1/2, effectively reducing your speed by one f/stop. When one thinks of a polarizing filter, the usually means a "circular" polarizing filter. Without getting "geeky", a circular polarizer, is 2 polarizing filters mated together via a swivel arrangement. As one turns the filters, the alignment of the polarizers ceast to be parallel. As the angle changes, the amount of light transmitted is reduced; maxing out at 90 degrees cross polarization. Sorry, got geeky :-) Bottom line is polarizers are use to zero out reflections from windows, etc. If you fish a lot, you can take pictures of swimming fish, without fear of the reflections of the water affecting your image. Result is a reflection free image! That is why circular polarizers cost so much, as do most specialized filters. Hope this helped...

Ciao....Barry
Matt said:
Can you use a polarized filter all the time?

Debating about getting a coated polarized filter for all time use
vs
coated uv filter for all time use with extra non coated polarized filter
when I need it
vs
coated uv filter all time use with coated polarized filter use separately
when I need it

I shoot outside a lot, fishing....but I am not sure I if want to have a
polarized filter for all time use....

Tying to figure out the most cost effective way. Hope this makes a
little sense. All setups would be used with CLA-1, step up, then either
UV, polarized, or both. Thanks, Matt
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for a good clear post.
Barry Carter said:
Ciao....Barry
Matt said:
Can you use a polarized filter all the time?

Debating about getting a coated polarized filter for all time use
vs
coated uv filter for all time use with extra non coated polarized filter
when I need it
vs
coated uv filter all time use with coated polarized filter use separately
when I need it

I shoot outside a lot, fishing....but I am not sure I if want to have a
polarized filter for all time use....

Tying to figure out the most cost effective way. Hope this makes a
little sense. All setups would be used with CLA-1, step up, then either
UV, polarized, or both. Thanks, Matt
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
I keep a polarizing filter in my camera bag, but I certainly do not use it all the time. When I do plan to use one, I keep the filter in my shirt pocket. I do not mount the filter. Before taking a photo, I hold the filter in front of my eye, rotate it into position for the correct effect, put it directly in front of the camera lens at the same rotation, frame through the viewfinder, and shoot. Of course, if I had a C2500 or another SLR, I might consider mounting it. However, whenever I use the polarizer, I always take a second shot without it. Even when I expect the polarizer to be beneficial, in two out of three shots, I prefer the photo without the filter.

So no, I would not recommend using a polarizer for all-time use, but I agree with the others that it is worthwhile having one. Today I forgot to bring my polarizer going down to the tidepools at low tide. I think it might have proven valuable in that situation, but it was not indispensible.

Jim

 
Matt wrote:
....All setups would be used with CLA-1, step up

When would I need a CLA - 1 and actually what is it...

I feel kinda silly about the question... but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Phil
 
This forum has a search feature to get the background you need. In a nutshell, the CLA-1 is a device that allows you to use accessories (filters, lenses, etc.) with your C2000Z, C2020, C3030 camera's. It is an aluminum tube, 25mm long, 41mm male thread on one end, and 43mm female thread on the other end. But when the camera's are powered up, the Olympus lens extends about 3mm beyond the length of the attached CLA. This makes it impossible to attach a filter, lens cap, or anything, as it would 'cause harm or make the camera lens mechanism go into a state of shock ! Thus the necessity to add an extension ring(usually a 43mm to whatever step ring), to provide the neccessary clearance.

Ciao...Barry
Parbit said:
Matt wrote:
Click to expand...
....All setups would be used with CLA-1, step up
Phil19201 said:
When would I need a CLA - 1 and actually what is it...

I feel kinda silly about the question... but any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Phil
Click to expand...
 
http://www.photoaccess.com/share/guest.jsp?ID=AE0082941F

Got a polarized filter, here are some examples, nothing fancy, but the pictures against the glass really show you how they work. I wouldn't fish without polarized glasses. I am using a 2020-CLA1-step up- 46-uv filter, then the 46 polarized.....however I can just as well go from the step up to the polarized, sometimes I just don't swap them out. I use the uv all the time, then just add the polarized when I need it....

Adios, Matt
Matt said:
Can you use a polarized filtIer all the time?

Debating about getting a coated polarized filter for all time use
vs
coated uv filter for all time use with extra non coated polarized filter
when I need it
vs
coated uv filter all time use with coated polarized filter use separately
when I need it

I shoot outside a lot, fishing....but I am not sure I if want to have a
polarized filter for all time use....

Tying to figure out the most cost effective way. Hope this makes a
little sense. All setups would be used with CLA-1, step up, then either
UV, polarized, or both. Thanks, Matt
Click to expand...
 
Matt said:
http://www.photoaccess.com/share/guest.jsp?ID=AE0082941F

Got a polarized filter, here are some examples, nothing fancy, but the
pictures against the glass really show you how they work. I wouldn't
fish without polarized glasses. I am using a 2020-CLA1-step up- 46-uv
filter, then the 46 polarized.....however I can just as well go from the
step up to the polarized, sometimes I just don't swap them out. I use
the uv all the time, then just add the polarized when I need it....

Adios, Matt
Click to expand...
Nice examples!
They do a good job of showing what a polarizer does and doesn't do.
They are best viewed using two windows so you can see the "with"
and "without" at the same time.

Roy F.
 
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