Filter question for S3

[nbh1]

I was just wondering what is the best way to arrange the filters on my Canon S3. I have a Lensmate adapter and a Hoya HMC UV filter and a Hoya HMC Circular Polarizer filter. I am guessing the Polarizer should be on the outside so it can be adjust but on the other hand it may be best to filter out UV first.

Let me know what is best! :)

The polarizer just came in the mail today. I haven't been home to get it yet! I can't wait to use it!!!

[XaiLo]

use one or the other you don't neeed both in conjunction with one another. The S3 already has sufficient UV protection. you only need a UV filter to protect the lens from your fingers and other incidentals. Polarizer cuts glare, reflections, and deepens sky contrast. hth Congrats & happy shooting post some pics in the "Some S3 Pics" thread. :cool:

[nbh1]

Thanks for the reply!

I've taken a ton of pictures but most of them have been throw aways as I have been getting a feel of the full spectrum the camera is capable of processing. This is my way of trying to get up to speed on something I know nothing about. Well nothing as of a couple weeks ago. I have been reading the input here on this forum as it has been really helpful.

I'll post more pics as they become more worthy. ;)

[Dafer]

OK, about Circular Polarizers. What do they mean by adjusting for the scene?

[Visual Reality]

There is a ring on them that adjusts the effect of the polarizer. A good way to see what it is doing is to point it at an LCD screen. As you turn it the glass will go from light to dark.

[Dafer]

There is a ring on them that adjusts the effect of the polarizer. A good way to see what it is doing is to point it at an LCD screen. As you turn it the glass will go from light to dark.

Ok thanks, seems like that is the filter to own. Just got a lens adapter today. Got the UV filter just as a lens protector. The polarizer is definitely next. But lets say you are out taking pictures how do you know how it should be set? Trial and error I guess?

[Visual Reality]

I just got it today so I haven't used it yet. But I will assume that you just adjust it until you get the desired results - being a nice blue sky or until reflections disappear.

[KSM]

I just got it today so I haven't used it yet. But I will assume that you just adjust it until you get the desired results - being a nice blue sky or until reflections disappear.

Here is a quick article on how to use a polarizer.

http://www.popphoto.com/howto/433/how-to-use-polarizers.html

[bertbert]

The link explains the principles for maximum polarization but it doesn't explain how to get that polarization on the camera. Could someone explain how to align the polarizer on the camera to obtain the max polarization? Where to point the camera, where the line on the polarizer should be directed to, etc?

[downtrodden]

For all:

When you have the polarizer on, the LCD dispaly of your camera shows a LIVE display of what the camera is recording. If you turn the polarizer one way or the other, the light coming in will shift and so will the display on your LCD. You will see the skies get darker or the reflections go away. A fun way to see the results of the Polarizer is to hold it infront of your eye. Just the polarizer and turn it as you're looking skyward. The sky will darken or lighten.

Adjusting for the scene means just that. Adjust the polarizer when you change scenes to get the effect you want. Some people like a really dark effect and some like a really light effect. Here are two examples:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/442787021_fff5bb42f4.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/172/442802185_f63100ac83.jpg

In the first picture I adjusted the CPL to the maximum effect to make the skies as dark as possible. For the second picture, I thought a light blue as the 'background' would be nicer, so I turned the CPL until there was no real darkening effect.

Also guys, Personally, I don't even own a UV filter. The S3 lens is UV protected. I keep my CPL on all the time. It's my lens protector and since it's effects are adjustable- I don't have to worry about removing it to get rid of the effect, just adjust it down to my taste. The only time i take it off is when i'm in a lowlight situation- because the CPL makes your pictures a full stop darker.

I hope any of that helps.

~Cory

[Cindi]

The link explains the principles for maximum polarization but it doesn't explain how to get that polarization on the camera. Could someone explain how to align the polarizer on the camera to obtain the max polarization? Where to point the camera, where the line on the polarizer should be directed to, etc?


The easiest way for me to use a polarizer is to have the sun behind either my left or right shoulder. That's where the 90 degree angles come in to play that the previous link explains. If the sun is in front of you or directly behind you the polarizer won't work to it's fullest potential. You just slightly rotate the polarizer until you get the desired effect.

[nbh1]

KSM - thanks for the link
Cindi - Wuuldn't 30 degrees be more like just in front of your shoulder? Anyway, I get the idea and pretty much do what works best for you. Everything sees things a little differently.

[Cindi]

KSM - thanks for the link
Cindi - Wuuldn't 30 degrees be more like just in front of your shoulder? Anyway, I get the idea and pretty much do what works best for you. Everything sees things a little differently.

I wish I could find the link that finally helped me figure out how to properly use my polarizer. It showed a sketch with the sun behind either the left or right shoulder. I'll see if I can find it again because I think it would really help you out.

Edit: I can't seem to find the link. Here are a couple links that may help you out though.
http://www.cs.mtu.edu/~shene/DigiCam/User-Guide/filter/polarizer.html

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/polarizers.shtml

[nbh1]

Thanks Cindi! That would be great.
I did do more reading and realized later that you optimize polarization when the sun is at a 90 degree angle and the effect reduces as the angle becomes more obtuse. In fact I read you will get no effect of polarization at 180 degrees (Sun behind you). Should be pretty easy to line up. Anyway, I would appreciate any information or links you have to share.

[nbh1]

Didn't see your links. Thanks again!