Circular Polarizer

[Mintman]

Hello,

Nice simple newbie question here: I've been out taking photos and seeing the difference that the circular polarizing filter makes but finding the angle that the filter needs to be at a bit trial and error.

I've noticed on the rotating bit of the filter there is a white line on the outside edge, does this mean anything or is it really a case of taking each situation as it comes!

I wondered whether that white line is supposed to point towards the direction of the sun or something clever like that!

Cheers,

Mintman.

[Canon Bob]

In practice, just rotate until you get the effect you want. Maximum polarisation should occur when the dot points at the light source responsible for the reflections you are trying to suppress.

Bob

[Mintman]

Ahhh great thanks, I wondered if the dot did something like that but couldn't figure it out!

Cheers,

Mintman

[HoppyUK]

To kill reflections, maximum effect will be when the white dot is at 90 degs to the plane of reflection, and you are standing at about 35 degs from it.

For example, for reflections off the side of a car, turn the filter so that the dot is at quarter-to or quarter-past. Now stand at 35 degs to the side of the car for maximum effect. You will notice that you can't kill reflections off the side and off the windscreen/bonnet at the same time.