Linear Polarizer on DSLR

[NeilA1975]

I have recently purchased a 105mm B+W KSM linear polariser to use in conjunction with my hitech 100 filter system on my D610.
I have read multiple articles that state using a linear instead of a circular on a dslr may cause problems with autofocus and exposure values, although neither of these are important for my landscape work since I focus without the holder and use either manual mode or EV to ETTR. However I have tried the polariser in AP mode and it autofocuses absolutely fine likewise exposures are what you would expect with a polariser in place.
I'm wondering whether the advice of not using a linear polarizer on a dslr is nothing more than a myth?
Furthermore the cost advantage over the circular equivalent turned out to be a real bargain, paying £60.00 only for a new item, as opposed to £160.00+ for the circular.

 

[dinners]

Depending on the conditions, metering problems can occur with linear polarisers on a modern body. A circular polariser is a linear polariser plus a quarter wave plate behind for the benefit of the cameras ability.

 

[NeilA1975]

Depending on the conditions, metering problems can occur with linear polarisers on a modern body. A circular polariser is a linear polariser plus a quarter wave plate behind for the benefit of the cameras ability.

Yes, I understand re the wave plate. just thought it was a bit strange that against all the 'advice' the liner polarizer appears to works fine on my D610. I havent tested in all conditions so this may of course throw up a couple of weird results.

 

[beyond the blue]

I've used both types on my D90 and both work fine. I can notice a slight difference in picture guality but that's down to the filter quality. Both autofocus and expose as normal.

 

[andrewc]

Maybe its something that used to be true, but now metering systems have become more complex and sophisticated its not quite the issue it was.

 

[Nod]

I have read multiple articles that state using a linear instead of a circular on a dslr may cause problems with autofocus and exposure values

My bolding of your post. IIRC, some older AF cameras did have problems with linear rather than circular polarisers but if your body manages to AF and meter accurately through one, why fork out for another filter?

 

[Paul-H]

Hi

It was said a long time ago now so new ones might no longer be the same that Linear polarizers gave a better result over circular ones, but like I said that info was a long time ago but if you didn't need to go the circular route because you camera worked fine with a linear then linear was the way to go.

To test if its affecting your meter point the camera at an evenly light wall and rotate the filter, the exposure should remain the same as the light from the wall will not be polarized, if it goes up and down as you rotate you need the circular type.

Like I said that is old information and new cameras might behave differently

I only use m4/3 cameras and only use linear filters with no issues.

Paul

 

[RichieTee]

Been using a glass 100x100 Tiffen linear pol for a long time now. I even have a 105mm Heliopan slim circ pol and prefer the look I get with the slide in linear!!!. It seems to polarise for water if put in straight and polarise for the sky of put in at 90 degrees. No issues with AF or metering either and it cost £10

 

[pingu666]

it rarely actually matters, same with my sony slt cameras

mirrorless should be uneffected too

 

[NeilA1975]

Thanks for your responses - Rich, £10 for a square Tiffen?! And I thought i'd got a bargain!

 

[RichieTee]

Thanks for your responses - Rich, £10 for a square Tiffen?! And I thought i'd got a bargain!

Haha. Yeah I know Neil. I bought a job lot of filters (6 off) including a good pouch for £60 and that was included. Thought it would be back up for sale as like people have mentioned on here, would be useless on a DSLR. As it happens it works great