Still not getting CPL

Depends on what you are shooting.
If you want to cut reflections, then twist it until the reflections are gone.
If you want to make a blue sky bluer,twist it til it's more blue.

It's not really any more complicated than that. You can dial in as much effect as you want, there is no right setting.
 
You get maximum effect from the filter when you are at right angles to the direction of the light. Be careful with wide angle lenses with a cpl when you're shooting the sky as the effect will change across the sky.

Mike
 
The CPL will show itself well with blue skies and fluffy white clouds... you'd really notice the difference as you twist it.
 
A CPL isn't something to use all the time, there are situations where the result is better than others. It just takes time to learn to identify those situations.
 
This is the kind of difference to expect with regards to blue sky/clouds.
500px-CircularPolarizer.jpg

(from here: http://www.allensphotoblog.com/blog1/2006/11/circular_polarizer_filter.html)
 
Ahhhhh

Thast the problem. Apart from this week I don't think I have seen that combination :-)

Polarising filters only work with polarised light, in particular, blue skies and reflections. They won't work on an overcast sky, because the atmosphere has effectively de-polarised the light.

With blue skies, the easiest way is just to rotate the filter and watch what happens to the sky, though depending where the camera is pointing varies the effect.

If you're shooting into the light for example, you'll probably get nothing as the angle of maximum polarisation if 90 degrees to the sun. Check it like this: form a 'gun' with your forefinger and thumb, at right angles. Point at the sun, and rotate your hand around the axis of the forefinger. Your thumb will scribe an arc in the sky which is the band of maximum polarisation, so you can tell from this that if you're shooting towards the sun, that arc will be above and behind you.

With reflections, the optimum angle is 30-40 degrees to the surface (Brewster's Angle) with the filter rotated accordingly.
 
If you're shooting into the light for example, you'll probably get nothing as the angle of maximum polarisation if 90 degrees to the sun. Check it like this: form a 'gun' with your forefinger and thumb, at right angles. Point at the sun, and rotate your hand around the axis of the forefinger. Your thumb will scribe an arc in the sky which is the band of maximum polarisation, so you can tell from this that if you're shooting towards the sun, that arc will be above and behind you.

Like this....

CPL%20North_20120326_001.jpg
 
ukpbz said:
I will give it another try.

I had really bad results with my 24-105. It never seemed to focus but having more luck with other lens. Will keep you posted

Thanks

You do have a circular polarizer and not a linear?
On a blue sky day you should be seeing quite a difference and it should be focusing as normal, try back to sun and turn around slowly while twisting it and you will see it work as your angle to the sun changes as well...
 
You do have a circular polarizer and not a linear?
I know Craig knows what he means here, but just to be clear - both a circular and linear polariser will give the same effect in the end image, however some cameras have autofocus and/or exposure systems that can be confused with some settings on a linear polariser. Hence the question about focussing!
 
My own personal issue with polariZers is not spelling it polariser :) always a pet hate of mine, but for some reason this word always gets the American treatment from me :)
 
SnappyHappy said:
You do have a circular polarizer and not a linear?
On a blue sky day you should be seeing quite a difference and it should be focusing as normal, try back to sun and turn around slowly while twisting it and you will see it work as your angle to the sun changes as well...

Ahhhh I am pretty sure it's CPL. Will check when in. TBH never heard of linear
 
i have very similar setup as you: 5D2 with 24-105mm + Hoya HD CPL.

what brand is it? good and bad brands make a large difference.

make sure you keep twisting it. when it gets dark it's probably when the effect is highest. you also have to be 90 degrees to the sun for maximum blue sky. to remove glare/reflections, look at the reflections and twist until it's reduced.

if you are still struggling, point it at a computer screen and twist, at one point the computer screen should be completely black. if not, your filter is very bad quality, i'm afraid.
 
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