Why You Should Use a Circular Polarizer for Outdoor Photography

Outdoor photographers are faced with all kinds of conditions, elements, and outdoor features. One of the most intriguing features in outdoor photography is water. Photographers can use water to create stunning compositions by using the water and light together. Creating highly creative compositions with water features requires a circular polarizing filter. Circular polarizers allow photographers to remove distracting glares from water, or even add more glare to reflect amazing light. The circular polarizer is truly the most important filter that I use for my outdoor photography and is critical to successful water photos.

4 Responses to “Why You Should Use a Circular Polarizer for Outdoor Photography”

1. Steven Sanmarco April 25th, 2022

   I enjoyed this video but I thought this is what an ND Filter does? I am a bit confused.

   Reply

   • Customer Service April 27th, 2022

     Hi Steven. The ND and the Polarizer are similar yet different.
     Both filters will darken an image’s exposure without changing its fStop and the resulting Depth of Field. The difference is that
     the circular polarizer has additional functionality that a fixed ND filter does not; the polarizer’s darkening is adjustable. Its darkening
     function is adjustable as you rotate the front element of the filter. In addition, due to the internal make-up of the filter’s glass, the
     polarizer will also cut glare created by reflected light.

     This darkening will vary depending on the rotation of the filter elements and your relationship to the sun.

     It may help you if you think of the circular polarizer as a sophisticated pair of polarized sunglasses for your lens,
     and the ND filter as a basic pair of sunglasses that can only darken the scene a fixed amount.

     Still unclear, go to: https://bhpho.to/3vj41FE

     Happy Shooting!
     Steven
     Outdoor Photography Guide

     Reply

2. Donna March 18th, 2019

   Cruising to Alaska soon so I should use one of these filters? Even by glaciers? And what about on land?

   Reply

   • ATISH PRASAD August 22nd, 2021

     how did the trip go?

     Reply