Is it just me, or is this still, after five years, one of the most instructive videos on polarizers and their uses in digital photography? Attests to the quality of your content, Steve.
i am amateur photographer and i have two polarizer filters...this lesson is the best...stive dont tolk about long exposure 4 stop ,even 10 stop ND...ANY filters you lost quality...
OMG! I have watched so many videos about this and been left more confused than when I started, usually with a new list of jargon to bust. So many churn out “90 degrees to the sun” without actually demonstrating what this means and what to do if there’s no sun. Who knew an 8 year old vid would answer all my questions and some I hadn’t thought of - rainbows. Wow, thank you so much. 10.5 minutes well spent. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Steve, I'm an experienced semi-pro photographer with a billion years of experience and enjoy watching your videos immensely. You're precise, informative and on target with everything you say. Those who pay attention to you and follow you have to benefit. Keep up the good work! :)
Hi Steve ... I am an avid amateur and I have to say this was easily the best and most informative video on polarizers I have ever seen. Thank you for your time and effort ... I certainly appreciate it.
I've struggled to get good results with a polarizer and red an awful lot of articles. This was the best 10 minutes I've spent in terms of understanding how to get good results with a polarizer. Can't wait to try these techniques out!
Man I love your channel. You're soooo thorough and knowledgeable. You know exactly what you want to say and you say everything worth saying more concisely than anyone else I know
Hi Steve! Excellent video. I too have been using polarisers for around 30 years but there is one thing I use them for which might raise an eyebrow or two. (I'm also a pro shooter.) Portraiture. A lot of the time when I'm shooting women, I will add a polariser to cut down the tiny specular highlights in human skin. Almost everyone has them. I have only ever seen one person with what I called perfect skin. For everyone else, those specular highlights can come from skin blemishes and in a lot of cases, makeup. I find that a polariser flattens and soften these things and most of the time people don't even know why they like one shot better than another. I definitely agree with your point about exposure. I think of it as improving latitude. It's essential for cutting down the hot spots in a background which can make the difference between being able to get a decent shot and not getting it. The polariser is the only filter in my kit. Unfortunately, the one I use - a Canon - costs about $900. Fortunately, it's owned by my employer! Loved your sharpening tute BTW!
+Steve Perry I've only watched 3 videos including this one and I love the info. I started on film about 21 or so years ago, I love the convenience of digital. As a teen, I had to spend a lot of money to shoot, today one card gets me tons of photos. I am very happy to see a real photographer on TH-cam. So many of the digital folks depend too much on their equipment instead of developing their skills. I am glad ti hear you mention the 90 degree thing for circular polarizers, most people aren't aware of that. I use it to make the image warmer on a cloudy day, when I do fine art making the sky really dark, or black as you stated, actually works better as I usually turn fine art shots into black and white and the black sky makes it extremely dramatic. These are personal preferences, I am not stating you are incorrect or anything like that. My years of experience and of course anyone who has been doing photography for a long time usually know these things, however, this brings me back to my original point that it is great to see a great photographer giving good and thorough advice.
I just bought the filter after reading articles about it. I used it for several hours and noticed a difference in my photos already. I love how the filter effectively diminishes reflections. Not to mention, I can take a photo of my laptop screen now (LOL). Saturation increased, indeed. Awesome video! I find it very helpful as a beginner user.
As a photography "newbie", your You Tube filled in so many questions with easy to understand answers regarding circular polarizers, and their usage! Thanks.
I really liked this video! I am a novice when it comes to DSLR cameras, and purchased a cheap plastic polarizer for my camera. After not getting the effect I was hoping for, I turned to the internet for help. This video helped me understand the uses MUCH better, and I will definitely be buying a higher quality filter! Thank you!
Exceptionally well-done video. I usually don't add comments to a video, but this was so well done and informative that I have to pass on the kudos. And ironically I had just ordered a polarizer. QUESTION: I'm planning on using this one CPL on two lenses. 85mm prime and a 24-105mm. I bought a 72mm to 77mm step up lens. Fortunately, I've tested the lens cap and it still fits the 85mm (72mm ring fitting). Do you see any issues using a step-up filter adapter?
Mitch McCoy Hi Mitch - It should work fine (you're using a 77mm filter on a 72mm lens, right - stepping rings get mixed up all the time LOL). The bigger problem is when you go with a step down ring (72mm filter on a 77mm lens) - lots of potential vignetting. Have fun :)
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED! I just got into photography and am going to the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC this weekend. I'm renting a 17-28mm 2.8 lens for my sony a7iii but I don't have any filters yet. So I'm buying a cpl! Thank you so much for this.
Thank you Steve. Excellent video with great advice and examples. I'm all done searching for CPL tutorials. This answered all the questions! Subscribed!
I've seen quite a bit of material on polarizers now and these are some of the most compelling examples I've seen yet. Very useful video. Thanks for sharing it
Fantastic video, you covered every aspect of using polarization in one video, all the other videos were focused on just one application. I'll watch this again whenever I need a refresher on the subject. Thanks!
Polarizing filters polarize the sun's wavelength. So they are usable during daylight. And the light during daylight photography is strong enough for even the slowest lenses. So the 2 stop loss from polarizing filters isn't an important loss. It can be beneficial too when the lens has an maximum apperure f/1.8 or bigger. These lenses need ND filters during photography with sunlight because the camera's shutter speed isn't fast enough. Then the polarizing can act as an ND filter. Good polarizing filter costs more than 60$. Cheaper ones will do the polarizing work but they will add lens flare, will change all the colors and will add vignetting . So the construction of a good polarizing filter is costly and they are usually the most expensive ones. No need for different filters for different lens diameters. Just buy step down filter rings. They are cheap and reliable. So a big polarizing filter can be used on smaller lens diameters.
Gosh, thank you Steve...I've never used my filter for anything except sky! So much of my photography is done in Australia's outback so big blue skies are not much of a problem and don't often require enhancing. I've never considered using it on reflections or to bring out details etc. The way you demonstrate effects is terrific. A very useful video, thank you.
I almost returned my CPL because of the 20mm/blue sky thing. Now, I'm going to go waterfall chasing. And I live in the PNW, where is mostly rainy and overcast. Great video. You answered all my questions. Thank you. Subscribed
Hey Steve, just wanted to say great video! You answer all the questions one may have about polarising filters. Very informative video, well structured, easy to follow... Thanks mate!
Excellent video Steve. I was looking to purchase a polarizer for my Canon 5D mark III and it was the exact help I was looking for. Cheers Mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow. You just answered every question I had initially about this lens. Thank you so much for posting this video. Like 10 things I wanted to know and let me tell you. When I saw your overcast rainy day segment? It left my jaw on the floor and butterflies in my stomach....I live in northern nh in the white mountains....I always dreaded rainy days but your video changed alllll of that. The Flume, Lost River, Kancamagus Highway, Echo Lake there are a ton of rivers and mtn views!! As you know there is no foliage season like The White Mountain National Forest in NH. Liked and subscribed I look forward to watching your other videos as you get right to the point and it's simple so I can understand. Cheers :)
such a helpful video thanks Steve. Perfectly explained. i just bought one last week and cant wait to go and try it out! i previously just thought my camera didnt take very vivid shots... Thanks. Hi from London!
Great video. As a beginning dslr user I purchased a polarizer on the camera shops recommendation. Now I feel better versed on how to use it. Thanks so much.
Hi Steve, I had just discovered your TH-cam channel and your info on all aspects of Photography I find very useful. There is a few other that I watch as well... I still use my Nikon N90s. I finally went Digital just over a year ago with a Nikon D500 an a Sigma 40mm f1.4 Art lens... And never looked back, so your posts along with Tony Northrop's channel have been very helpful getting me over the learning curve. Thanks for passing along your photo knowledge.
This is great! I love your examples. They make it so easy to see the difference! Thanks! I look forward to use this with my new Polarizing filter this summer.
Very true what you said regarding 35mm lenses Steve. I recently used my ART 35mm on my D810 with a polariser shooting landscape, you can see where the sky darkens through the image, but i just had to kill the glare on a rock with waves breaking over it. Another thing that will ruin your skies when using a polariser, is the "dehaze" slider in LR, it emphasises where the polariser is too strong. Another great vid Steve, cheers mate.
Man am I'm glad I found your channel. You shoot the backwoods I love to trek. Except now I have a camera and am learning to use it. Your vids are helping me a LOT. Thank you! I will be looking for your book.
So, I just got a polarizer for my drone. Wasn't sure how to set it up. Tried here at home, but see I need to get out for a better test. I have done some watfalls and didn't like how they turned out. Great job Steve. Helped me to understand. Very simple and educational. Back out I go, but with a little more knowledge. Can't wait!
Is it just me, or is this still, after five years, one of the most instructive videos on polarizers and their uses in digital photography? Attests to the quality of your content, Steve.
i am amateur photographer and i have two polarizer filters...this lesson is the best...stive dont tolk about long exposure 4 stop ,even 10 stop ND...ANY filters you lost quality...
in 2020 it still works fine :)
Steve is timeless
Yes! I also find it humorous!
Very informative vid. I’ve just bought a Hoya pro1 and was looking for info to get the very best out of it, this vid ticks that box perfectly.
OMG! I have watched so many videos about this and been left more confused than when I started, usually with a new list of jargon to bust. So many churn out “90 degrees to the sun” without actually demonstrating what this means and what to do if there’s no sun. Who knew an 8 year old vid would answer all my questions and some I hadn’t thought of - rainbows. Wow, thank you so much. 10.5 minutes well spent. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
THE FINGER POINT....genius!! Holy crap, thanks for teaching this 'ol dog a new trick!!!
Steve, I'm an experienced semi-pro photographer with a billion years of experience and enjoy watching your videos immensely. You're precise, informative and on target with everything you say. Those who pay attention to you and follow you have to benefit. Keep up the good work! :)
Hi Steve ... I am an avid amateur and I have to say this was easily the best and most informative video on polarizers I have ever seen. Thank you for your time and effort ... I certainly appreciate it.
Thank you Steve, that was the most comprehensive tutorial on how to and where to use a polarizing filter I have seen. Great job mate.
This video didn’t lose any of its relevancy. The best one I could find on this topic. Thank you Steve!
Straight and to the point, zero BS that's what we always get from Steve 👍👍
This video is forever as today is the 19/11/2023 and it still offers very valuable information. Thank you so much, Steve 👍🙏👍🙏
I can not understand how 31 people dislike this awesome informative video about CIR POL Filter !!!
I've struggled to get good results with a polarizer and red an awful lot of articles. This was the best 10 minutes I've spent in terms of understanding how to get good results with a polarizer. Can't wait to try these techniques out!
This is great information Steve, thanks a lot for such a detailed discussion on the filter
8yrs on and it's the best video I've watched on CPL
Easily the most comprehensive but easy to follow tutorial/description on a polarizer. Thank you!
Best educational video on polarizing filters on YT. Thanks!
Man I love your channel. You're soooo thorough and knowledgeable. You know exactly what you want to say and you say everything worth saying more concisely than anyone else I know
Hi Steve! Excellent video. I too have been using polarisers for around 30 years but there is one thing I use them for which might raise an eyebrow or two. (I'm also a pro shooter.)
Portraiture.
A lot of the time when I'm shooting women, I will add a polariser to cut down the tiny specular highlights in human skin. Almost everyone has them. I have only ever seen one person with what I called perfect skin. For everyone else, those specular highlights can come from skin blemishes and in a lot of cases, makeup.
I find that a polariser flattens and soften these things and most of the time people don't even know why they like one shot better than another.
I definitely agree with your point about exposure. I think of it as improving latitude. It's essential for cutting down the hot spots in a background which can make the difference between being able to get a decent shot and not getting it.
The polariser is the only filter in my kit. Unfortunately, the one I use - a Canon - costs about $900. Fortunately, it's owned by my employer!
Loved your sharpening tute BTW!
Awesome tip! Thanks for taking the time to post it. I don't do portraits anymore, but that would be a fantastic idea.
Thanks for taking the time to make the video and explain different settings with real life scenarios. Cheers Steve!
Literally the most instructive video about polarisers. Strange that no one in 7 years created a video over polarisers. 😅
+Steve Perry I've only watched 3 videos including this one and I love the info. I started on film about 21 or so years ago, I love the convenience of digital. As a teen, I had to spend a lot of money to shoot, today one card gets me tons of photos. I am very happy to see a real photographer on TH-cam. So many of the digital folks depend too much on their equipment instead of developing their skills.
I am glad ti hear you mention the 90 degree thing for circular polarizers, most people aren't aware of that. I use it to make the image warmer on a cloudy day, when I do fine art making the sky really dark, or black as you stated, actually works better as I usually turn fine art shots into black and white and the black sky makes it extremely dramatic. These are personal preferences, I am not stating you are incorrect or anything like that.
My years of experience and of course anyone who has been doing photography for a long time usually know these things, however, this brings me back to my original point that it is great to see a great photographer giving good and thorough advice.
floex831 7
I just bought the filter after reading articles about it. I used it for several hours and noticed a difference in my photos already. I love how the filter effectively diminishes reflections. Not to mention, I can take a photo of my laptop screen now (LOL). Saturation increased, indeed. Awesome video! I find it very helpful as a beginner user.
A photography video that spends all it's time giving you tips and useful information instead of trying to sell things!?!
Subscribed.
As usual, Steve explains the key issues clearly and makes total sense - unlike so many would-be instructors out there...
Check out my new video - How To Use A Polarizer. (hint - there's more to it than just blue skies).
Love your videos man. Great tips. You know just about everything about everything to do with photography.
Best Photography video I've watched so far. Instructional, to the point, organized, wish I could give 2 thumbs up. excellent. Thank you !
As a photography "newbie", your You Tube filled in so many questions with easy to understand answers regarding circular polarizers, and their usage! Thanks.
This is the most informative and illustrative lesson on polarizers I've found so far.
Great work!
I really liked this video! I am a novice when it comes to DSLR cameras, and purchased a cheap plastic polarizer for my camera. After not getting the effect I was hoping for, I turned to the internet for help. This video helped me understand the uses MUCH better, and I will definitely be buying a higher quality filter! Thank you!
im looking at my holiday photos and seeing nothing but haze in some landscape shots. Just bought two CPLs for my lenses!
This was the most thorough overview of polarizers and the different ways to use them I've come across. Great job, thanks!
Way up and by far, the most useful information about polarizers and usage. All facts based and not opinionated. Much appreciated, Steve. Regards, Bill
Best video i have seen on Polarizing filters.Thank you Steve for delivering it.
Steve, you consistently make some of the best photography videos anywhere on TH-cam... no small feat. Thanks for making this!
Seven years old advice is still relevant. Just the info I needed. Thanks!
The best CPL video on YT, congrats!
This was the most thorough and useful video on the subject on TH-cam. Thanks for all the tips.
Easily the best tutorials out there. I appreciate the effort you made you create these
I think this should be called "everything you need to know about polarising filters" great video!
This may have been the most helpful photo video I’ve watched in years. Thanks, Steve!
Excellent tutorial for us beginners learning about polarizer filters. Thank you much 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Newbie here heading out tomorrow morning with my first polarizer to try it out. This video was so helpful! Thank you!
Thanks Steve - again a very useful video. Also I've just purchased the Nikon D7500 based on your video - and thanks again for that !
First time viewer here. I really enjoyed this video. Very well done and useful too!
Thanks so much. Subscribed!
Hi, Steve. What polarizer do you use? Would you recommend it?
Exceptionally well-done video. I usually don't add comments to a video, but this was so well done and informative that I have to pass on the kudos. And ironically I had just ordered a polarizer. QUESTION: I'm planning on using this one CPL on two lenses. 85mm prime and a 24-105mm. I bought a 72mm to 77mm step up lens. Fortunately, I've tested the lens cap and it still fits the 85mm (72mm ring fitting). Do you see any issues using a step-up filter adapter?
Mitch McCoy Hi Mitch - It should work fine (you're using a 77mm filter on a 72mm lens, right - stepping rings get mixed up all the time LOL). The bigger problem is when you go with a step down ring (72mm filter on a 77mm lens) - lots of potential vignetting. Have fun :)
Mitch McCoy q
A very instructive video on the use of the polarizer. Very entertaining too. Many thanks.
Best channel to learn photography..
Wow Steve....what an excellent job of explaining everything about polarizers. Thanks !
THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED! I just got into photography and am going to the Blue Ridge Mountains of NC this weekend. I'm renting a 17-28mm 2.8 lens for my sony a7iii but I don't have any filters yet. So I'm buying a cpl! Thank you so much for this.
Thank you Steve. Excellent video with great advice and examples. I'm all done searching for CPL tutorials. This answered all the questions! Subscribed!
I've seen quite a bit of material on polarizers now and these are some of the most compelling examples I've seen yet. Very useful video. Thanks for sharing it
Fantastic video, you covered every aspect of using polarization in one video, all the other videos were focused on just one application. I'll watch this again whenever I need a refresher on the subject. Thanks!
Excellent video, very informative, no beating around the bush, excellent sample shots to illustrate your points. You got yourself a subscriber.
Very well done! What you packed in the ~10 minutes with our your style was just perfect.
Very straightforward and educational. Thank you.
This is a great video. Really appreciate the clean & informative format of your tutorial. Thanks!
Superb explanation ! I did really enjoyed following all you tricks using the polarizing filter.
Fantastic video.. I'm definitely going to get one
Great video! Thanks!
Polarizing filters polarize the sun's wavelength. So they are usable during daylight. And the light during daylight photography is strong enough for even the slowest lenses. So the 2 stop loss from polarizing filters isn't an important loss. It can be beneficial too when the lens has an maximum apperure f/1.8 or bigger. These lenses need ND filters during photography with sunlight because the camera's shutter speed isn't fast enough. Then the polarizing can act as an ND filter.
Good polarizing filter costs more than 60$. Cheaper ones will do the polarizing work but they will add lens flare, will change all the colors and will add vignetting . So the construction of a good polarizing filter is costly and they are usually the most expensive ones. No need for different filters for different lens diameters. Just buy step down filter rings. They are cheap and reliable. So a big polarizing filter can be used on smaller lens diameters.
I needed this video today. Thanks for the detailed explanation on CPLs, especially the difference between thin and thicker polarizers.
Great info, well produced and presented. Thank you.
Great video. Have definitely subscribed to your channel now. You answered all the questions I had and some. Thank you so much.
Gosh, thank you Steve...I've never used my filter for anything except sky! So much of my photography is done in Australia's outback so big blue skies are not much of a problem and don't often require enhancing. I've never considered using it on reflections or to bring out details etc. The way you demonstrate effects is terrific. A very useful video, thank you.
Excellent video with lots of tips for using the filter. Thank you!
I almost returned my CPL because of the 20mm/blue sky thing.
Now, I'm going to go waterfall chasing. And I live in the PNW, where is mostly rainy and overcast.
Great video. You answered all my questions. Thank you.
Subscribed
very informative great to watch really made easy to listen to thanks Steve
Enjoyed your video. Thank you for taking the time and creating this. Some beautiful photos you have there as well!
Awesome job my friend. Fantastic work and a massive help. Keep up the sterling performance.
Hey Steve, just wanted to say great video! You answer all the questions one may have about polarising filters. Very informative video, well structured, easy to follow... Thanks mate!
This was a great presentation. I like polarization filters for water shots but you have pointed the way to so much more!!
Excellent video Steve. I was looking to purchase a polarizer for my Canon 5D mark III and it was the exact help I was looking for. Cheers Mate!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great video. I had not thought of all the reasons you listed to use a polarizer. I'll be pulling mine from my bag more often.
Great tips! Will definitely use the info for my next shoot. Recently purchased a polarizer and can't wait to put it to use.
Wow. You just answered every question I had initially about this lens. Thank you so much for posting this video. Like 10 things I wanted to know and let me tell you. When I saw your overcast rainy day segment? It left my jaw on the floor and butterflies in my stomach....I live in northern nh in the white mountains....I always dreaded rainy days but your video changed alllll of that. The Flume, Lost River, Kancamagus Highway, Echo Lake there are a ton of rivers and mtn views!! As you know there is no foliage season like The White Mountain National Forest in NH. Liked and subscribed I look forward to watching your other videos as you get right to the point and it's simple so I can understand. Cheers :)
such a helpful video thanks Steve. Perfectly explained. i just bought one last week and cant wait to go and try it out! i previously just thought my camera didnt take very vivid shots... Thanks. Hi from London!
I saw about 7 CPL tutorail videos, this was the best, great examples and tips, thanks!
Fantastic video Steve, I learnt so much I didn't know about my polarizing filter! Can't wait to go try some of it out. Thanks. 🙂
What a hell of work! You are so amazing. Hope to see more of your works.
This is great! I love your examples. They make it so easy to see the difference! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful video on polarizing filter. Best video on the subject.
Thought about buying one. Now i am sold on it. Thanks a lot.
Great video. As a beginning dslr user I purchased a polarizer on the camera shops recommendation. Now I feel better versed on how to use it. Thanks so much.
Hi Steve,
I had just discovered your TH-cam channel and your info on all aspects of Photography I find very useful. There is a few other that I watch as well... I still use my Nikon N90s. I finally went Digital just over a year ago with a Nikon D500 an a Sigma 40mm f1.4 Art lens... And never looked back, so your posts along with Tony Northrop's channel have been very helpful getting me over the learning curve. Thanks for passing along your photo knowledge.
Excellent video Steve, thank you. No beating about he bush, straight to the point. Subscribed.
This is great! I love your examples. They make it so easy to see the difference! Thanks! I look forward to use this with my new Polarizing filter this summer.
Very true what you said regarding 35mm lenses Steve. I recently used my ART 35mm on my D810 with a polariser shooting landscape, you can see where the sky darkens through the image, but i just had to kill the glare on a rock with waves breaking over it. Another thing that will ruin your skies when using a polariser, is the "dehaze" slider in LR, it emphasises where the polariser is too strong. Another great vid Steve, cheers mate.
Excellent video. Very helpful, as always. Many thanks
Amazing, it's summer 2018 and I just subscribed to your channel because of this video. That proves how good it was.
Thanks a lot!!!
Thank you for a great production with clear and concise information I just hit subscribe thanks again
Love you videos. They are always so to the point easily explained, even for dummies like me!
Another Superb Training Video... Thank You, Steve !!!
Extremely informative. Wow. A lot to learn. I have to view this again.
Man am I'm glad I found your channel. You shoot the backwoods I love to trek. Except now I have a camera and am learning to use it. Your vids are helping me a LOT. Thank you! I will be looking for your book.
A video prepared with labor. Thank you very much.
liked the way the whole mechanism has been explained...thanks a lot for sharing! It was really helpful
Excellent video. Well-made, very informative, with certain tips other videos on here did not have. A CPL is now on my shopping list!
Fantastic! Thank you!
Great tips with samples and explanation, cheers mate!
So, I just got a polarizer for my drone. Wasn't sure how to set it up. Tried here at home, but see I need to get out for a better test. I have done some watfalls and didn't like how they turned out. Great job Steve. Helped me to understand. Very simple and educational. Back out I go, but with a little more knowledge. Can't wait!