Capture Vivid Photos with the Polarizer Filter

Benefits of Polarizer Filters

If you are a photography enthusiast, whether you do it for business or for the love of it, you probably agree that one of the most useful accessories one can own is the polarizer filter. This type of filter is often considered as basic equipment by outdoor photographers because it has so many benefits.

Have you ever noticed, when you look around the landscape, that the colors of the skies and water or fields seem to be washed out? Haze can be seen not only in nature scenes, but also in the city. It occurs when particles of smoke and dust fill up the atmosphere, and it can create simple light haze on a sunny day or it may build up to heavy fog where you can barely see what is in front of you. A polarizer filter can cut through atmospheric haze, bringing back the bright blue color of the sky and the vivid colors of the surroundings.

A Polarizer Filter Can Cut Through Atmospheric Haze


Photo by Red Junasun

A Polarizer Filter Can Diminish Reflections and Glare

Another great benefit of having a polarizer filter is that it can remove reflections from a non-metallic surface, allowing the objects behind it to become visible. Glass windows and doors, car windshields and water often cast hazy reflections and this filter can eliminate them, or at least lessen their appearance. It can also diminish the occurrence of glare or shine caused by bright sunlight (as seen in the photo comparision below of the elephant ear leaves.)


Photo by syntheticaperture

In this next photo comparison, the left image barely shows what is below the reflective water. The photo on the right, for which a polarizer filter was used, obviously displays the green seaweed and various debris just below the water’s surface.


Photo by publicenergy

A Polarizing Filter Can Add Tonal and Color Contrast

Aside from removing atmospheric haze and reflections, this filter can also make colors darker and more vibrant. The pale blue-gray sky suddenly becomes a cobalt blue when seen through a polarizer. The white clouds then become more visible against this deeper shade of blue. The colors of flowers, trees and fields of grass also appear more intense, and the distinction between shadow and light is more significant. A polarizing filter can transform a drab seascape or landscape into a bright and gorgeous photo.


Photo by Nicholas_T

A Polarizer Filter Cannot Be Attached to All Camera Types

A polarizer filter is attached by screwing it onto the end of the camera lens. Not all cameras will have lenses that have screw-in threads for filters. DSLR lenses usually have them, but if your camera is a point-and-shoot it may not be capable of having a screw in filter attached to it. In case your camera cannot accommodate a polarizing filter, or you simply do not have one, you can become inventive and use polarizing sunglasses over the lens instead. This will provide the same effect to your shot (although it will be more awkward to hold!)


Photo by raneko

Polarizer filters comes in different sizes, so make sure the one you purchase will be a perfect fit with your camera lens. It is also often more costly than other kinds, such as the UV filter. However, the results you get from using this piece of equipment are astounding and dramatic, making the polarizer filter well worth every cent.

Check the Polarizer Filter here:

1- Tiffen 58MM Circular Polarizer Glass Filter

2- B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer Filter

3- HOYA 52MM Circular Polarizing Filter

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