What is a circular polarizing filter?
Many photographers use a circular polarizing filter to achieve particular visual effects. If you have never used one, however, you may be wondering just why circular polarizing filters are popular with so many photo enthusiasts.ContrastOne of the most common uses for a circular polarizer is to increase contrast in a photo. Many photographers shooting skies use circular polarizing filters to make the white clouds stand out against a blue background, for example.SaturationUse of a circular polarizer also makes colors appear more saturated in the final image.The RingCircular polarizers have a ring around the front of the filter that, when rotated, increases or decreases the effect of polarization, that is, the contrast and saturation in a photo.SizeA circular polarizer is available for nearly any size filter thread provided by lenses on film and digital cameras.StyleBoth drop-in and screw-in filter designs are available for those who want to use a circular polarizer.
