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Polarizing Filters on Nikon Lenses
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PostPosted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 10:49 pm    Post subject: Polarizing Filters on Nikon Lenses Reply with quote

My first post here, folks. Please be gentle if I'm breaking any rules...

I am trying to decide on selecting a polarizing filter to work on Nikon 55mm f/2.8 AIS Micro lens, which is mounted on a D80 body.

Nikon, Tiffen, B+W and Hoya circular polarizers in the price range of $30 to $200 are readily available from various online vendors.

I would appreciate suggestions and concerns to watch for in selecting an appropriate polarizer for this lens. What makes a Nikon better than a Hoya etc? Would it matter for what I'm going to use it for?

My main reason to look for a polarizer is to minimize (and hopefully, eliminate) glare and light reflections from small shiny objects that I photograph in the white tent under softbox lighting from close range (3-5').

Thank you.


PostPosted: Thu Aug 28, 2008 11:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nice to see you here!

I don't have much experience with filters, so I can't answer.


PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Not 100% sure you will get the effect you are looking for, it also adjusts the quality of the areas that are not flaring.

I would buy the cheapest one I could find, probably even get a used one, to see how the shots turn out.


PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:20 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for your suggestion.

This is the type of glare/reflection that I am trying to eliminate. Would you have a suggestion other than a polarizer? I would very much appreciate it.



PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 12:31 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

A polarizing filter MAY help but the answer is to adjust your lighting.


PostPosted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

CaptainYoohman wrote:
Thanks for your suggestion.

This is the type of glare/reflection that I am trying to eliminate. Would you have a suggestion other than a polarizer?
A polarizer won't help much here because of the round shape of the object. The solution is to use a gobo that will block any direct light.
Anyway, if you decide to purchase a pola filter i suggest to stay off from cheapo no-name made in china and company. I tried two of them - looked like a bargain at first glance but both of them are just a bunch of junk. I wouldn't recommend tiffen neither. Go with b+w or heliopan - they are a little more expensive but in the long run will pay for themselves. Good luck!


PostPosted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 7:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thank you. When suggesting to stay away from cheap polarizers, does that include Hoya filters as well? What about Nikon circular polarizers? Aren't they made in Philippines or something like that?

Also, could you suggest a good source of info about gobo techniques?

Please and thank you.


PostPosted: Sun Aug 31, 2008 8:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'm afraid i never worked with Nikon polarizers nor Hoya. If they are ok with you, it shouldn't bother that they are made in Philippines or elsewhere. But take care: the only reason you should buy a circ pola is that you plan to use it with an autofocus lens/camera - otherwise stick with cheaper linear pola.
The best info about lightning in general and about in particular that i found is „Light: Science and Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting“ isbn: 0240808193. You can easily find the second edition on internet as pdf but i suggest to purchase a hard copy of the last edition - that's what i did.