Polarizer Polarizing Filter
What's the difference if any between circular polarizing and polarizing filters?
I'm looking at two 72mm filter sets one has a circular polarizer that shows a picture of fish in water without a glare or reflection on the water which is what I want the other just says polarizer. I want the set that just says polarizer but are these the exact same? If not does the plain polarizer eliminate glare or reflectino on water and windows?
I think the first thing you need to know is what a polarizing filter does. A polarized lens basically has microscopic lines that filter extraneous light. This is why you can get rid of glare and reflections because the lens only allows only a set direction of light (for instance only allows vertical or horizontal light through). But unlike a neutral density filter, you lose only extraneous light and not a lot of desired light.
Now the difference between a regular polarizing filter and a circular polarizing filter is that the regular has the microscopic lines going in one direction (again, like vertical or horizontal stripes). The circular polarizing filter has concentric circles of lines. This is only important for auto-focus lenses. If you used a regular polarizing filter, the moment the lens shifted (circular motion) for focus, the light-waves have changed and now the auto-focus is lost. However, with a circular polarizing filter, regardless of how much the focus ring turns, the light is always the same and this allows the auto-focus to continually function.
Here's the fun part. You can see for yourself what a polarizing filter does. Take 2 REGULAR polarizing filters and place one on top of each other. If you twist one of them, you should be able to see clearly through both of them. Now continue to twist and soon you won't be able to see through at all. This is because one filter is filtering one direction of light and the other is filtering out another. So when they are aligned, you can see through. But when they're opposing, they're blocking all directions (both horizontal and vertical). If you use 2 circular polarizing filters, you won't get the opacity because they're always aligned when on top of each other.
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 Tiffen 58MM Circular Polarizer Glass Filter List Price: Sale Price: $24.20 You save: $54.09 (69%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days  |
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 Hoya PRO1 Digital CIRCULAR PL - Filter - circular polarizer - 67 mm List Price: Sale Price: $59.95 You save: $192.30 (76%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days |
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 Hoya 72mm HD Hardened Glass 8-layer Multi-Coated Digital Circular Polarizer Filter List Price: Sale Price: $109.88 You save: $239.92 (69%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours |
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