Polarizer filter removes reflections and increases color saturation without affecting the overall color balance. It’s the most useful filter for landscape photographer, followed by the graduated neutral density filter, which could be replaced by the high dynamic range technique. Polarizer filter reduces haze and reflected sunlight. It has the most effect when shooting at a 90 degree angle from the sun. Get the best result when sun is overhead or behind you and close to the horizon. Polarizer filter has an attached rotating ring for orienting the polarization angle, rotate the ring will adjust the effect. There are exceptions, when the field of view is too wide, you will see uneven blue in the sky, or, you are taking multiple exposures for photo stitching, polarizer filter should not be used in these cases.

The following pictures were taken on July 23, 2006 at 5:07 PM, Brooklyn Marine Park.

The following pictures were taken on September 24, 2006 at 12:39 PM, Times Square. Reflections from glass have been removed by circular polarizer filter.

Note: Sample pictures were using RAW format, converted to JPG by using camera default settings (Canon EOS 300D Digital Rebel, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens, Hoya 58mm Circular Polarizing Pro 1 Digital Multi-Coated (Super HMC) Glass Filter), the filter factor is between 2.3 and 2.8 (approx. +1.3 stops). No Photoshop effects. Circular polarizers are specifically designed for use with auto-focus SLR cameras (They will also work on manual systems without problems). Linear polarizers are used with most video and manual focus photo cameras. They are not recommended for auto-focus SLR cameras.

Tips: Due to the 1.3 stops filter factor, it could be used as a ND filter in order to get slower shutter speed. When shooting sunset or sunrise and including sun in the frame, the top quality multi-coated circular polarizer filter can also suppress flares efficiently. A camera angle of 30 degrees from the reflecting surface (glass, water, etc.) is ideal for maximum effect.

Buy: Hoya HMC (Hoya Multi-Coated) and B+W MRC (Multi-Resistant Coating) circular polarizer filters are highly recommended. Price of the filter is between $12.50 and $1300.00 (not a typo), depends on the size and coating. The top of the line Hoya Pro1 Digital and B+W Kaeseman MRC Slim filter are both 3mm thick, Pro 1 Digital filters are ultra thin but have a front thread, B+W MRC Slim filers do not have a front thread. You can keep the lens cap on if there is a front thread, and mount additional filter or the Cokin P holder, very useful for wide angle lens around 18mm on a crop body, such as the Canon EF-S 18-55mm. For ultra wide angle such as the Canon EF-S 10-22mm, you do need the slim filter (3mm) to avoid vignetting, and use the pro series holder for additional filter(s). The Graduated Neutral Density filter (rectangle in shape) is an important tool for most of the serious landscape photographers, without purchase the expensive holder system, after adjust the circular polarizer filter, it can be mount in the front by duct tape (tape the edge, not surface).

Hoya manufactures a full line of filters in both standard and Hoya multi-coated. The Hoya standard filters have one layer of anti-reflective coating applied to each surface of the glass, other than the bare glass from many manufacturers. 95-96% of the light striking the filter is going through, compares to 91% from other brands. The Multi-coated line has a 3 layer coating system that further allow light going through, up to 99%.

Key features of the Hoya Pro1 Digital: Digital camera CCD or CMOS sensors are highly susceptible to reflections, this stray light can ruin your photographs! Don't risk your valuable photos by using bare-glass filters.
DMC (Digital Multi-Coated): Digital multi-coated filters greatly reduce the appearance of lens flare and ghosting caused by reflections.
BAF (Black Almite Frame): Filters feature a black matte aluminum satin finish Almite frame which reduces reflections.
BRG (Black Rimmed Glass): These filters are equipped with black rimmed glass to reduce the chance of light reflecting off the edge.
LPF (Low Profile Frame): Ultra thin filter frames to help avoid vignetting on super wide angle lenses are also designed to hold a lens cap.
KEF (Knurling Edge Frame): These filters are equipped with a straight knurling edge for non-slip, easy attachment and removal.
UPC (UV Protected Case): Filter cases are UV protected to further lengthen the life of filters.