SL polarising filter

[G. van Asch]

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I bought my new SL with a Leica UVa II filter and the Circular polarisation filter.

first question:           I read that many people say the UV filter is useless. (even the new Uva II?)

second question:     Is it possible to start with the UV filter and then ad the polarizing filter together?

third question:          I have never used a polarisation filter looked for using on you tube.

Is there a member who can give me an advice on how to use it?

 

thanks for the answer,

 

Gerjan van Asch

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[FlashGordonPhotography]

1. Filters aren't useless but should be used when you know what they're doing to your image. Digital cameras don't need filtering from UV light like film did. They're for protection of the front element mostly except in extreme circumstances (mountaineering for example where the SL would be the wrong camera - too heavy). I only use a clear or UV filter when I'm shooting in wet/ dusty/ sandy environments. If I were shooting around a dusty city or at the beach I would put a clear or UV filter on each lens I'm shooting with. Otherwise it's in the bag. So I have one but use it when appropriate. Generally using the hood will give bigger improvements in image quality while protecting the front element, which is why experienced photographers even use a hood indoors.

 

2. You can but you shouldn't. Two reasons. Firstly at wider focal lengths the depth of the stacked filters may vignette. Secondly you're adding two more glass/air surfaces for each filter. More change of flare, dirt on the surfaces, fogging in humidity and general image degradation.

 

3. A polariser is used for removing polarised light. The main thing is reflections on non metallic subjects and darkening blue skys. You'll see the effect in the viewfinder when you rotate the outside ring of the filter. The effect will be most pronounced at about 35 degree angle to a reflection and with the sun off to one side at 90 degrees. You can even see what it does by just holding the filter up (not on a lens) and rotating it through 90 degrees.

 

Gordon

[Likaleica]

The front element on the 24-90 SL lens is so close and exposed that I bought a UV filter just to protect it

[G. van Asch]

Gordon,

 

thanks for your answer on all my questions,

 

Gerjan

[ramarren]

The front element on the 24-90 SL lens is so close and exposed that I bought a UV filter just to protect it

 

 

Why not just leave the lens hood on? That does a great job of protecting the front element from fingers and careless intrusion. 

 

I bought a polarizer for when its needed/useful, but see little reason to spend money on a multicoated 82mm protection filter.