D-Lux4 - which polarising filter type ?

[jimbo035]

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Next accessory for my camera will be a lens adapter tube (with a 52mm filter thread) so that I can use a polarising filter.

But which type - linear or circular ? (Assuming it matters)

[Nuno Cruces]

Next accessory for my camera will be a lens adapter tube (with a 52mm filter thread) so that I can use a polarising filter.

But which type - linear or circular ? (Assuming it matters)

In short, it doesn't matter.

 

SLRs need circular polarizers for auto-focus/exposure and 3CCD cameras do too (both use beam spliters), but not the D-Lux 4.

 

In theory, linear polarizers could be made better/cheaper than circular ones (if a camera doesn't require them), but in practice, the market dictates that the best/cheapest polarizers are often circular.

[ians]

Next accessory for my camera will be a lens adapter tube (with a 52mm filter thread) so that I can use a polarising filter.

But which type - linear or circular ? (Assuming it matters)

 

I'm interested in this - why does a polarising filter need a 52mm thread? Will a 46mm vignette?

 

ian

[jimbo035]

I'm interested in this - why does a polarising filter need a 52mm thread? Will a 46mm vignette?

 

ian

Perchance someone using a lens adapter tube that has a 46mm filter thread will come forward. I am going for a 52mm thread version not only to reduce that possibility, but also because I have read somewhere that 52mm filters etc are more common than 46mm.

[ians]

I've just received a 46mm lensmate and am now looking for a polarising filter. I've seen no shortage of 46mm filters.

[Gerard]

I'm using a Pandabase extension tube with a 52mm Hoya HD circular PL. Works an absolute treat.

 

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[cobbslane]

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If you wish to avoid vignetting there are two considerations.

1. Do as you suggest and purchase a 52mm tube - Ebay shows Pandabase at $19.99 at present or

2. Make sure you buy a thin section filter which should be ok at 46mm too otherwise Lensmate would not have produced their superb 46mm offering as they have.

 

I had this trouble with a very wide angle lens on a Canon 5D and with a normal Hoya I got slight corner vignetting. The answer in that case was to get a different filter (having already forked out a fortune - it was 77mm dia) which turned out to be a Hoya Pro 1 series. Since then I have used that and a Marumi digital filter. Both of these have a section only 2 to 3mm thick unlike the standard 5 to 6mm thick (the ring width not the glass of course)

I tested both the Pro 1 and Marumi on same lens/body/subject and found them to be no different at all even at 300% in Photoshop. (I was a full time pro at the time and these things had a shade more importance when my mortgage depended on them)

 

The Marumi - available new from EBay is considerably cheaper than Hoya Pro 1 and is soooo smooth. It has apparently been tested/covered elsewhere in the press and is a lesser known bargain IMHO. Look at item 200341499638 in Ebay Uk - £32.25

 

Gerry

[USA road racer]

I have a Panda 52MM with a B&W circular polarizer. No problems except with the built in flash will leave a shadow with the tube on up to what I figure is 40 MM.