2 best polarized lens filters

Polarized lens filters are optical accessories commonly used in photography and videography. They are designed to reduce or eliminate glare and unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces like water, glass, and foliage.These filters are part of a camera's accessories and are widely used by photographers and filmmakers to enhance the quality of their images and videos. Here are some key points about polarized lens filters:

  1. Glare Reduction: Polarized filters primarily work by selectively blocking certain orientations of polarized light waves. This helps reduce glare and reflections from surfaces such as water, wet pavement, and glass.

  2. Vibrant Colors: By reducing reflections and glare, polarized filters can enhance the colors and saturation of a scene, making them particularly useful for landscape photography.

  3. Improved Contrast: Polarizers can also improve the contrast in your photos by darkening the sky and making clouds stand out more prominently.

  4. Water Clarity: When shooting through water, a polarized filter can cut through surface reflections, allowing you to see below the water's surface. This is valuable for capturing aquatic life or submerged objects.

  5. Reduced Haze: Polarized filters can minimize atmospheric haze, making distant objects appear clearer and more detailed.

  6. Rotatable Filters: Many polarized filters are designed to be rotatable, allowing you to adjust the degree of polarization to suit your specific shooting conditions and creative preferences.

  7. Compatibility: Polarized lens filters come in various sizes and types to fit different camera lenses. They can be attached to the front of the camera lens using threads or filter holders.

  8. Applications: Polarized filters are commonly used in landscape, architectural, and outdoor photography, as well as in filmmaking to achieve professional and visually appealing results.

  9. Types: Circular polarizers (CPL) are the most common type used in modern cameras. They are easy to use and do not interfere with autofocus or TTL metering.

  10. Maintenance: To get the best results, it's important to keep the filter clean and free from smudges or scratches, as these can affect image quality.

In summary, polarized lens filters are essential tools for photographers and videographers looking to control reflections, enhance colors, and improve the overall quality of their images and videos, especially in outdoor and reflective environments. Using a polarized filter can significantly enhance the visual impact of your work by reducing unwanted glare and reflections.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best polarized lens filters on the market
  

Amazon Basics Circular Polarizer Camera Lens Filter - 67 mm

Amazon Basics

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price

Product description

An Amazon Brand

  • Circular polarizer--one of the most popular special-effect filters
  • Deepens the intensity of blue skies; reduces or eliminates glare
  • Multi-coating reduces reflection
  • Ideal for outdoor photography; for use with auto-focus and non-auto-focus cameras
  • Measures 67mm in diameter

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit a Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 lens
Answer: I don't know about the app. But It works on everything I've done so far, and I use a MacBook Pro and air.
Question: Will this work with nikon d3400 lens 18mm -55mm
Answer: That depends on your level of math knowledge. It was easy for my son, who is in college algebra to use, however I struggle. There is a manual and videos online for directions.
Question: Can I screw in another filter on top of this one
Answer: Color Enhanced (display)
Question: is this considered a "solar filter" that will protect the camera during the solar eclipse
Answer: It is a 14 pg easy to read reference guide. In case the actual manual is hard for you the follow. Nice to have but not a need.

B + W Circular Polarizer Kaesemann - Xtra Slim Mount (XS-PRO), HTC, 16 Layers Multi-Resistant and Nano Coating, Photography Filter, 77 mm

B + W

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • A MUST-HAVE – Whether you’re indoors or outdoors, the right polarizing filter is a must for every photography equipment. No other filter provides such a simple and fast method for breathtaking pictures through reduced reflections on water and smooth non-metallic surfaces. Enjoy richer colors in landscape photography, outlining clouds, skies, and skylines in perfect clarity.
  • EASY TO USE CAMERA FILTER - The Käsemann polarization filter can easily be screwed onto the filter thread of most lenses. Thanks to its special design, the adjustment ring can then be rotated on the filter without resistance in order to improve your images in the simplest possible way. You see an immediate result through the camera viewfinder, or on the display. Adjust the effect strength as desired.
  • BEST WORKMANSHIP - The High Transmission (HTC) polarization film is set between two precise ground and polished cover glasses. It is particularly neutral in color and of high quality, providing for much sharper and richer images than conventional polarizing filters. The MRC glass has been refined with several wafer-thin layers of coating to ensure high scratch resistance and a dirt- and water-repellent effect due to nanotechnology (lotus effect).
  • TOUGH & SOLID MOUNTS - B+W sockets are absolutely accurate, easy to apply, and easy to adjust as polarizing filters thanks to their precision manufacturing. With an extra narrow XS-PRO mount, vignettes can be ruled out in most cases, even at high wide-angle angles. Due to the internal thread, a conventional lens hood can also be fitted so you can take better pictures.
  • MADE IN GERMANY - Schneider Kreuznach (B + W) – We’re proudly your precision mechanics specialists for filters, photography, optics and precision, with more than 100 years of German experience. Schneider products have already been used in NASA's Apollo missions. Thanks to our multi-resistant nano coating lens filter, we’re helping photographers everywhere take clearer, crisper images.

User questions & answers

Question: What's the difference between this and xs-pro mount nano coating one? i'll use it for a canon 24-105 f/4 lens, which mount should i get
Answer: The XS- Pro has a much thinner bezel, and additional coatings that help to make cleaning easier. i have both Pro and XS-Pro in different sizes. They both get the job done. I can testify that the XS-Pro does almost always clean totally with just the air bulb.
Question: What is difference between various B+W polarizers
Answer: They are all top quality. However, the Keasermann let more light pass through while keeping the polarizing effect. If you have a slower lens, this is the perfect polarizer.
Question: Is this made with brass for the ring
Answer: Yes it is. https://www.schneideroptics.com/pdfs/prices/BW%20brochure%202014_EN_1.pdf
Question: Does the B+W mean this is only for black and white shots? Does it have a color version
Answer: LOL, I can see how you would maybe think that but no, this filter is made by a company named B+W (pronounce B plus W). They are legendary for their quality. A note, the circular polarizer (CPL) is a special kind of filter, one that requires a little knowledge to use. For one, it rotates, and this is so you can change it's orientation to the sun. Also, do not point it in the direction of the sun, or away from it. It only works if you are at roughly 90 degrees from the sun. It doesn't have to be exactly 90 degrees, jsut relative. So, once you have position, rotate the filter while looking into the viewfinder. You will notice the sky darken or lighten, and reflections either reduce or intensify. Set it how you like it, and take your shot. It can take some practice to get it to work to best effect. You might need to take a few test shots to get the hang of it.

Product features

Comparison

Especially in landscape photography, the photo filter works to – quite literally – filter out these reflections and ensure that a green meadow or a blue sky looks richer, more colorful, and more natural

Comparison

Especially in landscape photography, the photo filter works to – quite literally – filter out these reflections and ensure that a green meadow or a blue sky looks richer, more colorful, and more natural

Comparison

Reduce reflections from windows, ponds, lakes and many more.

Comparison

Reduce reflections from windows, ponds, lakes and many more.

Made in Germany

Whether in Hollywood, aboard the Apollo spacecraft for NASA’s moon landing, in the photo studios of professional photographers, or on the lenses of amateur photographers - Schneider Kreuznach stands with its filter brand, B + W for first-class photo accessories.

With one of the most advanced research and development departments in the industry, Schneider Kreuznach ensures continuous improvement and completely new and unique methods around thin film technology, nano-coating, antireflection technology, and much more as they continue to move into the future.

Today, state-of-the-art production facilities, precise CNC machines, and a highly developed antireflection coating technology promises top quality that is among the first and finest in the world market, making Schneider Kreuznach one of the leading camera lens filter manufacturers.

F-Pro (Standard Mount)

  • Front Thread: Yes
  • Color: Matte Black
  • For Wide Angle: ++
  • Full Format: From 24 mm
  • APS-C: From 18 mm
  • Suitable For:
  • DSLR Cameras: ++
  • Mirrorless Cameras: +
  • Bridge Cameras: +
  • Video, Camcorder: +

XS-Pro (Slim Mount)

  • Front Thread: Yes
  • Color: Matte Black
  • For Wide Angle: +++
  • Full Format: From 17 mm
  • APS-C: From 10 mm
  • Suitable For:
  • DSLR Cameras: +++
  • Mirrorless Cameras: +++
  • Bridge Cameras: +++
  • Video, Camcorder: +++

T-Pro (Titanium Mount)

  • Front Thread: Yes
  • Color: Titan Finish
  • For Wide Angle: ++++
  • Full Format: From 17 mm
  • APS-C: From 10 mm
  • Suitable For:
  • DSLR Cameras: ++++
  • Mirrorless Cameras: ++++
  • Bridge Cameras: ++++
  • Video, Camcorder: +++

E (Standard Quality)

  • Layers: 2
  • Reflexion: ~ 4 %
  • Transmission: ~ 96 %
  • Water Repellent: -
  • Dirt Repellent: -
  • Acclimation: +
  • Easy To Clean: +
  • For More Contrast: +

MRC (Premium Quality)

  • Layers: 16
  • Reflexion: < 0.5 %
  • Transmission: > 99.5 %
  • Scratch Resistant: +++
  • Water Repellent: +++
  • Dirt Repellent: +++
  • Acclimation: +++
  • Easy To Clean: +++
  • For More Contrast: +++

MRC nano (Premium Quality + nano)

  • Layers: 16 + nano coating
  • Reflexion: < 0.5 %
  • Transmission: > 99.5 %
  • Scratch Resistant: +++
  • Water Repellent: ++++
  • Dirt Repellent: ++++
  • Acclimation: ++++
  • Easy To Clean: ++++
  • For More Contrast: +++

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