Thanks! nope, no flash curtain tutorials yet, but I will do in the future. In the meantime, feel free to ask in the dslrtips section of the cameralabs forum!
Ah man, I do understand that! See, I am not complaining. Just wanted to know how much of a huge inspiration you are to me (and I bet to thousand of others). Photography is my greatest passion and you were the hugest / ultimate incentive for me to jump into that several years ago. Thank you very much. Hope you are doing great!
Being a huge fan and having learned A LOT from your videos for many years I MUST say I do miss them. Really wish you could find time to make new ones Gordon. Thank you very much for all the help and inspiration.
Gordon, I know you're a pro because you're great even on the details. For example, saying your speech at once without cutting every 3 seconds like most youtubers do.
Glad you like them! I'm unlikely to do any other filter videos though as most apart from a polariser can be applied through software later. Don't forget to check out the dslrtips . com website and also the forum at cameralabs . com for more advice!
Thankyou! Sometimes my approach may not seem as much fun, but hopefully the information is useful! As for your question, polarisers can remove the relfections from non-metallic objects, like glass or water, but you need to get your angle right. So yes, you could shoot through a window with a polariser and reduce the reflections, but if possible, forget the polariser and just press the lens up against the glass.
The marker is just a reference in case you want to remember a particular position. The actual polarising effect varies on the conditions and your direction, not the position of this marker, so you can happily ignore it!
this is great! I bought a CPL along with my DSLR because I live in South Florida and it is always sunny here and I wanted to shy away from over exposed washed out photos, but I wasn't sure how to actually use the CPL until now. I subscribed to your tutorials because they are so helpful and easy to follow. Thanks so much! -Kelly
Absolutely fantastic tips!!! I'm a total beginner and I'm learning A LOT watching your videos. Very clear, great examples (before and after)and very well produced! A big 10! You should make tutorial DVDs!
@SibSpi Shooting in RAW is a great idea as you suggest because it lets you easily adjust the WB after the event, along with giving you greater latitude for adjustments. But it introduces an extra element of complication for beginners, who these tips are aimed at. If you're comfortable shooting and processing RAW, then yes, I'd recommend it.
Hi badgermost, I do enjoy making the videos, but the problem is they don't make any money and this is my job! If more people donated or bought ebooks or through affiliates at my sites, then the videos would become more viable, but right now, they're not ideal when you have to support your family! That said I do hope to make some more in the future, so watch this space!
A newbie with a Canon Rebel T1 and I am glad I found your channel. I am subscribing to it. I am sure I have much to learn from you. I always wanted to learn how to shoot in manual with a DSLR and have been practicing over the past month with gradual improvements. I am now ready to move on to applying filters.
@Rezaroth Great question! As you know, all polarisers have the side-effect of acting like ND filters, but they don't quote the actual figure. I think it's partly because the effect is variable. Either way, they don't sell ones which are deliberately darker than others.
Excellent tutorial - Gordon (as usual) mentions many points other channels miss. As ever, I watch several and like to get a real feel for the topic that way. Different explanations usually clarify. No doubt, this little glass disc is an essential gizmo for sunny days, and it's fun to use. One extra point, that two polarisers stacked can be used for light reduction (i.e. as a neutral density filter).
Thanks - the answer is to AF first, then turn the polariser, although since this will defocus the lens slightly, it's worth half-pressing again to relock the focus. The barrel may subsequently turn the polariser a little bit, but it won't make a big difference to the effect.
I just bought a circularising polarizer for my Canon DLSR and whilst I knew some of the stuff you said, there were a good few other factors I hadn't considered. Thanks for the video mate.
Thanks! Don't forget to check the actual dslrtips . com site for more tips, and also the dslrtips section on the cameralabs forums if you have any questions...
That's true for things like coloured or graduated filters, but the polarising effect cannot be simulated with software. If you only buy one filter - this is the one! Feel free to ask any other Qs in the dslrtips section on the cameralabs forum...
I've not benchmarked the IS version, so can't say whether it's better quality, but the IS aspect is very useful. Feel free to discuss it further on the cameralabs forums.
@WhiteBeltAcademy Yes tyou can change the white balance when recording a JPEG, but there's no easy way to change oit again afterwards if you got it wrong or want to try something else. Shooting in RAW lets you change the white balance easily afterwards. PS - regarding the other posts, thanks for supporting me, but I don't want the comments to descend into a slanging match here, so I may remove them later.
Gordon, Love your videos!! I always learn so much. And something I really appreciate............I didn't know what size filter I needed for my lens until you said that it is marked on the end of the lens itself. THANK YOU!!!!
Thankyou! I may well do some more detailed guides in the future on a pay-per-view, or sale basis. In the meantime, don't forget to check out my websites dslrtips . com and cameralabs . com!
Yes, optically, two polarisers could be used to bloock varying degrees of light, and therefore act as a variable neutral density filter, BUT as you guess, vignetting could be a problem on wider lenses AND there could also be a reduction in quality when using two or more filters at the same time.
You're welcome Kelly! Don't forget to visit my actual websites dslrtips . com and cameralabs . com for more advice! We have a great forum at cameralabs too if you have any questions!
i find that polarising lens even works on cloudy days for reflective surfaces, such as water or leaves or puddles of water, it lets you see through wafer by ignoring the reflections to see the true colours behind - ive taken some great nature shots on cloudy days using the polariser.
@khellendrose There's no need to post the same questions again and again! Just go to dslrtips . com and read the tutorials which go with these videos - you'll see which models I'd recommend. Also feel free to ask in the filters section of the cameralabs . com forum.
Well remember it won't have any effect other than to absorb precious light under many conditions, so I'd really recommend only using it when you need to.
@cameralabs You are welcome. As for changing the white balance, my best suggestion for dealing with JPEG format, is to edit an image in layers and then saving it as .PSD if using photoshop. This way, you are then able to re-edit these pictures in the future without an issue.
The darkening is due to vignetting - something is getting in the way in the corners. If you are using your CPL on top of your UV filter, that's the cause, as the total filter size is now too thick and is getting in the way. So remove your UV filter when using your CPL... any other Qs, please post on the cameralabs forums!
oh wow! thanks a lot for the tutorial. i'm upgrading from point n shoot to DSLR and i'm often confused seeing a lot of numbers on the lens, but at least now i understand which CPL i should get! :D
What do you want it to do? A polariser won't work at night. Feel free to discuss it further in the dslrtips section of the cameralabs forum - there's a thread for this tutorial there.
Also great for superzooms with lens attachment. One comment though. It would be also great if a lot of compact zooms have lens attachments to fit various filters. It would give the compacts (Canon G12 excluded, as a kit is offered) more flexibilty in producing creative and corrective images, that are only reserved for superzooms and DSLRs. All in all, a very informative video presentation. Keep up the good work.
very informative. thank you. I am not shure, but I think I saw you at Photokina this year. You stood next to me me, while Philip Bloom had a speech at the Canon stage. best wishes
It was worth it for the one tip about the angle of the sun. The camera store that recommended the filter didn't mention this subtlety. I know a 6 minute video isn't meant to be an all-emcompassing tutorial, but I did come away with one question: if not facing the sun at an optimal angle, will the filter be to the detriment of my shot? I was walking on a boardwalk facing the sun, so any given shot could be with the sun in my face, behind me, or at 90 degrees. I left the filter on all day. I'm trying to get the hang of it.
bought one on a whim today while also making my beginner purchases of a tripod, flower hood, and of course a nifty fifty 50mm 1.8 for my 'rabel' . the sky cleared up and i got some great shots, but the water shots alone (even if none were really keepers) made this worth my while. will be taking this filter with me next time i shoot shallow water fish and turtles at the local park.
@DariusFTW Well I do have a degree in physics if that helps. But remember this tutorial is not for people with degrees in physics, it's for complete beginners, who will probably better understand a description of a circle with a line through it, like a no-entry sign.
@DontSpamHerePlz004 What's wrong with those settings? Did you expect me to only shoot in RAW and manual exposure modes? If so, remember these tutorials are aimed at complete beginners. That's why I use those settings.
Great, great video. As others have suggested, you really should do a longer tutorial on general fotography using DSLRs. I have enjoyed your camera and lens reviews for a while now, and would LOVE to pay for a good how-to if you made one.
awesome!.... i just got a circular polarizing filter for my cannon sx 20is .... cant wait to go back to vegas and take pics of the distant mountains from the strip in sunset.
Well again, there's not much to say about them. Unless you're heading to high altitudes where they'll prevent blue casts, the only time you'd use a UV filter is when you want to protect the end of your lens. Feel free to discuss this further on the cameralabs forums...
Regarding the use of a polarizing filter you should shoot at a perpendicular angle to the sun. If you imagine yourself standing in the center of a clock face have your shadow fall away from you at the nine or three o'clock position. The effect varies as you change camera position towards or away from the sun. How high the sun is in the sky relative to the horizon is a factor as well. Experiment and have fun learning!
@10354046586 You're very welcome! Don't forget you can support me by shopping for anything at the partner stores page on cameralabs . com ! You'll find my full reviews there too - these videos are just the tip of the iceberg!
@cameralabs The EOS 500D we got came with a booklet explaining (in simple enough terms) what the different functions and features of the camera are, and I believe even went on to explain that, ignoring battery consumption and a quadrupling in size, shooting in RAW should be preferable from the get-go, since the included DPP software would make conversion quick and easy enough. Personally I can't think of on-camera JPEG processing as being good for anything but quicker file sharing.
@cameralabs Oh, not to mention the 'creative software' that also forms part of the EOS Utilities package. Those combined should still keep things very user friendly.
Gordon is the coolest man in the world, without him 99% of people would only be half the photographer they were before.
Keep it going.
Thanks! nope, no flash curtain tutorials yet, but I will do in the future. In the meantime, feel free to ask in the dslrtips section of the cameralabs forum!
Ah man, I do understand that! See, I am not complaining. Just wanted to know how much of a huge inspiration you are to me (and I bet to thousand of others). Photography is my greatest passion and you were the hugest / ultimate incentive for me to jump into that several years ago. Thank you very much. Hope you are doing great!
Being a huge fan and having learned A LOT from your videos for many years I MUST say I do miss them. Really wish you could find time to make new ones Gordon. Thank you very much for all the help and inspiration.
i never thought my shots would be this better with polarizing filters. thank you so much, sir!
Once again great video. I just bought my first polarizer today and had no idea how to use it. You have saved me again!
Gordon, I know you're a pro because you're great even on the details. For example, saying your speech at once without cutting every 3 seconds like most youtubers do.
Glad you like them! I'm unlikely to do any other filter videos though as most apart from a polariser can be applied through software later. Don't forget to check out the dslrtips . com website and also the forum at cameralabs . com for more advice!
Thankyou! Sometimes my approach may not seem as much fun, but hopefully the information is useful! As for your question, polarisers can remove the relfections from non-metallic objects, like glass or water, but you need to get your angle right. So yes, you could shoot through a window with a polariser and reduce the reflections, but if possible, forget the polariser and just press the lens up against the glass.
The marker is just a reference in case you want to remember a particular position. The actual polarising effect varies on the conditions and your direction, not the position of this marker, so you can happily ignore it!
The best and the most informative circ.polarizer review on UA-cam!! I appreciate your time and thank you so much...
Your accent definitely gets my attention! Very sharp and straight-to-the point. Thanks!
this is great! I bought a CPL along with my DSLR because I live in South Florida and it is always sunny here and I wanted to shy away from over exposed washed out photos, but I wasn't sure how to actually use the CPL until now. I subscribed to your tutorials because they are so helpful and easy to follow. Thanks so much!
-Kelly
Absolutely fantastic tips!!! I'm a total beginner and I'm learning A LOT watching your videos. Very clear, great examples (before and after)and very well produced!
A big 10! You should make tutorial DVDs!
@SibSpi Shooting in RAW is a great idea as you suggest because it lets you easily adjust the WB after the event, along with giving you greater latitude for adjustments. But it introduces an extra element of complication for beginners, who these tips are aimed at. If you're comfortable shooting and processing RAW, then yes, I'd recommend it.
Hi badgermost, I do enjoy making the videos, but the problem is they don't make any money and this is my job! If more people donated or bought ebooks or through affiliates at my sites, then the videos would become more viable, but right now, they're not ideal when you have to support your family! That said I do hope to make some more in the future, so watch this space!
A newbie with a Canon Rebel T1 and I am glad I found your channel. I am subscribing to it. I am sure I have much to learn from you. I always wanted to learn how to shoot in manual with a DSLR and have been practicing over the past month with gradual improvements. I am now ready to move on to applying filters.
It's certainly something I've considered in the past and may end up doing in the future! I'll keep you updated if it comes about...
@Rezaroth Great question! As you know, all polarisers have the side-effect of acting like ND filters, but they don't quote the actual figure. I think it's partly because the effect is variable. Either way, they don't sell ones which are deliberately darker than others.
Excellent tutorial - Gordon (as usual) mentions many points other channels miss. As ever, I watch several and like to get a real feel for the topic that way. Different explanations usually clarify. No doubt, this little glass disc is an essential gizmo for sunny days, and it's fun to use. One extra point, that two polarisers stacked can be used for light reduction (i.e. as a neutral density filter).
Thanks - the answer is to AF first, then turn the polariser, although since this will defocus the lens slightly, it's worth half-pressing again to relock the focus. The barrel may subsequently turn the polariser a little bit, but it won't make a big difference to the effect.
Im new to photography and you have helped me a great deal in choosing a nice set of filters and tips. Thanks Gordon!
I just bought a circularising polarizer for my Canon DLSR and whilst I knew some of the stuff you said, there were a good few other factors I hadn't considered. Thanks for the video mate.
Thanks Gordon!! Was checking out on polarizing filters a few days before and this help heaps. Can't wait for your next tutorial!!
Been looking forward to more of your video tips & am not disappointed. You are simply Ace !
Thanks! Don't forget to check the actual dslrtips . com site for more tips, and also the dslrtips section on the cameralabs forums if you have any questions...
That's true for things like coloured or graduated filters, but the polarising effect cannot be simulated with software. If you only buy one filter - this is the one! Feel free to ask any other Qs in the dslrtips section on the cameralabs forum...
Thanks for all workshop you provided. I would love to hear more.
I've not benchmarked the IS version, so can't say whether it's better quality, but the IS aspect is very useful. Feel free to discuss it further on the cameralabs forums.
@WhiteBeltAcademy Yes tyou can change the white balance when recording a JPEG, but there's no easy way to change oit again afterwards if you got it wrong or want to try something else. Shooting in RAW lets you change the white balance easily afterwards. PS - regarding the other posts, thanks for supporting me, but I don't want the comments to descend into a slanging match here, so I may remove them later.
Great video. Really helped me understand how to use the filter that my mother gave me for Christmas. Thanks!
Thanks Gordon. Just bought a Hoya HD CPL 77mm and the tips were quiet useful.
There's a note about that in the workshop which accompanies this video at dslrtips . com.
It should say on the filter itself. Circular polarisers are often shortened to CPL, and will also be more expensive. Hoya is one of the best brands.
Gordon,
Love your videos!! I always learn so much. And something I really appreciate............I didn't know what size filter I needed for my lens until you said that it is marked on the end of the lens itself. THANK YOU!!!!
Thankyou! I may well do some more detailed guides in the future on a pay-per-view, or sale basis. In the meantime, don't forget to check out my websites dslrtips . com and cameralabs . com!
Thanks Gordon. Your tutorials are simply amazing!
Yes, optically, two polarisers could be used to bloock varying degrees of light, and therefore act as a variable neutral density filter, BUT as you guess, vignetting could be a problem on wider lenses AND there could also be a reduction in quality when using two or more filters at the same time.
You're welcome Kelly! Don't forget to visit my actual websites dslrtips . com and cameralabs . com for more advice! We have a great forum at cameralabs too if you have any questions!
I agree completely - the only filter you really need is a polarizer.
i find that polarising lens even works on cloudy days for reflective surfaces, such as water or leaves or puddles of water, it lets you see through wafer by ignoring the reflections to see the true colours behind - ive taken some great nature shots on cloudy days using the polariser.
Hi, feel free to ask in the dslrtips section of the cameralabs forums!
Your tips are excellent. I always tend to come back and check! thank you
@khooby922 Thankyou! I appreciate your kind comment!
@khellendrose There's no need to post the same questions again and again! Just go to dslrtips . com and read the tutorials which go with these videos - you'll see which models I'd recommend. Also feel free to ask in the filters section of the cameralabs . com forum.
@khellendrose Only use one filter at a time for the best quality and to avoid vignetting (darkening in corners).
Well remember it won't have any effect other than to absorb precious light under many conditions, so I'd really recommend only using it when you need to.
@cameralabs You are welcome. As for changing the white balance, my best suggestion for dealing with JPEG format, is to edit an image in layers and then saving it as .PSD if using photoshop. This way, you are then able to re-edit these pictures in the future without an issue.
Thanks Gordon, I find all your videos very informative. Keep up the good work!
The darkening is due to vignetting - something is getting in the way in the corners. If you are using your CPL on top of your UV filter, that's the cause, as the total filter size is now too thick and is getting in the way. So remove your UV filter when using your CPL... any other Qs, please post on the cameralabs forums!
Great tips! I'd really like to see more tutorials... they're fantastic.
oh wow! thanks a lot for the tutorial.
i'm upgrading from point n shoot to DSLR and i'm often confused seeing a lot of numbers on the lens, but at least now i understand which CPL i should get! :D
What do you want it to do? A polariser won't work at night. Feel free to discuss it further in the dslrtips section of the cameralabs forum - there's a thread for this tutorial there.
Also great for superzooms with lens attachment. One comment though. It would be also great if a lot of compact zooms have lens attachments to fit various filters. It would give the compacts (Canon G12 excluded, as a kit is offered) more flexibilty in producing creative and corrective images, that are only reserved for superzooms and DSLRs. All in all, a very informative video presentation. Keep up the good work.
Great tutorials! You answer all my questions in mere 6 minutes!
very informative. thank you. I am not shure, but I think I saw you at Photokina this year. You stood next to me me, while Philip Bloom had a speech at the Canon stage.
best wishes
It'll still work, it just might confuse your AF system, that's all. if so, switch to manual focus.
Superb tutorial - the best explanation of this filter on UA-cam.
Very good to know. I bought mine because I have heard how great they are, but never saw the benifit. I can't wait to go try out what you said, thanks.
Thanks, don't forget to visit the actual dslrtips . com website for more details and advice!
You need more tutorial videos, I love your camera reviews.. but a video on popular filters would be great! Great site! Learned quite a bit today.
It was worth it for the one tip about the angle of the sun. The camera store that recommended the filter didn't mention this subtlety. I know a 6 minute video isn't meant to be an all-emcompassing tutorial, but I did come away with one question: if not facing the sun at an optimal angle, will the filter be to the detriment of my shot? I was walking on a boardwalk facing the sun, so any given shot could be with the sun in my face, behind me, or at 90 degrees. I left the filter on all day. I'm trying to get the hang of it.
bought one on a whim today while also making my beginner purchases of a tripod, flower hood, and of course a nifty fifty 50mm 1.8 for my 'rabel' . the sky cleared up and i got some great shots, but the water shots alone (even if none were really keepers) made this worth my while. will be taking this filter with me next time i shoot shallow water fish and turtles at the local park.
I agree - that's for another workshop!
@DariusFTW Well I do have a degree in physics if that helps. But remember this tutorial is not for people with degrees in physics, it's for complete beginners, who will probably better understand a description of a circle with a line through it, like a no-entry sign.
Awesome video! Thanks, Gordon!
Greetings from Brazil!
Thanks! Don't forget to visit the actual dslrtips . com website for more advice!
@DontSpamHerePlz004 What's wrong with those settings? Did you expect me to only shoot in RAW and manual exposure modes? If so, remember these tutorials are aimed at complete beginners. That's why I use those settings.
Best photo lessons in UA-cam
Great video! I'm considering to buy a CPL and this explains a lot! Thanks for telling me the change of settings!
Great, great video. As others have suggested, you really should do a longer tutorial on general fotography using DSLRs. I have enjoyed your camera and lens reviews for a while now, and would LOVE to pay for a good how-to if you made one.
awesome!.... i just got a circular polarizing filter for my cannon sx 20is .... cant wait to go back to vegas and take pics of the distant mountains from the strip in sunset.
wow! finally....i really wanted to find something like this online but didn't find anything! this helped me alot thank you very much!!!!!!
@ms3bani Um, didn't I mention that in the tutorial?
Very informative - just what I was looking for. Thanks for the good insights. I'll be checking out your website for more.
Well again, there's not much to say about them. Unless you're heading to high altitudes where they'll prevent blue casts, the only time you'd use a UV filter is when you want to protect the end of your lens. Feel free to discuss this further on the cameralabs forums...
Keldererik: research Stepping Up and Stepping Down Rings, they allow for different diametre lenses to use the same Filter.
I can't say - it depends on the cleaner - you'd have to contact the producer of it.
Your tutorial videos are fantastic.
Great video... love the photographs of South New Zealand, especially Queenstown!!!
Regarding the use of a polarizing filter you should shoot at a perpendicular angle to the sun. If you imagine yourself standing in the center of a clock face have your shadow fall away from you at the nine or three o'clock position. The effect varies as you change camera position towards or away from the sun. How high the sun is in the sky relative to the horizon is a factor as well. Experiment and have fun learning!
Just saw this video, it’s been in my watch later for smth like 8 years 🤷♂️
@10354046586 You're very welcome! Don't forget you can support me by shopping for anything at the partner stores page on cameralabs . com ! You'll find my full reviews there too - these videos are just the tip of the iceberg!
Because it can sometimes look a little overexposed when using a polariser on a DSLR. All personal choice though.
I've mentioned this in the guide which goes with this video at dslrtips . com!
You're very welcome!
Cool, thanks Gordon. That's what I was thinking the UV is mainly used for (protecting the lens).
@tonyblade1000 you're very welcome! Don't forget to visit my site dslrtips . com !
@cameralabs The EOS 500D we got came with a booklet explaining (in simple enough terms) what the different functions and features of the camera are, and I believe even went on to explain that, ignoring battery consumption and a quadrupling in size, shooting in RAW should be preferable from the get-go, since the included DPP software would make conversion quick and easy enough. Personally I can't think of on-camera JPEG processing as being good for anything but quicker file sharing.
I'd like to do more tutorials, but they don't pay the bills - if more people supported me at dslrtips . com then I could do more.
Thanks! Yep, I was at one of Philip's speeches, so maybe you did see me! You should say hello next time!
Thanks! Nope, I won't be doing one on UV filters becuase there's not much to demonstrate or explain!
You're very welcome! Please also visit my site dslrtips . com !
Yep, it just means the filter is pricier. Some people buy just one large filter and use adapters to fit it to smaller diameter lenses.
@GeorgioSVK Some people should keep their thoughts to themselves and not post them on a public page.
i love this video - its so useful as i have only started buying filters. Can you please please please do more filter tutorials
@cameralabs Oh, not to mention the 'creative software' that also forms part of the EOS Utilities package. Those combined should still keep things very user friendly.
I like these tips, wish you would do more
Great Speed Tutorial ! In time before heading to 15,000 ft mountains with a CP & wide angle. Thank you ! .......fm Mumbai
Thanks bunnydrumming - I won't be doing any others on filters though - see my reply below...