Polarized Macros

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

Great article Steve. I was finally was able to get my favorite Tamron 15-30mm super wide with a bulbous front element. You mentioned using 14 mm and a polarizer and so my question is about what fits the front of the bulbous ones? Anything?
 
Great article Steve. I was finally was able to get my favorite Tamron 15-30mm super wide with a bulbous front element. You mentioned using 14 mm and a polarizer and so my question is about what fits the front of the bulbous ones? Anything?
I use the wonderpana system. I think this is the one you need:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0752WCJ1X/?tag=backcogaller-20

It's not cheap, but it works well and I've had good luck with it. I was skeptical of the polarizers that they sell at first, but turns out they work really well and I still use it on my 14-24. I did a review of the old wonderpana system a long time ago, the new one is even better but this video should give you an idea:

 
This was great, Steve. Much appreciated. I guess I knew - or had been told - of the effects of polarization over the years. But bringing it all together in one place (just like your fantastic e-book "Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System (Mirrorless Edition)") really makes it hit home. I will definitely begin using a polarizer.

I have to add - I more or less avoided your content for a long time because I am not a wildlife photographer and I thought that was "what you did". I am so glad I revisited and found all the other stuff you do.
 
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the informative comments (Blog?) on polarizers.
My wife and I volunteer regularly with findagrave.com to take headstone/gravesite pictures, and GPS locations for requests we receive through the findagrave.com website. Often the headstones and/or monuments will have noticeable reflection. I typically use a Sigma 17-50mm lens on my D7200. Would a polarizer be helpful in these situations?
Thanks again,
Frank
 
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the informative comments (Blog?) on polarizers.
My wife and I volunteer regularly with findagrave.com to take headstone/gravesite pictures, and GPS locations for requests we receive through the findagrave.com website. Often the headstones and/or monuments will have noticeable reflection. I typically use a Sigma 17-50mm lens on my D7200. Would a polarizer be helpful in these situations?
Thanks again,
Frank
Depends on the angles, but yes, it should. Polarizers work well on most surfaces, although they don't do as well on metallic surfaces, so it would depend on the monument / headstone. Still, I'd pick one up and try it for sure. You can get used ones reasonably priced at KEH.
 
Should you use a polarizer with macro shots? I'll convince you in 42 seconds.

O.k. convinced ! :D
After getting my 24-70 f2.8 I needed a bigger filter anyway and instead of keeping all the different sizes I cleaned out the accessroy pouch decided to go for just the one high quality filter fitting the thread of my biggest lens and use some high quality metal step up rings instead. With the big polarizer my 200 f4 D looks a bit like having a bonsai version of the Fotodiox Wonderpana on it ;), but it works fine. Just the hood has to take a break but if it has to go for macros with polarizer, that's the way it goes.
 
Glad you flagged Marumi filters, Steve. They do thinner models too. When in UK I've found Microglobe have full range at decent prices (near British Museum, London). I also got a good price on a Nikon internal 40.5mm CPL from them.

For Ultrawides, NiSi have consolidated their range over the past few years, including ND and Grads with adapters for challenges such as 15 f2.8 Zeiss etc
 
Should you use a polarizer with macro shots? I'll convince you in 42 seconds.


Want to know more about polarizers? Here ya go :)

Thank you Steve
Might invest in Lee, just for "ND stoppers" and polarisers,
although, not sure how the square slide in polarisers compare?
Just grabbed a Nikon 24-70 2.8 E so might have to wait a while, at least I now have the holy trinity :)
Bought a CPL just to have that base covered

I guess buying an ND and polariser for all glass is an expensive option in any case
...........Gary
 
Back
Top