To polarize or not to polarize, that is the question…

[Wes Duenkel]

I did a search, and was unable to come up with any conclusive information regarding polarizers. My question is focused on polarizer use at motorsports events. Up to this point, I've always used a polarizer to help cut the glare off windshields and the tops of cars. But it seems hurt the neutrals (almost colorizes them, so to speak). So, I've vowed not to use it at my next event…only to find myself re-attaching it after a few shots. It's like I'm addicted! I look at the back of the camera, and I say "yuck, time to attach the polarizer." But, in post-processing, I'm wondering if I should've left it off…

Anyway, how often, and under which circumstances to any of you use a polarizer when shooting motorsports? Any insight is greatly appreciated!

[John Thawley]

Wes: This topic is "almost" like discussing Canon vs. Nikon or religion. :) I feel your pain, though.

I would start with the premise, I don't like them. But.... I then come back to "never say never."

I have a 72mm that fits a couple of my lenses, but I don't use it. I just don't like the idea of putting an $80 piece of glass in front of a $1500 piece of glass. I do have a drop in Polarizer for my 500mm. This is more forgiving (to my mind) since it goes between the sensor and the lens.

Results... well, I think there are times it does give some positive results. But, during those sessions, I am throwing out images with "oily prism-like" coloring on the windshields. And, there I times, the coloration can look like you went the wrong way using the Highlights and Shadows tool in Photoshop.

My suggestions is a cooking analogy. Use it like seasoning..... not too much... experiment... variety.

But I wouldn't use it to specifically "fix" something. It's always going to be a trade off.

JT

[Wes Duenkel]

Thanks for the thoughts...I agree, I don't like what it does to Lexan windows. I shoot mostly KONI races, which use glass windshields, so that's not much of a problem. I am going to purchase a multi-coated CPL, since I have noticed glare with my non-coated filter (when headlights are shining into the camera). I'm going to *try* not to use it for a day at my next event...and wait to see the results after post processing. Maybe that'll help me "kick the habit."

[Jim Sykes]

I never use one. Not that that is right or not, but I just never use it. I find it too hard to get set properly since the cars are moving by you dont have time to spin it properly in most cases. Also, remember it works best when at 90 degrees to the sun, and in motorsports you dont really always have that option.

So to me its usually more of a hassle than its worth. There are a few times I wouldnt mind having a drop in for the 500, but those are pretty few and far between.

[Wes Duenkel]

Thanks again for the info.

Yes, the effect on the sky is most pronounced when at 90-degrees to the sun, but it's affect on windshield glare doesn't necessarily follow that rule. For example, during coudy days, it's really effective on the windshield glare. So, maybe I'll only use it on hazy or cloudy days...

[Dany Flageole]

Thx for the info, I felt quite confused this week when I had to get a 77 and an 82. Already have a clear 77 and though maybe this would be a good time to buy and try a polarizing. After getting more info and reading your comments I'm glad I did not get one. Anyway when would I have time to adjust it, even in the pits or paddock I walk so fast I would not have time to do so.

[Paul Hansen]

I've tried them, don't use them that often. Circuit cars tend to have plastic headlamps/windows, and that throws up the rainbow effects. For every shot that had something interesting, there was 4 that had effects I did not want. And when I saw the post process, the cars just didn't look right.

[Jacob Leveton]

I agree with the cloudy / hazy day situation. I've also used it sometimes in extreme harsh sunlight. Drifting is a bit easier in some senses since the car actually directly faces the photographer, and you can see into the cockpit.

http://www.everythingdrift.com/images/gallery/060909_fdnj/058_fdnj_6968.jpg

[E. John Thawley III]

There are times I really miss the archives from the other site. We covered this topic pretty well over there, as I recall.

<sigh>

[John Thawley]

There are times I really miss the archives from the other site. We covered this topic pretty well over there, as I recall.

<sigh>

Yes... but you haven't dispensed with any pearls of wisdom in quite sometime. C'mon.... let 'em have both barrels. It's good stuff. AND... I agree with your position. :)

JT

[E. John Thawley III]

Yes... but you haven't dispensed with any pearls of wisdom in quite sometime. C'mon.... let 'em have both barrels. It's good stuff. AND... I agree with your position. :)

JT

See that's the problem, I already HAVE dispnsed my wisdom on this issue. Not sure I could do a better job than I did before.

[cut > paste]....

[Bob Chapman]

I'm a little late to the party, but here's my $.02. I don't carry a polarizer in my gear bag. In fact, I don't carry a single filter in my gear bag. I'm guessing I'm in the minority on at least the latter. My opinion, though overly simplified for the sake of brevity, is... If you're struggling with windshield glare, you're managing your time rather poorly by shooting the wrong locations for given lighting conditions. If you don't want glare, move to a location where it isn't a problem and come back to the location where it IS a problem when the light is more advantageous.

If you're in the unfortunate circumstance of being at 23 degrees north latitude on June 21st and the sun is directly overhead during an on-track session, shoot your pit stuff, under the team awnings. If there are no team awnings, stay in the media center and sip an ice cold Coke. If there is no media center and/or no ice cold Coke, go home ...because you're obviously at the wrong track.

[Wes Duenkel]

Thanks for the input, Bob. After we spoke at Barber, I've been trying to kick the habit! I'll try and avoid using it at least one day during my next event (VIR).

[Bob Chapman]

Thanks for the input, Bob. After we spoke at Barber, I've been trying to kick the habit! I'll try and avoid using it at least one day during my next event (VIR).

You can't use it if you leave it at home. :)

[Mark Delbrueck]

My problem with the CP lies not really in the technical results of the filter, but in the misconception sorrounding the tool. For some reason people think that a CP is some "magical tool" that will fix anything and is a must in every situation. There are even people who sit around and comment on images, saying "if you had used a CP, this shot would have been GREAT!". Chances are that if their under the impression that a CP could take an image from crap to great, then they obviously don't know much about composition and the other elements that make up a great shot. And for some reason, I feel like the Brits love to use the CP comments more than anybody else. Browse some British photo forums and the "fookin' bloody sweeeeeeeeeeeet shot ,mate! But you should have used a CP" comments are endless!

[John Jovic]

My problem with the CP lies not really in the technical results of the filter, but in the misconception sorrounding the tool. For some reason people think that a CP is some "magical tool" that will fix anything and is a must in every situation. There are even people who sit around and comment on images, saying "if you had used a CP, this shot would have been GREAT!". Chances are that if their under the impression that a CP could take an image from crap to great, then they obviously don't know much about composition and the other elements that make up a great shot. And for some reason, I feel like the Brits love to use the CP comments more than anybody else. Browse some British photo forums and the "fookin' bloody sweeeeeeeeeeeet shot ,mate! But you should have used a CP" comments are endless!

I happen to be 'under the impression' that polarisers can, and often are, used to improve a still image significantly (I'm not talking about motor sport). In fact I'm under that impression almost every day, and have been since the '80's. Damn, how can I be so wrong and for so long?

Yes polarisers do bad things too but in the scheme of things I'd rather use one than not. People have differing views, what's wrong with that? My favourite colour is Teal. Is that also wrong?

JJ