Circular polarising filter query

snerkler

I’m off to Cuba in a couple of days and will be taking a trip to Havana whilst I’m there and was thinking of taking my CPL  filter. Ideally I don’t want to keep taking it on and off so was wondering if there are any negative effects for those times I just want to point and shoot without having time to make sure the polariser is rotated to the right angle?

Now I’m aware of the strange gradation of blue skies on wide angle (this should be an issue for street shots as there won’t be a lot of sky) and the effect on reflections but is there anything else I need to be aware of?

I know there’s a school of thought that says you can pretty much achieve the effect of a CPL in PP, but I still prefer to use a CPL as I still think it looks more natural.

shotokan101

When NOT to use a Polarizing Filter

snerkler

Thanks, not sure it really answers my questions though tbh. Also, he states that the polarisers get rid of some wanted light but doesn't say whether he tried or if you can get this back simply by turning the polariser so that it doesn't polarise. I guess the only way I'll find out is trial and error

shotokan101

....but you will always lose some light with cpl even at its most neutral setting..... And of course you can presume that it's OK to use cpl other than in the situations he points out.... ?

AMc

From my limited use you can reduce the polarising effect to zero or near zero by rotating the front but it will still reduce the amount of light entering the lens acting as an ND.
That might not be a problem in the day but might be a pain in the evening or night?
I'd probably avoid it on the basis it might cause weird effects and I'd forget it mught be the CPL in the heat of the moment.
As you say I think you'll have to suck it and see.

snerkler

I don't think lack of light will be an issue in Cuban daytime

Loopthrough

You'll always get better, more nuanced landscapes (in bright light) with a polarizer.  I wouldn't go to Cuba for photography without one.

shotokan101

A) You never said anything about only shooting in daytime

B) I've heard it rumoured that it can be pretty dark inside the sort of clubs you like to frequent on holiday - even during the day..

newbie1

Not had any downside apart from wide angle as you mention and light loss.  This article has some scenarios where you might want the reflected light so best not to use in that case:
When NOT to use a Polarizing Filter

Also, might increase risk flare?

AMc

FWIW it does look very weird and I couldn’t get rid of the effect easily in lightroom.
I also didn’t notice it at the time of shooting.
Question - Circular polarising filter - artefact?