Best CPL for water

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rpoint16

Senior Member
Looking for the BEST CPL for sailing / ocean pics. I would think said CPL would work well for my Alaska / Denali trip next week as well.

I used a HOYA NXT a couple of months ago on a sail trip. It was my first use of one. Pics came out good. I was kinda expecting more of a "WOW" or "POP" out of the pics, but it didn't happen.

Any recommendations?

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Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
rpoint16 said:
Looking for the BEST CPL for sailing / ocean pics. I would think said CPL would work well for my Alaska / Denali trip next week as well.

I used a HOYA NXT a couple of months ago on a sail trip. It was my first use of one. Pics came out good. I was kinda expecting more of a "WOW" or "POP" out of the pics, but it didn't happen.

Any recommendations?
Click to expand...

After trying several, I've settled on the Hoya HD CPL. I like that it gives better light transmission (you'll lose about 1 to 1.5 stops versus 2 to 2.5 stops with a typical CPL) and how easily they clean up.

Did you remember turn the filter to find the right degree of polarization based on prevailing light/conditions? I ask because in looking at the pics in your post, I'm thinking you didn't; those shots look to me like (very) minimal polarization was applied. I would encourage you to experiment more with the CPL that you have to see if you can't get results you're happier with; I personally wouldn't shoot outdoors during the day, anyway, without a CPL. They don't add a dramatic degree of "POP" to your shots, but they will increase contrast and saturation to a degree and cut down of course, on reflected light.
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Pretzel

Senior Member
Do NOT buy the ICE brand CPL's. They make for horribly soft focus... Their ND filters work well, but the CPL's were "poo".
 
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10 Gauge

Senior Member
I really liked the B+W Kaesemann CPL I had on my 24-120. I kept it as it fits my 85mm but I am not sure how much use it is going to get now. I bought the Hoya HD for my 24-70 as it wasn't quite as expensive as the B+W. If [MENTION=13090]Horoscope Fish[/MENTION] says it's good, then I trust that opinion.
 
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