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Polarizing filter how does it work?

For a polarizing filter to work, polarizing light is required. Just like water waves, light waves can move in different directions. The light from the sun or a lamp consists of light rays that vibrate in different directions at the same time. This is called unpolarized light. Light rays moving in one direction are called linearly polarized light.

Polarizing filter is a type of optical filter used to block or let through light waves that oscillate in a certain direction. This filter has many uses, including photography, film production, medicine and scientific research.

Polarized light

To understand how polarization filters work, it is important to understand what is meant by polarized light. Light consists of electromagnetic waves that oscillate in different directions as they travel through space. In ordinary white light, these waves swing in all directions. But when the light hits a surface, like a surface of water or the shiny surface of a car, the waves become polarized and swing in a single direction.

Polarizing filters are designed to let through only light waves that oscillate in a certain direction. They consist of a special type of material that only lets through light waves that oscillate parallel to a specific axis, called the direction of polarization. Light waves that swing in other directions are blocked by the filter.

Two types of polarization filters

There are two main types of polarization filters: linear and circular. Linear polarization filters let through light waves that oscillate parallel to the direction of polarization and block light waves that oscillate perpendicular to the direction. Circular polarization filters work in a similar way, but they also rotate the direction of polarization as the light passes through the filter. This feature makes circular polarizing filters useful in certain situations, such as when shooting with autofocus.

Use of polarizing filters

The use of polarizing filters is versatile and varied. In photography, polarizing filters can be used to reduce reflections from surfaces such as water, glass or metal. This results in a clearer image with better color reproduction and contrast. In medicine, polarizing filters are used to examine and diagnose various diseases, including eye diseases. In scientific research, polarization filters can be used to study the properties of light and how it interacts with different materials.

Polarizing filters are an invaluable part of optical technology. By selectively letting through light waves that oscillate in a certain direction, they can be used to block reflections, improve contrast and color reproduction, and perform various types of research and studies in medicine and science.

To think of

Maximum polarizing effect in landscape photography is achieved with the sun at 90 degrees to the direction of photography.
In order to get an even effect over the entire image surface, lenses with an image angle wider than 28mm focal length (sensor size 24x36mm) are not recommended.

Cannot be recreated in an image editing program

A polarization filter from B+W not only increases color saturation and contrast in the image. Thanks to reflections in various materials such as glass, stone, moist leaves, water, etc., being filtered out, the camera's sensor can register the structure and color of the object. The effect that a polarizing filter gives cannot be replicated in Photoshop or other image editing programs. B+W Polarization filter can be used both for still images and for video/film.

Video Polarization Filter

How is a polarization filter constructed?

B+W polarizing filters have a foil, with a structure reminiscent of a very fine "grid", laminated between two glass sheets. This "grid" is invisible to the eye, and only allows light that moves (vibrates) parallel to the grid to pass. Light moving perpendicular to the grating is completely filtered out, while light moving in other directions can pass through to some extent.

Polarization filters remove reflections

When light is reflected from a surface, a polarization of the light occurs. The degree of polarization depends on the angular spread of which the light varies depending on the nature of the material. Light reflected from a water surface has a maximum polarization below 37 degrees, while reflection from glass is below 32 degrees. Wood, grass, plastic and varnish also polarize light. Only untreated metal surfaces reflect light disorderly.

Blocking of polarized light

With the help of a correctly positioned polarizing filter, light reflections can be completely eliminated under ideal conditions. This occurs when the lighting angle and the camera's subject angle are almost equal and the angle of maximum polarization is between 30-40 degrees. The effect of a B+W polarizing filter can be observed through the viewfinder when rotating the front ring of the polarizing filter.

Rotate the filter to the desired effect

The polarizing filter, which consists of a polarizing foil laminated between two optical glass filters, is mounted in a filter holder that can be rotated to obtain the desired effect.

Polarisationsfiltrets uppbyggnad

Most manufacturers of camera filters place the polarizing film between two pieces of glass. This means that the risk of moisture leakage and air bubbles increases because the filter then consists of a total of 6 surfaces. B+W's filter has only 2 surfaces because the foil is laminated against both glass surfaces. This increases the optical quality, the light transmission and the risk of unwanted effects is significantly reduced.

Polarizing filters increase contrast and intensify colors in the subject.

Image without filter:

Landskapsfotografering utan polarisationsfilter

Image with filter:

Polarisationsfilter ökar kontrast och intensifierar färger

With a polarizing filter mounted on the lens and rotated for the desired effect, contrast is increased and colors appear clearly. Maximum effect is reached at approx. 90° shooting angle to the sun. Polarizing filters eliminate reflections in non-metallic surfaces (water surface, windows, paint etc.).

Image without filter:

Reflexer i glasyta - utan polarisationsfilter

Image with filter:

Polarisationsfilter tar bort reflexer i glasytor

With a polarizing filter mounted on the lens and rotated for the desired effect, reflections are significantly minimized.

B+W is one of the world's leading camera filter manufacturers that has lined up technical innovations over the years and has a unique product catalog that is used daily by professional photographers worldwide. Over 100 years of experience in manufacturing optics and camera filters has given B+W first-class expertise in the field. Filters from B+W are unique thanks to their excellent optical and mechanical properties.

B+W Polarizing Filter 67mm MRC | Basic Line

1100752

The B+W Polarisationsfilter MRC Basic Line 67 mm is a high-quality circular polarizing filter designed for professional and enthusiast photographers. The filters of the Basic line feature a rotating ring with an optimized design for better grip which makes it easier to align polarizing filters. ⁠The filter mounts are made of solid brass and have a special functional finish for smooth mounting and dismounting. All circular polarizing filters of the new filter line are provided with the proven MRC coating with 16x layer and thus enable high-contrast and color-neutral images.

⁠Circular Polarizing Filter
Available in Ø 37 mm Ø 105 mm
Multi-Resistant Coating
High-Quality Optical Glass
Rotating ring for a better grip and easier adjustment
Special functional coating for smooth mounting and dismounting
Ring made of brass
Suitable for wide angle to telephoto lenses
Made in Germany

B+W Basic Filter Line for Quality-Conscious Beginner⁠

B+W Basic Filter Line are designed for serious enthusiast photographers. With a high-quality glass and MRC coating, Basic Line provides outstanding image quality

B+W Basic Line Polarizers

Polarizing Filters

The use of polarizing filters reduces annoying reflections and at the same time increases the color saturation in the image. In addition, the use of the filter keeps the front lens free of dirt such as dust, sand, fingerprints or scratches.⁠

Sustainable Packaging

B+W Basic Line filters are delivered with a sustainable cotton bag with a practical drawstring. The Basic circular polarizing filter is available in sizes Ø 37 mm to Ø 105 mm and is suitable for wide-angle to telephoto lenses.

B+W Basic Line Filters

B+W Polarizer MRC

Reduces reflections from non metallic surfaces
Enhances color contrasts
Designed for all cameras with and without internal measuring system autofocus and exposure metering
Ideal for landscape photography and on vacation
MRC - easy to clean
Broadband coating, both sides for high contrast pictures
High and uniform transmission (Ø >95.5%)
Minimal residual reflection < 0.5%
Dirt and water repellent, scratch resistant

B+W Basic Line MRC Polarizer

For more than 70 years, B+W filters have been synonymous with quality and innovation. B+W has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the world‘s leading filter manufacturers. It has, for example, made decisive progress in surface coating. B+W is the first filter manufacturer in the world to offer MRC (Multi Resistant Coating). MRC nano coating is the most innovative development in thin-layer technology. The world-famous Käsemann type polarizing filter with its outstanding quality has been produced by B+W since 1989.

Price, VAT excl.737.93

Not in stock

Buy

B+W Polarisationsfilter 67 mm HTC Master

1101632

B+W Polarizer 67 mm HTC Master MRC Nano. For this high-end polarizing filter the foil pieces are selected individually for maximum color neutrality. Following cementing between high-grade optical glass, additional grinding and polishing takes place. This guarantees outstanding sharpness even with very bright, apochromatic lenses.
Radiant white clouds against a deep blue sky or the deep colors of fall foliage don't happen by chance. B+W polarizing filters (polarizers for short) augment the purity of the intrinsic colors and increase color saturation and are among the most important filters for analog and digital photography. B+W Master polarizers is grease-free for easy rotation and the brass mount has optimized knurl for a better grip.

B+W Polarizer

The action of the polarisation effect always stems from the polarising film which is cemented (bonded) between two cover glasses. B+W polarising filters are then fine-ground and polished, which gives them their excellent optical quality. A high-quality B+W coating rounds off the quality of a B+W polarising disc.

B+W Polarisationsfolie Käsemann

HTC Polarizer

The Master High Transmission (HTC) polarizing filters is fitted whit a polarizing foil which has higher translucency (transmission), yet still provides outstanding effectiveness. The filter extension factor is only 2 to 3, equivalent to approx. 1 to 1.5 f-stops.

B+W HTC Polarisationsfilter

MRC Nano Coating

An important criteria for a perfect B+W filter is a high-quality coating, also known as an antireflection coating. With a B+W filter, such layers are evaporated by means of thin-layer technique, a quite complex coating process. The coating material consists of special substrates that are applied in one or more layers depending on the coating system.. In the MRC nano coated B+W filter, a water droplet remains practically spherical. It rolls over the surface. A first-rate dirt and water-repellent effect occurs.

B+W MRC Nano Coating

Master Filter Holder

Durable and robust due to brass mount with better grip due to optimized knurl. Easier mounting due to new lacquer technology. Best choice for super wide angle – telephoto lenses.

B+W Master Brass Filter Holder

Video

B+W har över 100 års erfarenhet av tillverkning av optik och kamerafilter vilket gjort att de utvecklat förstklassig expertis inom området. Filter från B+W är unika tack vare sina utmärkta optiska och mekaniska egenskaper. B+W har mycket brett utbud av filtertyper, allt från UV och Polarisationsfilter till specialfilter för IR och vetenskaplig fotografering.

Price, VAT excl.1 419.87

Soon in Stock

Buy

B+W Polarizing Filter 77mm MRC | Basic Line

1100754

B+W Polarizer MRC Basic Line 77 mm. The filters of the Basic line feature a rotating ring with an optimized design for better grip which makes it easier to align polarizing filters. ⁠The filter mounts are made of solid brass and have a special functional finish for smooth mounting and dismounting. All circular polarizing filters of the new filter line are provided with the proven MRC coating with 16x layer and thus enable high-contrast and color-neutral images. ⁠ ⁠

B+W Basic Filter Line for Quality-Conscious Beginner⁠

B+W Basic Filter Line are designed for serious enthusiast photographers. With a high-quality glass and MRC coating, Basic Line provides outstanding image quality

B+W Basic Line Polarizers

Polarizing Filters

The use of polarizing filters reduces annoying reflections and at the same time increases the color saturation in the image. In addition, the use of the filter keeps the front lens free of dirt such as dust, sand, fingerprints or scratches.⁠

Sustainable Packaging

B+W Basic Line filters are delivered with a sustainable cotton bag with a practical drawstring. The Basic circular polarizing filter is available in sizes Ø 37 mm to Ø 105 mm and is suitable for wide-angle to telephoto lenses.

B+W Basic Line Filters

B+W Basic Line Polarizer

Rotating ring with optimized design for a better grip and easier adjustment of polarizing filters
Universal polarizing filter with high optical quality
Special functional coating for smooth mounting and dismounting
Durable and robust due to precision filter mounts made of brass
Suitable for wide angle to telephoto lenses
Filter holder with precise glass support for planning and stressless hold
Available in Ø 37 mm Ø 105 mm
Made in Germany

B+W Polarizer MRC

Reduces reflections from non metallic surfaces
Enhances color contrasts
Designed for all cameras with and without internal measuring system autofocus and exposure metering
Ideal for landscape photography and on vacation
MRC - easy to clean
Broadband coating, both sides for high contrast pictures
High and uniform transmission (Ø >95.5%)
Minimal residual reflection < 0.5%
Dirt and water repellent, scratch resistant

B+W Basic Line MRC Polarizer

For more than 70 years, B+W filters have been synonymous with quality and innovation. B+W has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the world‘s leading filter manufacturers. It has, for example, made decisive progress in surface coating. B+W is the first filter manufacturer in the world to offer MRC (Multi Resistant Coating). MRC nano coating is the most innovative development in thin-layer technology. The world-famous Käsemann type polarizing filter with its outstanding quality has been produced by B+W since 1989.

Price, VAT excl.900.78

In stock

Buy

B+W Polarizing Filter 77mm HTC Master

1101634

B+W Polarizer 77 mm HTC Master MRC Nano. For this high-end polarizing filter the foil pieces are selected individually for maximum color neutrality. Following cementing between high-grade optical glass, additional grinding and polishing takes place. This guarantees outstanding sharpness even with very bright, apochromatic lenses.
Radiant white clouds against a deep blue sky or the deep colors of fall foliage don't happen by chance. B+W polarizing filters (polarizers for short) augment the purity of the intrinsic colors and increase color saturation and are among the most important filters for analog and digital photography. B+W Master polarizers is grease-free for easy rotation and the brass mount has optimized knurl for a better grip.

B+W Polarizer

The action of the polarisation effect always stems from the polarising film which is cemented (bonded) between two cover glasses. B+W polarising filters are then fine-ground and polished, which gives them their excellent optical quality. A high-quality B+W coating rounds off the quality of a B+W polarising disc.

B+W Polarisationsfolie Käsemann

HTC Polarizer

The Master High Transmission (HTC) polarizing filters is fitted whit a polarizing foil which has higher translucency (transmission), yet still provides outstanding effectiveness. The filter extension factor is only 2 to 3, equivalent to approx. 1 to 1.5 f-stops.

B+W HTC Polarisationsfilter

MRC Nano Coating

An important criteria for a perfect B+W filter is a high-quality coating, also known as an antireflection coating. With a B+W filter, such layers are evaporated by means of thin-layer technique, a quite complex coating process. The coating material consists of special substrates that are applied in one or more layers depending on the coating system.. In the MRC nano coated B+W filter, a water droplet remains practically spherical. It rolls over the surface. A first-rate dirt and water-repellent effect occurs.

B+W MRC Nano Coating

Master Filter Holder

Durable and robust due to brass mount with better grip due to optimized knurl. Easier mounting due to new lacquer technology. Best choice for super wide angle – telephoto lenses.

B+W Master Brass Filter Holder

B+W har över 100 års erfarenhet av tillverkning av optik och kamerafilter vilket gjort att de utvecklat förstklassig expertis inom området. Filter från B+W är unika tack vare sina utmärkta optiska och mekaniska egenskaper. B+W har mycket brett utbud av filtertyper, allt från UV och Polarisationsfilter till specialfilter för IR och vetenskaplig fotografering.

Price, VAT excl.1 811.73

In stock

Buy