Hoya Linear Polarising Filter (86mm)

Light rays which are reflected become polarized. Polarizing filters are used to select which light rays enter your camera lens. They can remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water or glass and also saturate colours providing better contrast. This effect is often used to increase the contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds, without affecting the overall colour balance of a shot.

There are two kinds of polarising filter: PL (Linear Polarising) and CIR-PL (Circular Polarising). They both have the same effect of reducing flare, but there are differences in the way each works in combination with your specific camera - so it is important to choose the correct version. Most auto focus SLR cameras are equipped with semi-silvered mirrors or prisms and work best with Circular Polarisers. Linear polarizers are used with most video and manual focus photo cameras. Consult your instruction manual.

This 86mm standard Linear Polarising filter comes with a scale on the outside ring. The polarising effect can be seen through camera's viewfinder and changed by rotating the filter. The filter factor varies according to how the filter is rotated and its orientation to the sun. Filter factor is between 2.3 and 2.8 (approx. +1.3 stops).