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Linear or Circular. Definitive Answer

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Pete Wallington

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I can't find a real answer to this other than people saying "don't get a linear pol, get circular", without any justification.

So, before I shell out my hard-earned cash on the wrong thing, WHY should I get a circular pol over a linear? I was under the impression that without any auto-focus to worry about, the linear pol would be fine? What am I missing?
 
linear polarizers are cheap, so you can just try one and see what effects it has (most polarized sunglasses, for example, are linear polarizers.) I don't know about Red but linear polarizers have been fine on all the video cameras I've tried.
 
Yep Linear Tru Pol here as well. Only worry about it if your going to use it on a Arii 435, the beamsplitter in the video tap can't deal with linear. But if your only going to use it on RED then Linear is a cheaper better choice.
 
It is always a wiser choice to go Circular, not because you have to in your case, but because linear glass has its limitations when used in certain lenses, and as many that I know including my self, own both Motion and Still cameras, with AF lenses, and the current choices in the works to use AF DSLR lenses with RED, it is a must to get all Circular.

Unless off course you are 100% certain that you will never By a DSLR and or use AF DSLR lenses on your RED, then you can go with Linear and save.

BTW, when ready PM me, the Filters discounts deal is still on.

CIAO
 
Last time I checked using a 138mm pola on a DSLR looked pretty stupid. I keep separate polas' for still work.
 
I`m getting a 43mm screw on polarizer (linear) for the slot in front of the back of the 300mm lens. What would be the point of getting a circular one if it can`t be adjusted during use?
 
I'm sure a linear would work fine. I own all circulars though, because as others have pointed out, linear polas cause trouble with many film cameras' video tap beamsplitters.
However, I do think you get what you pay for. The Schneider Tru-Pols are MUCH more effective than some of the run-of-the-mill polarizers. I find the effect is stronger and the light loss slightly less. Not sure why; I think it has something to do with the actual polarizing plate that's sandwiched in between the glass.
Stan Wallace? Are you on the forum?
Stan owns the Filter Gallery in New York, and as a former employee of Tiffen, he is supremely knowledgeable about all things filter. He could explain this quickly and clearly.
Either way I bet you're fine for the Red.
Cheers,
Harry
 
Mike Prevette said:
Last time I checked using a 138mm pola on a DSLR looked pretty stupid. I keep separate polas' for still work.
Click to expand...

Mike, with all do respect, it is clear to me that you have never used the Canon EOS line of SUPER TELEPHOTO lenses.

MB systems for Still work have been used among Pro's in Still Photography for many years now, the Drop in filter, provide no choices and very little help to any Photographer.

While the use of Circular Polarizers on the other hand do provide incredible control especially when Graduate filters are used in combination, in fact I'll be using the RR MB with the adapter from ARRI just so I can use the 138mm Polarizer on it, and I'm not talking about with just the RED, but with my Canon 1DS III and the EF 200mm f/2L IS beast.

Light control to me is everything, I like to try and capture the shot right on, and do as little post as possible, especially when talking about Polarizers.


It is a style of shooting and a choice of many among my fellow Pro Photographers, and to called Stupid, well ... is just to say that you are better then I or my fellow Photographers that use it!


ciao
 
Circular true pola's are needed for film cameras. Most reflex viewing systems have polarizing elements in their optical construction so if you use a linear pola, they will cross-polarize and you can't see anything through the viewfinder.
 
Ketch...
I think it's a language thing here. "Linear" or "Circular" refers to the polarizing elements within the filter. You can get either Linear or Circular in square (4x4, 4x5, 6x6, etc.) or round (series 9, 4 1/2", 138mm, 6") But I agree. Nothing silly about using a nice mattebox in the still world! ;)
Chris,
I'm not sure, but I think it's specifically the video assist prisms that have trouble with linears. I think if you just pick up an Arri film camera and don't use the tap, you can use a linear pol and see through the viewfinder OK. In fact, I think it really became a problem with the IVS system; prior to that, with the older "elbows", I remember CSC and Panavision had a mix of linear and circular polas.
Anyway, splitting hairs. I suspect that either will work fine with the Red One.
Cheers,
Harry
 
KETCH ROSSI said:
Mike, with all do respect, it is clear to me that you have never used the Canon EOS line of SUPER TELEPHOTO lenses.
Click to expand...



HAHAHAH Considering I own both a 400mm 2.8 and a 600mm 4.5, But alas those lenses take internal 48mm or 40.5mm polarizers
 
Mike Prevette said:
HAHAHAH Considering I own both a 400mm 2.8 and a 600mm 4.5, But alas those lenses take internal 48mm or 40.5mm polarizers
Click to expand...

Okay you have, then what is Stupid about those of US that use Bellow and MB system with such lenses and or even the rest of the L series, so to have unconpromised control over light, especially when shooting in harsh location, were dividing the sky and the ground or water and Snow mountains.

All of the Pro I know use such systems, using an MB vs. a Bellow system for me is just an added control, as I have them any ways for the RED's.

Some changes are extremely difficult to do in post and better to get up front, there for I suggested to get the Circular as to be able to use it with both RED and DSLR AF Lenses, it obviously will depend on the shots, as you will not walk around with a full set up MB system on an DSLR, but then again neither would you do so with a RED.

Any way I was just sharing my use and I found it inappropriate for you to point it point out as Stupid! But then again, there is freedom of speech, so if it pleases you to call it Stupid, then by all means, but to me is simply SMART, to use all the tool at your disposal to get your shot.


ciao
 
Schneider 138mm True-Pol (Linear) +81 EF

Schneider 138mm True-Pol (Linear) +81 EF

Interesting... I've never had a need for anything other than linear polarizers. Including shooting with film cameras with beamsplitter video assist. Definitely no issues with my 16SR2 with Jurgen's video assist.

I wrote one of my super-overly-informative eBay listings for a Schneider 138mm Linear Pola + 81EF that I'm selling:

http://cgi.ebay.com/SCHNEIDER-B-W-81-EF-True-Pol-Filter-138mm-Demo-L-N_W0QQitemZ220252411401QQihZ012QQcategoryZ4690QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

I talk about polarizer types, why some filter glass is green, etc. So even if you buy nothing you might still come away with some useful info.
 
Jorge,
I think it's really with the later video assists... Arri IVS on a 435 will go dark when a linear pola is rotated a certain way...
Cheers,
Harry
 
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