topic Re: circular polarizer and negative compensation in Camera Accessories

circular polarizer and negative compensation

stevet1 — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:04:52 GMT

Does the use of either a circular polarizer filter or a 3 stop ND filter obviate the need for negative exposure compensation, or is the need still there?

Steve Thomas

Re: circular polarizer and negative compensation

kvbarkley — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:10:40 GMT

The exposure is taken through the lens so it should compensate for the loss of light. You may want to tweak it a little.

Go ahead and try it. Check the exposure before and after attaching the filter

Re: circular polarizer and negative compensation

shadowsports — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 14:42:01 GMT

Steve,

Your CP is going to help to reduce glare and deepen color.

An ND filter is going to keep you from blowing out highlights. Look at your histogram and adjust your exposure to balance your blacks, mid-tones and highlights so the camera captures as much image information as possible.

Re: circular polarizer and negative compensation

jrhoffman75 — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 22:11:06 GMT

Most cameras has +/- 3 stops of EC. If your image requires more than that the addition of an ND filter expands the range. Waterfalls can require 5 or more stops of negative EC to achieve the smooth water effect that some folks want.

Re: circular polarizer and negative compensation

normadel — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:55:58 GMT

There's no comparison between a polarizer and a three-stop ND filter. The first one does not reduce light much. Three stops reduce light to an eighth in intensity.

Use what is appropriate and needed.