First, only buy one polarizer... buy it for your biggest lens (or bigger) and use step down rings to make it fit your lenses, saves you money.
They can be used to make more dramatic skies or to remove reflections from non-metalic surfaces. I often use one for nicer skies in outdoor protraits, although they do slow down my pace a bit.
yeah! any brand in particular for a reecomendation?
I like my Tiffen Polarizer, but I've heard thier quality has dropped some recently, so I'm not sure if I'd recommend them... maybe someone else can reccomend a good polarizer.
If I should only buy one polarizer and use step down rings, then should I buy a UV filter for each lens for basic protection?
If you want UV filters for protection, then yes, you should buy one for each. I'm not fond of UV protection filters, but not gonna start another debate about that :-)
BTW, all my filters are 77mm. I don't have any lenses 77mm or larger, so I know I won't be having to buy new filters anytime soon. Mostly because I can't afford a lens that big around :-)
I do have a UV filter, but not for protective purposes.
Great article ... I was told that I should have a UV filter on each lens I own for protection purposes ... and had planned to purchase another polarizer ... now I think I'll just get a step down ring ...
Y'all that are using filters much larger than your lens don't get filter flare?
When I went to photography school we warned about it. The instructor practically made it sound like our cameras would be demon possessed if we even tried it. Granted glass is better now than in the dark ages when I went to school...but....
Also, if you want to cut down on a lot of stuff in your bag, a good polarizer can work as a ND filter in a pinch. I have held back light and saved overexposure by just slapping one on my lens.
