Kase circular polarizing (CPL) lens filters

FAQs about polarizer filters for camera lens

How does a CPL filter work?

The light can reflect off of objects and surfaces, as well as be absorbed by certain materials. As it travels through space, light waves oscillate in multiple planes. However, a CPL filter is designed to ensure that light waves only oscillate in one plane, which allows for improved clarity and reduced glare. Additionally, the direction and degree of polarization can be adjusted by rotating a polarizer lens filter.

How do I use a CPL lens filter?

Attach the polarizer filter onto the front of your camera lens: simply screw it in or attach to the adapter ring. Once attached, rotate the outer ring of the CPL filter to achieve the desired effect. If you are using one of our filter holders, rotate the corresponding wheel on the holder. Experiment with the rotation to minimize reflections and optimize color saturation based on your shooting conditions.

What size polarizer filter do I need for my camera lens?

To determine the correct size for your polarizer filter, check the diameter marked on your camera lens. It is usually imprinted near the front of the lens or mentioned in the lens specifications. Choose a CPL filter with the same diameter to ensure a proper fit. If you plan to use a polarizer filter on a camera lens of different diameters, take the filter matching the diameter of the biggest filter.

Read more about how to choose a filter size for your lens.

What types of polarizer filters exist?

At Kase, there are three types of polarizers for camera lens:

• Screw-in CPL filters can be attached directly to the lens. These filters are ideal for handheld photography and can be easily rotated on the lens.
• Round CPL filters which can be attached directly to the filter holder ring of the Kase filter system. Using an external wheel on the filter holder, you can rotate the filter.
• Rectangular polarizer filters can be used with the filter holders and combined easily with several other filters.

Can you leave a polarizing filter on all the time?

While you can leave a polarizing filter on your camera lens, it's important to note that the filter may reduce the amount of light entering the lens, particularly when fully polarized. Consider removing the CPL filter in situations where maximum light intake is crucial in poorly lit environments. Otherwise, you can keep the CPL filter on to benefit from reduced glare and enhanced colors in various shooting scenarios whenever it´s the effect that you want to get.

How do I clean a polarizer filter?

For cleaning a polarizer camera filter, use an air blower or a soft brush to remove any loose particles. If smudges or fingerprints persist, use a microfiber cleaning cloth or cloth dampened in distilled water. It’s important to avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the filter or chemicals since they can damage the filter.

Can I use CPL lens filters with other filters?

Absolutely. Some of the CPL filters are stackable, so you can get creative by combining them with other filters. It’s common to combine a polarizer with an ND filter for shooting water bodies. However, you can combine them with other filters as well.

Read our blog about stacking multiple filters.

Are CPL lens filters only for outdoor photography?

Not only! While polarizing filters are highly effective in landscape photography, they can also be used indoors to reduce reflections on glass surfaces or enhance colors in certain lighting conditions.