Using Canon's own PL-C Circular Polarizing Filter. Polarizing filters improve photographic effects by reducing reflected light, which adversely affects image definition. They are used to eliminate reflections on glass, water, etc. and to make the sky more blue as well as increase the overall contrast for scenes captured in dull lighting or low contrast conditions. I am sure many EOS users and other photo enthusiasts alike already know what a polarizing filter can do to their photos. For users of the discontinued manual focus A-series, T-series and New F-1 35mm SLR cameras as well as any of the EOS models, Canon recommend the use of a circular polarizing filter, also known as PL-C, rather than a linear type, which will not affect the metering and AF system, making it easy to use. While there are lots of independent brand of filters available in the market, Canon, like many other camera manufacturer, also makes its own series of filters for Canon SLR owners. Among those filters made by Canon are the Protect, Skylight, UV, Neutral Density ND4L & ND8L, Softmat 1 and 2 plus PL-C Circular Polarizing. In this issue, as its title already suggests, the focus is on the CL-C filter. Canon's own PL-C filter is available in sizes ranging from 52mm, 58mm, 72mm and 77mm screw-on types. It is also available in both 48mm drop-in and 52mm drop-in Screw type, the former is for use with the older, electronic super telephoto USM lenses and the latter on the Image Stabilizing (IS) super telephoto versions. Most of the earlier Canon EF lenses utilize 52mm threads as well as current offerings like the EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro and EF 135mm f/2.8 Soft Focus telephoto. The 58mm PL-C will be suitable with EF lenses such as the EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 USM (Mk I & II), EF 28-135mm IS USM, EF 85mm f/1.8 USM and EF 100mm f/2.0 USM, to name a few. Discontinued zoom lenses like the EF 20-35mm f/2.8L AFD and EF 80-200mm f/2.8L AFD as well as existing telephotos like the EF 180mm f/2.5L Macro USM and EF 200mm f/2.8L II USM utilize the 72mm filter threads. The 77mm version can be used on lenses such as the EF 17-35mm f/2.8L USM, EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM, EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM, EF 100-400mm IS USM and the EF 24mm f/1.4L USM. Canon 77mm PL-C filter with case Is compatible with EF lenses with 77mm thread     Shot without PL-C filter effect Shot with the PL-C filter As shown in the lower two photos from above, the first mannequin shot when the PL-C filter was set in its normal position (polarizing effect not activated), the reflection on the glass panel was quite visible. With the polarizing effect set, the reflection was minimized, and the overall contrast of the scene had also improved considerably. << Back to Main . 1 . 2 . 3 .