Cokin Z164 Polariser Circular

Product Description

Polarizers - one of those tools a serious photographer just can?t do without


CIRCULAR OR LINEAR ?

Linear polarizing filters (Z160) risk - depending on the optical scheme of a given camera body - interfering with some auto-focus or exposure metering systems. Reserve Iit for large format lenses and for holder SLR Cameras with manual focus. Outside of this particularity, the photographic results will be identical with either model.

Circular polarizing filters (Z164) are perfectly compatible with auto-focus cameras and through-the-lens (TTL) metering systems. The circular model must be oriented correctly! you can check its orientation by observing a subject throught the filter. In order to appreciate this effect, simply rotate and examine how the image changes progressively, either in the viewfinder or with the naked eye.


Z-PRO TECHNOLOGY

The Z-PRO polarizing filters constitute one of the major advantages of the System. High-tech to the extreme they are inserted directly into the first slot of the filter-holder and need no extraneous
accessories. Placed very close to the lens, they produce no vignetting and are much better protected against reflections than when positioned further from the lens, as with certain other filter systems on the market.

Moreover, in contrast to 'slim' screw-in polarizing filters lacking additional threading on their exterior side, one can add another filter to the configuration if necessary. Finally, owing to the conception of the Z-PRO System, you will only need a single polarizing filter for all of your lenses, current or future, up to 96 mm in diameter!

Each Z-PRO polarizing filter is set in a patented notched frame (see below) that allows for precision rotational fine-tuning with the index finger, independently of the filter-holder itself to be used in combination with a graduated filter, for example.

Light and compact, a Z-PRO polarizing filter is astonishingly simple to use and renders extraordinary results, as much in terms of its optical quality as in the visual impact of your images themselves. Its chromatic neutrality is unquestionable.


WHY USE A POLARIZING FILTER?

Of all filters that can be employed at capture, the polarizing filter is without contest the one whose impact on your images will be most significant; intensifying the blueness of the sky, saturating the entirety of the colour spectrum, finessing the intensity of bright lights and reflections!

In sunny weather - and even more during morning or evening hours - and if you respect a right angle (90?) between the shooting axis and the position of the sun, a polarizing filter will darken the blue of the sky (sometimes making it almost black...), throwing the clouds into stark relief.

The intensity of its effect also depends on the film used, or, in digital photography, on your level of saturation, but in either case its contribution remains crucial because there is more, real content to work with.

Whether used in full sunlight or in overcast weather, polarizing filters significantly improve the saturation of colours. You will obtain greener greens, richer reds and ever more brilliant yellows. You will be surprised to see how certain colours, dull to the naked eye, become vibrant and dazzling with this filter.

In all kinds of weather, polarizing filters reduce, eliminate, and deepen reflections on all non-metallic
surfaces like water or windows. This capacity to work on all reflections and bright lights finds numerous photographic applications which one must be careful not to overuse... It brings transcendence to vegetation, transforms bodies of water, opens vistas... brings fish to the surface.


Polarizers

160 Linear Polarizer
164 Circular Polarizer

Without a polarizer, blue skies appear a tepid, light blue on film; with a polarizer filter, they come out in a rich, deep colour. The filter works by cutting out reflected glare and it's also useful for water (lakes, ponds), window glass, and tree leaves. A polarizer is more expensive than most other filters but worth the investment.

Regardless of the type of shooting you do, a polarizer is the most useful and versatile filter you can own. It's a very visual filter with which to work: As you rotate it in its mount, the effects are immediately noticeable. A polarizing filter can deepen the colour and contrast in a sky (the most intense effects are always 90? from the sun or light source), eliminate glare from wet or reflective surfaces and cut through atmospheric haze to increase clarity and contrast in a scene. Since the effect of a polarizer is most pronounced when it is used perpendicular to the light source (the sun usually), try this trick... Make an 'L' with your thumb and forefinger. Point your forefinger at the sun and your thumb will point in the direction that the polarizer will have its greatest effect. You can rotate your thumb around the axis of your forefinger; pointing the lens in any of these directions will let you take full advantage of the polarizer?s capabilities. Polarizers have little or no effect when they are used in the same direction as the light source.

Polarizers come in two varieties: Linear 160 and Circular 164. Each has the same effect visually; the difference is just in the way they polarize the light passing through.
If you own an auto focus or auto-exposure camera (basically any modern camera), use a 164 Circular polarizer, which won't interfere with its automatic functions. Digital cameras in general do not have reflection mirrors, and, as a result, can use both (linear and circular) polarizers.

LINEAR
It produces deeper coloured blue skies, which at the same time creates a striking contrast with white clouds. Minimizes light reflections from glass and water Reduces glare from non-metallic surfaces. It provides general color saturation to both cool and warm tones. Can be used in extremely bright light situations to reduce the amount of light entering the camera; this enables more selective depth of field control. It is manufactured in self-rotating and drop-in formats. Note: using a Linear Polarizer on an auto focus camera with a beam-splitting meter will result in under-exposure of approximately 2-3 f-stops. Light is polarized by both the filter and the beam-splitting meter which results in double polarization. However, Linear Polarizers can be used with both non-auto focus and auto focus video cameras.
Light Loss: 2 f:stops

CIRCULAR POLARIZER
Provides the same filter effects as a Linear Polarizer, but is designed to work with auto focus cameras with beam splitting metering. The Circular Polarizer has linear polarizer construction plus a built-in 'Wave Retardant' to ensure proper exposure. The linear element polarizes the light, and the wave retardant de-polarizes it, and then the beam-splitting meter polarizes the light again for proper exposure. The use of a Linear Polarizer with a beam-splitting meter will result in underexposure. It can also be used in video for video assist.
Light Loss: 2 f:stops

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