What do polarizing filter terms like multi-coated, Kaesemann, slim, and warming versions mean?
Asked 9/1/2011
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I’m shopping for a circular polarizing filter and see many options that combine polarization with other effects, such as 81A, 81C, 85, warming, enhancing, intensifying, skylight 1A, UV haze, and Soft FX. I also see build/design terms like multi-coated, Kaesemann, slim, and extra-wide, with big price differences. What do these terms generally mean, and which type is usually the best choice for everyday photography?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
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13 + Super 1 (Multi-Coated) is what you should be looking for, maybe add a 3 (Slim) in case you plan on using it with moderately wide lenses.
Multi-Coated are layers of chemicals that reduce flare and unwanted reflections. Slim filters are simply slimmer and reduce the change of vignetting.
The others are combined with other effects which you cannot remove after. If you KNOW you always use some fixed combination then I suppose you can some by buying combined filters but it is generally better to buy a filter than does ONE thing well.
The numbered ones, plus warming and skylight all add a different tint to your photos by filtering out some light, so you can easily do the same in most image manipulation software. Also if you use Automatic WB, there is a good chance you camera will simply cancel the effect out.
Soft FX basically blurs your image which you can also emulate by software but is irreversible.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For most photographers, a plain circular polarizer is the safest choice.
The combined versions pair a polarizer with another effect filter. Terms like 81A/81C/85, warming, and skylight add a color tint or warming effect; UV/haze affects light transmission; Soft FX adds diffusion/softening. Those effects are usually better added separately, because you can’t remove them later if they’re baked into the shot.
Common design terms:
- multi-coated: coatings that help reduce flare and unwanted reflections
- slim: thinner mount to reduce the risk of vignetting on wider lenses
- extra-wide: similar idea, intended for wider-angle use
- Kaesemann: a higher-end polarizer construction/type, generally associated with better quality and price
If you use auto white balance, some warming/tint filters may have little benefit because the camera may compensate for the color shift.
Bottom line: buy a good plain multi-coated circular polarizer, and choose a slim version if you plan to use it on moderately wide lenses.
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