What’s the difference between linear and circular polarizers, and do linear polarizers affect autofocus?

Asked 7/24/2010

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I’ve heard that linear polarizers can interfere with autofocus or metering, while circular polarizers are designed to avoid that. Is that true? In practical use on a camera lens, when should you choose a linear polarizer versus a circular polarizer?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

16y ago

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A polarizer works in the way that it will let through only the light that is polarized in the same direction as the filter is currently turned. It is true that many AF systems have problems with this. To solve this, circular polarizers have a layer behind the linear polarizing filter that "re-polarizes" the polarized light in a different way so that the AF can function properly. The linear polarizer does not have this extra layer. The wikipedia article explains this quite well, I think.

As far as I know, there are no cases when you would want a linear polarizer instead of a circular one within the context of placing it on a camera lens. On any camera that a linear polarizer will do the job, the circular one will work just as well, but not the other way around.

Originally by user10. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user10

16y ago

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Yes—often. A linear polarizer can interfere with some cameras’ autofocus and metering systems because those systems may not work well with linearly polarized light. A circular polarizer is basically a linear polarizer plus an extra layer that changes the light so AF/metering systems can still function properly.

For normal photography on a camera lens, a circular polarizer is usually the safe choice. On cameras that work fine with a linear polarizer, a circular polarizer will also work; the reverse is not always true.

Why use a linear polarizer at all? Mainly because they can be cheaper, and sometimes they transmit a bit more light. A special-case use is combining polarizers to make a variable ND-style setup, where the front polarizer needs to be linear.

So in most real-world camera use: choose a circular polarizer unless you know your camera is compatible with linear polarizers or you have a specific technical reason to use one.

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16y ago

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