A question for photographers about polarizing filters

I've got a quick question for any experienced photographers out there about polarizing filters.  I've read and heard a little bit about the value of polarizing filters.  I went to Ritz a week ago looking for a polarizing filter and wanted a cheap $20 - $25 one I had seen in their online catalog.  The guy tried to sell me a $60 polarizing filter and said this is what they recommend for digital cameras.  He said the cheap ones are for film cameras.  He said the cheaper one might work but the other one was better.

My question - is this true or was he just tying to upsell me? 

I got to borrow a friend's camera this weekend and she has the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens on it and it was everything it was advertised to be.  I took two shots of the same subject at 200mm using the same aperture and shutter speed settings, one with the image stabilization off and one with it on.  It made a huge difference.  So guess what?  That's right campers, mister "I gotta have it" here wants to start saving for that lens. 

Which means I want to go the cheap route right now if I buy a polarizing filter.  I'd like to get a polarizing filter before the fall leaves reach their peak, but I'm also content to get a cheap one that is just "good enough for now."  So, is the $20 polarizing filter an ok thing, or is it $20 down the drain?

Oh yeah, one more thing.  Are there any technical details about the use of polarizing filters I need to be aware of since I am a total noob on this stuff?  I've heard the polarizing filters will reduce glare and make the colors more vivid, so that's all I'm looking for - does anyone have any advice to offer?

Comments

[Nick Kennicott]

I use my $25 polarizing filter on my 35mm Film SLR as well as my DSLR, and it works just as great on both. As with most things on cameras, you get what you pay for, so the $60 one is most likely better, but a cheaper one is not a bad purchase either. I am sure you would be pleased with it... that's my $0.02.

[David Wayne]

Thanks for the $0.02 Nick!

[Timmy Brister]

David,

I am not sure about the filters for film cameras, but I use a circular polarizer (cost around $70) and love it. I use it in almost all outdoor shots. It is great for rich colors and contrast. It is used to in water to determine whether you want reflections or not (by spinning the filter). Of all the filters out there, a polarizer makes the most sense (especially if you shoot outside a lot).

One more thing, if you are interesting in shooting waterfalls or capturing motion, a polarizer is a must because it lowers the exposure almost a complete stop, slowing the shutter speed down to a point where you get the fluid (milky) look. For instance, I could not shoot a waterfall with the sun out, even with an ISO of 100 and Aperture of f/29 because my shutter speed would be over 1/8 of a second. However, with a polarizer, the exposure darkens where you can should at 1/2 a second, getting more of the milky look. Just a thought.

[Don Singleton]

Nick is right. The more expensive ones may be better, but the less expensive ones do the same thing, regardless of digital vs film. The salesman knew you had digital and he was lying to you when he said digital required the more epensive filter, but he would not be the first store clerk, either in a camera store or a computer store, that did not know what he was talking about.

[Wayne]

Not that I'm any less of a noob than you are, David. But I agree with what your reading in your comments. Be careful, LBA can become a real problem. :-)

[Denny]

Hello,
I would stay away from Ritz's filter. Their brand is not all that good. Try Hoya filters for your camera. You can find them at a pretty good price on ebay.com. As for the cost, the more expensive ones have multiple coating on the glass. For most photographers the basic Hoya should be good enough. Here is a good page discussing filters http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/filters.htm.

[Bill]

Since you will be spending about 1800 for the lens whats another 60 for a good filter. I also use this lens for action sports. it is great.