Polarizing Filters used in cameras are of two types – linear and circular. Circular polarizing filters used in SLR Cameras. Auto focus cameras can use only polarizing filters. Now-a-days recent cameras are all auto focus cameras. So circular polarizing filters are use in these days. Polarizer's themselves are expensive and circular polarizing filters are more expensive than linear filters.

 A circular polarizing polarizer is a must in any photographer's kit. The effects of using polarizer's in different areas are as below:

WATER: Use of polarizing filters while shooting water with your camera makes the water appear transparent. It eliminates reflections from water. If there is reflection the picture becomes foggy and color is washed out. But when you use polarizing filters, the picture becomes sharp and clear.

SKY: Darkening the blue sky is one very important use of circular polarizing filters.

COLOR: Color saturation is significantly enhanced when polarizing filters are used. Foliage looks less shiny and greener. So colors are very vibrant when polarizing filters are used.

While buying a circular polarizing filter you should be careful to buy the correct size. Polarizing filters are available in different sizes. The diameter of the lens determines the size of the polarizing filter. As it is expensive, wrong size will result in a waste of money.

Circular polarizing filters are very easy to use. You just keep on rotating the element at the front of the filter. Now the colors and reflections you see keep on changing as you keep rotating. When you are satisfied with a particular angle you can take the shot. Keep the sun at your side, not at the back or front to get the maximum effect.

Circular polarizing filters make the pictures dark. It has the same effect as the sun glasses have on the vision of your eyes. So using polarizing filters is not advisable when it is not sunny and while shooting indoors. So the effect of using polarizing filter is maximum felt only on bright and sunny days.

As the circular polarizing filters are very expensive and if you are on a budget, then looking for used polarizing filters is the best option. Many used polarizing filters are available for purchase in E-bay.  If anyone want to buy a new one then there are many companies making circular polarized filters like Hoya, Quantaray etc. find which suits your camera and then make the purchase. Of you are a lover of photography you will not be disappointed with your purchase of circular polarizing filter.