Is it wise to get a polarizer.

I've heard that circular polarizers are great to protect lenses. I am really afraid of scratching the front element and then being forced to replace that front element. I don't want to pay $100+ for the best quality.. Could I get away with a $10 cheepo to hold me over till i have the funds and would these in any way reduce the quality of the lens?

Normally recommended to get a skylight filter to protect lens as it does not alter the colours. Skylight filters are cheaper than polarizers

Scratches on the front element have a minimal effect on IQ....Many people obsess about them needlessly...See this link for effects of dirt & scratches on the front elements ...If you are familiar with mirror lenses, think of how big the plastic plug in the middle of the front element is & how it doesn't have much of an effect on IQ (except for the doughnuts in the bokeh)

kurtmunger.com/dirty_lens_articleid35.html

I think that you mean a skylight filter or a UV filter and not a circular polarizer to protect your lens. A CP is used for a specific need, like shooting against water or a bright sky. Would not be a good choice for an "all the time" filter.

Like Scott said ... there are two schools of thought on protective filters and some folks do obsess about them. I personally never use a UV filter on any of my lenses, except whe shooting in high dust / dirt areas or at the beach.

Having said all of that ... My opinion is to never buy a "cheapo" filter of any kind. Allow my experience and wasting of money to help you ... you get what you pay for in filters and a cheap filter will only end up being a pain in the rump.

Polarized filter is my favorite filter, so yes, get one!

Yes get one

Eddy wrote: Polarized filter is my favorite filter, so yes, get one!

Out of all my filters, the polarized filter is the one that is used the most.

Yes, a good polarized filter is a must have in any camera bag. Hoya, B+W, to name a couple.

As others have said yes to the polarizer. But no to the cheap ones, you can get away with something in the Medium price range though. The reason being the cheap ones will most likely not be optically great and could screw up wour images.

I'd recommend a circ pol to anyone who shoots color. It's not to keep on your lens for protection though. I agree with Joves' recommendation to not buy the cheapest, but mid-range would do fine. Check out Hoya brand. I've found them to be excellent quality. They offer some very fancy models, but their basic filter or a step up work great.

If you fear your lens is really in danger then you do want to invest in a very good UV filter. It can affect your image quality in some situations. Every air/glass meeting increases the chances of diffraction and flare. A UV filter adds 2 air/glass meetings. I would suggest though that for most folks I think the danger of damaging the lens in a way the filter would protect is very slim. I stopped using protective filters over a decade ago, and I'm usually carrying/using cameras all day every where I go. I've never damaged a lens in a way that the filter would have protected it. I think that in most situations making sure the lens hood is on does a better job. I've definitely had a hood save my lens from being bashed on the front several times.

When I sold cameras we were told to convince people they needed the UV filter, because the mark up on filters is pretty good. If you think you are a klutz, or shoot in situations where rocks are being hurled at the lens then by all means get a protective filter. If you can carry the camera safely, and generally pay attention to obvious dangers then you can probably do without.

Get the pol filter though. It can do wonderful things to color if used correctly.

It's my favorite filter that gets used the most.

bhowdy wrote: I think that you mean a skylight filter or a UV filter and not a circular polarizer to protect your lens. A CP is used for a specific need, like shooting against water or a bright sky. Would not be a good choice for an "all the time" filter.

Like Scott said ... there are two schools of thought on protective filters and some folks do obsess about them. I personally never use a UV filter on any of my lenses, except whe shooting in high dust / dirt areas or at the beach.

Having said all of that ... My opinion is to never buy a "cheapo" filter of any kind. Allow my experience and wasting of money to help you ... you get what you pay for in filters and a cheap filter will only end up being a pain in the rump.

And I also agree that you should get one, juts not for the reason you mention.

Yes to the circular polarized filter. When outdoors, try to shoot with the sun at 90 degrees to the right or left and it will really get a nice blue sky for your pic!

I agree whole heartedly!! Very rarely will you ever find me shooting outdoors without one. One other advantage that I like with the CP is that it can allow you to utilize a slower shutter speed and introduce some motion into your shots.