Last Updated on 05/13/2020 by Mark Beckenbach
Essentials is a series featuring products we’re currently lusting over in quick, bite-sized posts.
Circular Polarizers have become more and more important in my work, and the PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizers act almost like the dehaze tool does in Lightroom. With a reliable build quality to them, my only complaint has more to do with the laws of physics and how they perform on wide-angle lenses. But if you want to get rid of reflections, get better colors in a scene, and bring out a ton of details in-camera, then the PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizers are an essential item for you. What would otherwise take you time in Lightroom or Photoshop can be eliminated from the start in-camera with the PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizers. And best of all, if you’re using a camera with an EVF, you can clearly see the effect on the scene.
The PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizers are built with a beautiful metal ring. There are dentures (not teeth) on it, which means that it’s going to be easier to turn while wearing gloves. And the removal of the PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizers is pretty easy if you’re careful. Best of all, they come in a set. Ours came with an 82mm, a 77mm, and a step-down ring. Landscape photographers will love their durability and the beautiful cases they come in. Better yet, photographers are going to appreciate how sharp they get and how easy they are to clean. Cleaning the PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizers is very important. You need to bring a microfiber cloth with you when using them because you’re bound to get fingerprints on them. And when you get prints on the glass, they’re going to cause flaring. Of course, flaring isn’t all that bad. In fact, I find it enjoyable to look at. And when you combine this with a lens hood, you’ll get the sharpest images with the most contrast possible.
Where the PolarPro QuartzLine Circular Polarizers could improve is by indicating to the user how far it’s dialed in. I’d love to quickly know where the max setting is and where the weakest setting is. With these being circular polarizers, you can adjust as needed, though for me, I always went either full or least. Also, note that it’s going to cut down light at times. But best of all, you’re still going to get super sharp images each and every time.
If you’re a hobbyist and love watches the way I do, take a look at what they can do. I put my Seiko “Arnie” in a glass of water and take a look at the details it brought out. They’re incredible when it comes to the image quality though not perfect. However, of any Circular Polarizer on the market, I’d argue that they’re the most essential ones you can get.
You can pick them up at Amazon, and the prices vary depending on size and need.