Does a polarizer work with reflections off of glass?

Baaaark · Jul 25, 2009

I know it doesn't work from reflections off of metal due to (insert physics principle here), but I never see anything mentioned about glass. Yet, I get glare off of glass. Then I started thinking, "It wouldn't reduce the glare off of a mirror, so why would it glass? But then I didn't know if it was the glass or the reflecting substance underneath it.

And then I thought I was thinking too much, and decided to ask you guys.

musicaleCA · Jul 25, 2009

Yes. As long as the reflection is at the right angle, a CPL will reduce reflections from glass.

*sigh* I really need to get CPL's for my lenses...in time, perhaps.

Baaaark · Jul 25, 2009

musicaleCA said:
Yes. As long as the reflection is at the right angle, a CPL will reduce reflections from glass.

*sigh* I really need to get CPL's for my lenses...in time, perhaps.

will it work off of a mirror?

Markw · Jul 25, 2009

Mirrors are lined with some metal underneath, hence why it doesnt in a mirror. Take a look at this thread. Scroll down and I have posted photos of a truck.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...hoto-gallery/172095-circular-polarizer-q.html

Not a bad read either. :wink:

Mark

Baaaark · Jul 25, 2009

Markw said:
Mirrors are lined with some metal underneath, hence why it doesnt in a mirror. Take a look at this thread. Scroll down and I have posted photos of a truck.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...hoto-gallery/172095-circular-polarizer-q.html

Not a bad read either.

Mark

I totally forgot I asked that in another thread! Thank you for redirecting me to it. I'd hate to think someone went through all that trouble to answer my question only to have me not see it!

Markw · Jul 25, 2009

I didnt even remember it was you that posted it! I just remember answering it in that thread :lol:

Mark

Dwig · Jul 25, 2009

Baaaark said:
I know it doesn't work from reflections off of metal due to (insert physics principle here), but I never see anything mentioned about glass. ...

Polarizers are almost 100% effective in eliminating reflections from smooth glass when your line of site to the glare is a 45 degree angle to the surface of the glass. They are 0% effective when the reflections along a line of sight near 90 degrees to the surface. Shoot straight into a window and a polarizer will not help to eliminated the reflection of the camera and photographer. Shoot at a 45 degree angle and it can eliminate the reflections.