Linear...or...Circular (polarizer)?

[Markw]

In terms of bringing out colors and over-all enhancement of nature photography, which is better to use? What are the differences between the two in termsof performance/effects?

Mark

 

[Dubious Drewski]

Aren't linear polarizers outlawed by now?

But seriously though, linear and circular polarizers are, as far as any human can see, identical. They both have identical effects on a photograph and they both do the exact same thing. The only difference is that a linear polarizer won't let your camera autofocus.

If you see a linear polarizer around, it's probably very old, because I don't think they're manufactured anymore.

EDIT: here's an off-topic tidbit: to tell if your polarizer is circular or linear, you place it in front of your eye and look in a mirror. If it's black in the mirror, it's circular, if you can see through it, it's linear. (Guys, if I've got that the wrong way, let me know, ok? Helen B I know you would know this!)