The Tiffen 55mm Linear Polarizer Filter helps to reduce reflections and glare by filtering out light that has become polarized due to reflection from a non-metallic surface. The light from the sun naturally becomes partially polarized due to reflecting off electrons in air molecules, causing the light to scatter into what appears as haze. A polarizing filter arranges, and filters, this directionally polarized light perpendicularly to the reflected light, allowing for the absorption of much of this light. This results in a noticeable reduction of glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces and an increase in the saturation of skies and foliage.

A linear polarizer only differs from a circular polarizer in that it does not contain a quarter wave plane that enables use of auto focus and exposure features. Linear polarizers are best suited for use with manual cameras, such as view cameras, that are not dependent on internal mechanisms to determine focus or metering settings.

Tiffen filters are made using ColorCore technology, a process that involves laminating the filter substrate between 2 pieces of optical glass, grinding flat to a tolerance of 10,000th of an inch, and then mounting to precision metal rings.

Helps to Eliminate Reflections and Glare    Reduces Haze and Blue Cast in Landscapes    Greater Color and Tonal Saturation    ColorCore Technology

Helps to reduce reflections and glare by filtering out light that has become polarized due to reflection from a non-metallic surface.

Polarizing filters arrange, and filter, directionally polarized light perpendicularly to the reflected light, allowing for the absorption of much of the light.

Clears up haze in distant landscapes and provides more saturated, vivid colors.

Strongest effect when used at a 90° angle from the sun.

Constructed using Tiffen's ColorCore technology.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this work with the Wooden Camera Zip Box Pro 4.5in Round Filter Stage?

A: Yes.

Q: 2. Thickness of the filter

A: 4mm

Q: 3. Why isn't it available in 46mm filter size? That's the size most of my Micro Four Thirds lenses are.

A: Charles... this filter is available, but B&H does not list it on their website as it is considered Special Order . Please call B&H directly and tell them you would like to request they special order item # 46WPOL from Tiffen. I currently show a few of these in stock and they can be dropped shipped directly from Tiffen to you when ordered through B&H.

Q: 4. how is this designed to work? Does it need a 138mm circular polarizer in combination with this filter?

A: You would need a holder that will take this size filter. The exact holder depends in part on the lens you are using.

Q: 5. Since you are out of stock on the Tiffen 49mm Cir. Pol., can I use a linear polarizer instead on a mirrorless camera? My recollection is that Cir. Polarizer was developed to compensate for the effect of the mirror on light measurement in the camera, and if so, then shouldn’t be necessary for mirrorless camera.

A: Yes, a linear polarizer will have no effect on metering or autofocus (PDAF or CAF) in a mirrorless camera, which historically would cause metering and autofocus issues in cameras with mirrors or single-translucent lenses (SLTs).

Q: 6. Can someone tell me the difference between this product and Tiffen's product?(a href= http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457543-REG/Tiffen_67LLPOL_67mm_Low_Light_Polarizing.html target= _blank http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/457543-REG/Tiffen_67LLPOL_67mm_Low_Light_Polarizing.html/a)

A: The Hoya linear polarizing filter was designed for use on older film cameras - See the following description of a linear polarizing filter - (Two kinds of polarizing filters are the PL (Linear Polarizing) andPL-CIR (Circular Polarizing) filters which have the same effect ofreducing glare, however, there are differences in the way each worksin combination with your specific camera so it is important toresearch and choose the correct version of filter for your camera.Many of today's cameras use semi-silvered mirrors or prisms to splitthe light (a.k.a. beam) entering the viewfinder in order tocalculate exposure and focusing distance. PL filters can sometimesinteract with these light controlling devices to give unpredictableexposure or focusing. If your camera, whether auto or manual, isequipped with this kind of device, we recommend using a PL-CIR filter.Both types of filters allow you not only to remove unwantedreflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass etc., butalso filter out atmospheric haze enabling colors to become moresaturated and appear clearer with a much sharper contrast.These effects will prove to be invaluable to photographers at anylevel of interest.)

Q: 7. What is the difference between Ultra Pol Circular vs Ultra pol LINEAR? Which one will work best in my matte Shape-2 4x4 case and with my Sony A7SII?

A: Circular Polarizers are designed for use with auto or manual focus lenses, while linear polarizers are best used with manual focus lenses.

Q: 8. I'm looking to buy this filter to hold in front of the Rokinon 14mm wide angle lens I will buy soon since this lens does not have threads to screw on a circular polarizer. Will there be any adverse effects to my images by holding the filter in front of the lens?

A: If you plan to use this on a digital camera, I advise you to reconsider - a linear polarizer is designed for film cameras, and this will not be compatible with digial sensors. Unfortunately, there are no filter holders made that can currently accommodate the Rokinon 14mm.

Q: 9. Will a linear polarizer affect the AF system of my Sony a7iii?

A: We recommend a Circular Polarizing filter for autofocus cameras

Q: 10. Will this filter have a negative impact on autofocus in a mirrorless camera like the R5?

A: Linear polarizers usually have autofocus issues with DSLRs not mirrorless, so you shouldn't have a problem with the R5.