Table of Contents
- What Is a Polarizing Filter?
- Why Use a Polarizing Filter in Real Estate Photography?
- Top 4 Polarizing Filters for Real Estate Photography
- How to Choose the Right Polarizing Filter?
- Leave the Real Estate Photo Editing to PhotoUp!
Real estate photography is a niche that demands precision and a keen eye for detail. Images need to be crisp, clear, and inviting, showcasing the property in the best possible light.
One of the secret weapons in a real estate photographer’s arsenal is the polarizing filter—a game-changing tool that can enhance skies, cut reflections, and increase the overall visual appeal of exterior shots.
In this post, we’ll uncover the best polarizing filters on the market tailored for real estate photography and how using the right one can elevate your portfolio.
What Is a Polarizing Filter?
A “polarizer,” or polarizing filter, is commonly attached to your camera’s lens as a versatile accessory for controlling reflections, minimizing atmospheric fuzziness, and giving your pictures a boost in color richness.
A polarizing filter often tops the list of must-have accessories for photographers, particularly those who revel in capturing landscapes.
Overall, polarizing filters, are the go-to tool for enhancing the vibrancy and depth of their shots. Imagine slapping on a pair of polarized shades – that’s essentially what you’re doing to your camera when you add a polarizing filter to your lens.
It works by sifting out scattered light waves, which sharpens and clarifies your final image.
Why Use a Polarizing Filter in Real Estate Photography?
A polarizing filter serves several purposes in real estate photography:
- Reduces Glare and Reflections: Glass windows and polished surfaces can produce reflections that distract the viewer. A polarizing filter helps reduce these reflections, ensuring the property’s details are clearly visible
- Enhances Blue Skies: A polarizing filter can turn a washed-out sky into a deep blue canvas, which makes exteriors pop
- Improves Color Saturation: By filtering out polarized light, colors in the photograph become more vibrant and the contrast between the sky and the clouds increases
As you can see, there are several benefits to using a polarizing filter when shooting properties. It can help you capture stunning photos and save time on trying to edit out annoying reflections and glares.
Top 4 Polarizing Filters for Real Estate Photography
Understanding the value a polarizing filter adds, real estate photographers should consider including one in their gear sets. With various options available, here are four of the top picks renowned for delivering outstanding results.
1. ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating POL Circular Polarizer Lens Filter 62mm
Professional and serious amateur photographers know the importance of quality lens filters. The ZEISS T* Anti-Reflective Coating POL Circular Polarizer is a top-of-the-line lens filter designed to enhance your photos by reducing reflections and glare.
With its premium construction and 62mm diameter, it’s suitable for a variety of lenses, offering versatility to photographers with different equipment.
Specifications
- Size: 62mm, making it compatible with a wide range of lenses
- Product Dimensions: 2.44″L x 2.44″W
- Material: Glass
- Water Resistant: Yes
Key Features
- T* Anti-Reflective Coating: This proprietary coating minimizes surface reflections and ensures high image clarity and contrast
- High-Quality Glass: Known for its optical excellence, ZEISS uses high-grade glass for superior image quality
- Rotating Frame: Allows for control of the polarizing effect to enhance sky blues and reduce reflections from water and glass
Price: $124
2. Hoya HD Nano PL-CIR Filter (72 mm)
Hoya HD Nano PL-CIR Filter (72 mm), is tough and provides greater optical clarity. Ideal for outdoor real estate photography, this filter promises sharp images with reduced reflections on windows and a nice contrasted sky, even after numerous uses.
Specifications
- Size: 72mm, also available in 77mm size
- Product Dimensions: 2.83″L x 2.83″W
- Material: Glass
- Water Resistant: No
Key Features
- Ultra-Resistant Nano-Coating: 16 layers (total) of ultra-resistant nano-coating
- Repellent: Repels stains, water, and grease
- Scratch-Resistant: 200% more scratch-resistant than conventional filters
- Improved Light Transmission: 25% more light transmission
Price: $99.90
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3. B+W XS-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC-Nano Filter
This filter is a go-to choice for professionals who need durability and precision. Its excellent build quality ensures that no detail is lost and the colors in your shots are more saturated, making it perfect for capturing stunning architectural elements and lush landscapes.
Specifications
- Size: 40.5mm
- Product Dimensions: 1.59″L x 1.59″W
- Material: Glass
- Water Resistant: Yes
Key Features
- MRC Coating: MRC coating to control flare and ghosting
- Full-Frame Format Friendly: Good for down to 17mm full-frame format
- Improved Grip: Black knurled thin profile filter mount for better grip
- Repellent: Water and dirt-repellent
Price: $87.95
4. LEE100 Clip-on 105mm Polarizer
On the more expensive side, the LEE100 Clip-on 105mm Polarizer offers a polarizer that’s built with real estate landscapes in mind. It’s designed to be versatile and can be used with graduated ND filters commonly used in real estate photography for balancing sky and land exposure.
It’s compatible with the LEE100 Holder when used with Mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
Specifications
- Size: 105mm
- Product Dimensions: 4.1″L x 4.1″W
- Material: Glass
- Water Resistant: No
Key Features
- Perfect for Landscapes: Specially designed for landscape photography
- Rotating Frame: Can be rotated in the filter holder and used in conjunction with other filters
- Improved Color Intensity: Reduces glare and improves color intensity
Price: $322.50
To recap, these four options of great polarizing filters will help you reduce glare and reflections and improve colors in your real estate photography.
With these recommendations, take the time to research and choose the best option that aligns with your equipment, photography style, and budget.
How to Choose the Right Polarizing Filter?
When selecting a polarizing filter for real estate photography, consider the following:
- Lens Compatibility: Make sure to get a polarizing filter that fits your lens size. An improperly sized filter can cause vignetting
- Optical Quality: A high-quality filter will not degrade the image sharpness. Look for multi-coated filters to prevent lens flare and ghosting
- Rotation Mechanism: A smooth rotator is necessary for adjusting the level of polarization effect you need for each shot
- Durability: Real estate photography can take you to different environments. Durable, weather-sealed filters are a wise investment
Investing in the right polarizing filter can significantly improve your real estate photography, leading to images that captivate clients and sell properties faster. It’s an asset for mitigating glare and enhancing the natural beauty of the property’s surroundings.
Remember, a polarizing filter is not a fix-it-all solution, you also have to edit your real estate photos for optimal results.
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Our skilled photo editors can help with editing such as:
- Improper exposure levels and color correction
- Blurred images that were taken without a tripod
- Harsh shadows, lack of light, etc.
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We hope this blog post helped guide you to some of the best polarizing filter options for shooting real estate photography. Before you go, you may also want to check out the following resources:
