Canon 500 f4 lens drop in circular polarizer

[tyrrelc]

Bob

thanks for a wonderful place to learn and get input. I am in the process of buying a used 500f4 lens with some accessories but no polarizing filter. With my resources stressed to the max do i need to buy this filter now? when i photograph birds or wildlife in the early morning or evening do I need it then? Capturing images in the shade of trees do I remove it or do I increase ISO and white balance? I haven't found this question addressed in your forum but it should apply to all the Canon super teles...
Thanks for your interest and help.
tyrrel grohman  amateur imager <><

[Bob Atkins]

I rarely use a polarizer with my long telephotos for a couple of reasons. First it costs about two stops of exposure and quite often that can be a problem. It typically puts you (with a 300/4, 500/4 or 600/4) at an effective f8 as far as light capture goes. In bright sun that's not a problem, but in the morning and evening when the light is often at its best, it can result in rather slow shutter speeds, especially with active animals. Second it's not often necessary.

Where it can be useful is when photographing water birds. For example I was photographing a loon with a chick this spring and from where I was there was quite a lot of glare from the sky reflected in the water. A polarizer improved the images by darkening the water, though it did drop my shutter speed lower than I would have liked and some of the images had motion blur.

So I'd say a polarizer for a 500/4L isn't an absolute "must have", though at some point you might want to get one. Compared with the cost of the lens they're relatively cheap, even at around $180.

See: Canon 52mm drop in Circular Polarizer - Adorama - $179.95

[tyrrelc]

thank you for the counsel. I'll be more relaxed and look for an opportunity to pick one up later to complete my needs in this area. I love your images and the message they proclaim to me
tyrrel <><

[marcfs]

I regularly shoot with a 500 F4 lens and although I own the drop in polarizer, I’ve never used it. 

One accessory that I regularly use with the 500 is the 1.4 extender.  I like to capture images of birds that fill the frame.  The 500, with the 1.4 extender on a 40D, is the equivalent of an 1120mm lens.

If I were using the 500 for Landscape or other creative work, the polarizer would come in handy and be used.  However, if you are capturing birds, buy an extender and you will get a much return on your investment.  This combination really makes a difference.

Good luck.

Marc

[tyrrelc]

Thanks Marc!

i have a 1.4 and 2X extender from my earlier equipment and a 30D to increase the magnification. I have snapped birds in a state park with a feeder with a 300mm  f4 and extender but i'm uncertain how to go about "stalking "wild  birds...any pointers or a book to read?
thanks... i'll be watching for a deal on a polarizer but need to recuperate from the "new" used 500!

tyrrel c <><