polarizer vs. UV filter

As far as my knowledge goes a UV filter is that which cuts the ultraviolet rays coming onto the film,and a polarizer is that wherein we can change the density of light depending upon rotation of the polarizer.It either darkens or makes light the sky effect.If we are taking a landscape,here if we want to make the sky dark or light then we can use the polarizer filter.

polarizer bans glares from reflections and UV filter filters ultra violet rays

Polarizer filter is the one which either darkens the sky or makes it light .It is very useful while taking landscape photographs.Depending upon the location of the landscape we can modify the sky effect according to our taste either dark or light.By rotating the lens this can be done it is practically seen in the view finder.A UV filter is that which cuts the ultraviolet rays entering the film.

UV filters block ultraviolet light. Most of the time, you can't tell the difference between a photo taken with a UV filter and without. It can reduce fogginess and haziness caused by ultraviolet light in images... but it really doesn't make a huge difference in photos. Most often these filters are used to protect the lens.

In fact, I don't really know any photographers that use a UV filter...


A polarizing filter is very useful! In fact, most professional photographers will tell you if you only get one filter... get a circular polarizer!

In color photos, a polarizer will increase saturation. It can darken skies while leaving clouds relatively unchanged so that it increases the cloud/sky contrast. It can also reduce reflections such as in glass or in water. It is a very useful filter indeed!

I don't use a UV filter at all, but I do use a circular polarizer VERY often. Pretty much every time I'm shooting outdoors during the day, I've got my polarizer on!

While digital cameras are less sensitive to UV than film they are not immune to the effects so where you are taking pictures of distant landscapes, particularly at high altitudes, a UV filter han help eliminate the "haze" or fog caused by the UV light. Largely these filters are used for lens protection as much a anything else (easier to clean a filter or cheaper to ruin a filter by scratching or dropping than the lens itself).

A Polarizer usually reduces light by about 2 stops and helps eliminate glare off shiny surfaces like water.

Sorry surveygrrl... just to tag on to this topic.
The explanation of the difference between a polarizer and a UV filter.

So given the numerous brands out there, which one is a better one to get?
I love to take all sorts of pictures, from landscape to portraits to macros. So one that will require least number of changes would be best.

Any recommendations?

UV sounds like something for the sun and the other thing for maybe other lighting? I really have no clue.

Oops. I sent a very comprehensive answer to that question on your other discussion called "ordered some filters"...

Hope you find it.