[35mmfilmfan]

Don't leave any filter on permanently - use CPL when I feel the need.

[othar]

Except for rare occasions, when I plan ahead for certain images, I don't even bring my CPL filter along anymore

[acoufap]

I use them seldom and if so only very good ones. Think I should do it more often.

Remember:

- it‘s a tool that can help to get a stronger images under special circumstances
- CPLs take 1-2 stops
- the strength of polarising effect depends on light angle and filter rotation
- the wider the lens the the effect can get problematic
- stacked with other filters can yield vignetting

So IMO it should be taken as a special purpose filter that can be very effective if used properly.

Definitely not an always on filter and you should take your time to look at the differences when rotating the filter pane.

In addition if an ND filter shows to be not strong enough, I sometimes add a CPL.

[ffking]

^ that -plus mine is the Lee type in a filter holder, so it would be a pain in in unrelated part of my anatomy to keep it on

[StiffLegged]

Why would I keep a CPL on all the time? Instagram is not the target for my images. Or are you thinking of the skylight 1B filter we used in the film days? I put mine on when I need it and leave it off otherwise.

[Wheatfield]

Do you ever take off your cpl filter or is it just a part of your lens at this point?

Is this a serious question?

[southlander]

I find that a cpl is also useful with glary white-out skies that otherwise tend to blow out because of all the scattered light coming from them, but like others the cpl comes out when needed and goes away afterwards.

[kypfer]

I use a polarising filter regularly, both to deepen the blue of the sky and to minimise annoying reflections, but I usually use an "old fashioned" linear polariser, for several reasons :-
1) because I already own several,
2) because they're available cheaply second hand,
3) because they (usually) give a more pronounced effect,
4) because Pentax cameras don't "need" a circular polariser!

If using two polarising filters as variable ND filter, two CPL filters can give that renowned "X" effect when approaching maximum density. This is not an issue with LPL filters, however an LPL and a CPL filter used in conjunction, with the CPL fitted to the lens first, also has no problem

As with any additional filter, there's always the risk of introducing image degradation, moreso with the four surfaces of two polarisers … a lens hood becomes extremely recommended (hence the Pentax feature of the little access port on their hoods!)

[AfterPentax Mark II]

Do you ever take off your cpl filter or is it just a part of your lens at this point?

I just mount it for special occasions. Disadvantage of a CPL is decreasing the light coming through, resulting in your lens getting slower as it is already. We all want fast lenses so it seems a waste letting a CPL reside on your lens.

[Oldbayrunner]

Quit using them years ago.

[Wasp]

I have a few polarizers, both circular and linear, that I only use on occasion. You really have to work it to get the best effect. It works best at certain angles and that is a deal breaker.

It can give good results, though.

[vijaykishan]

I use them - good ones too - but with a purpose. I've stopped using them on wider angle lenses (>24mm) as they will partially darken a blue sky. Again, use with a purpose.

This ! and wont use it on pano shots, same issue.

[Bertrand3000]

I have a quality one, but I have found out I'm better without using it, unless I want a special effect, which is rare.

[Cerebum]

I only use one for specific purposes. I find they saturate the image a lot, you also lose a stop or more of light

[Ishpuini]

I will use one on my standard zoom (currently the DA20-40), depending on location, weather and time of year. But I'll just as easily take it off if it's not going to make much difference and I need the extra two stops of light. I often carry a smallish standard prime in my bag as well, in which case I might switch lenses instead of taking off the filter.