One of the mandatory filter for landscape photography is circular polarizer. In the digital era, this filter is still needed because it is difficult to get rid of unwanted reflection in post processing. This filter is very useful to reduce/eliminate excessive reflection in non-metallic surfaces such as in pool, beach, stones, and glass. In addition, the polarizer filter can be use to increase contrast. The effect is similar to wearing sunglasses in the sunny day.
Polarizer restricts amount of light coming into the camera up to 1.5 to 2 stops. So you can use it to get slower shutter speed for shooting waterfall pictures or shooting portraiture with flash. Polarizer filter is effective when you use it on early morning or late evening, when the sun is still low and there is no clouds.
Below are examples of the effects of a polarizer filter:
Left: with polarizer, Right: without
Left: with polarizer, Right: without
For photographers who are interested in buying a polarizer filter, my advice is to buy good quality filter so your photo quality is not compromised. Good filter is also more resistant to dust, water and fingerprints. Example: Hoya HD, HOYA PRO-1 & B + W.
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