rainhorse68 answered Friday August 1 2014, 11:05 pm: Strictly speaking, polarized optics cut the transmission of light which is not 'aligned'. Noticeably, the light from bright blue skies and reflections from non-metallic surfaces are significantly 'cut'. Thus glare and hotspots are reduced, and bright blue skies are significantly darkened. But the overall balance remains pretty true, meaning it is a bit more advanced than merely a piece of dark glass (which makes everything just dark and subdued, and rather 'muddy'). In fact, polarizers INCREASE the contrast in what you are looking at at (making them seem more resolved and distinct overall, albeit at a slightly reduced intensity). That's the photographers 'take' on polarized optics, (the 'pola' is a very useful lens filter. That's how you get a really deep, dark blue sky in your shot, but with the fluffy white clouds still bright and pure white and really singing out) but the characteristic/effect applies to sunglasses too. Which is probably why polarized shades are favoured by pilots, or for driving. Any help? [ rainhorse68's advice column | Ask rainhorse68 A Question ]
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