What is better, a neutral density filter or a polarizer?

Answer 1

They both do different things. The polarizer cuts down reflected light, the neutral density makes the image darker without shifting the color...like gray sunglasses. If I were in the market and could purchase only one, I'd start with the polarizer.

Answer 2

A Neutral Density (ND) filter is what we "traditional photographers" (film users) use to "change" the ISO of our film. If we've loaded ISO 400 and find ourselves in a situation where a slow shutter speed is desirable and its still too fast even at f16, out comes the ND filter and we can get the slow shutter speed desired.

Obviously, with a digital camera you can change the ISO to suit the conditions so an ND filter isn't necessary - unless your lowest ISO setting is perhaps 200 and you still can't get a slow enough shutter speed.

Buy a circular* polarizer by TIFFEN or HOYA or B+W. The polarizer darkens a blue sky** and removes glare from water, sand, snow, glass and painted metal - but not from polished metal. It also improves colors in flowers and scenics.

* There are linear polarizers but they mess up the autofocus and metering.

** For the maximum effect, have the sun on your shoulder. Just pretend you're standing on the face of a clock, facing "12". With the sun at "9" or "3" you'll get the darkest blue sky.

Answer 3

polarizer gives a better picture