How to Choose a Polarising Filter for Canon Lenses
By The Flash Centre | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what a circular polariser does, how to pick the right size for Canon lenses, and when the Canon PL-C B 67mm filter is worth the investment.
Quick answer
Choose a circular polariser that matches your lens's filter thread size—for Canon lenses with a 67mm thread, the Canon PL-C B 67mm is a reliable choice that reduces glare and boosts colour saturation.
Why size matters most
The single most important spec when choosing a polarising filter is the filter thread diameter of your lens, usually marked on the lens barrel or front cap (e.g., Ø67mm). A filter that's too small won't screw on; one that's too large will need a step-up ring, which can cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses.
For Canon lenses, common sizes include 52mm, 58mm, 67mm, 72mm, and 77mm. The Canon PL-C B 67mm is designed for lenses with a 67mm thread, such as many standard zooms and primes. If you own multiple lenses with different sizes, you might buy one filter for your most-used lens, or use step-up rings to share a larger filter across smaller threads.
Circular vs. linear polarisers
Modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras use through-the-lens metering and autofocus, which work best with a circular polariser. A linear polariser can cause exposure or focus errors on these cameras. The Canon PL-C B is a circular polariser, making it safe for all Canon EOS and RF bodies.
If you shoot with an older manual-focus film camera that doesn't rely on TTL metering, a linear polariser can be a cheaper alternative—but for most current Canon users, a circular polariser is the right choice.
Decision rules for choosing a polarising filter
- Check your lens thread size: Find the diameter marked on the lens barrel or front cap (e.g., Ø67mm). Choose a filter with the exact same size to avoid step rings or vignetting. Write down the thread sizes of all your lenses before shopping.
- Choose circular for autofocus: If your Canon camera uses autofocus or TTL metering (all modern EOS/RF bodies), pick a circular polariser. Linear polarisers can cause exposure errors.
- Match filter type to your shooting: For landscape and outdoor photography, a polariser like the Canon PL-C B reduces reflections from water, glass, and haze, and deepens blue skies and green foliage. If you rarely shoot such scenes, a UV filter may be more practical. Consider whether you'll actually use the polarising effect often enough to justify the cost.
Product facts
- Canon PL-C B 67mm Polarising Filter: The Canon PL-C B 67mm is a circular polarising filter designed to fit lenses with a 67mm filter thread. It ensures proper metering and autofocus on Canon cameras while reducing glare and enhancing colour saturation.
Canon PL-C B 67mm Polarising Filter
Who should buy this filter
Best for
- Landscape photographers who want to cut glare and boost colour saturation
- Canon shooters with a 67mm filter thread lens who need a reliable circular polariser
Not for
- Those who need a larger size (e.g., 77mm) for wide-aperture telephoto lenses
- Shooters who only use linear polarisers with manual-focus film cameras
