What angle should a polarizing lens be used to effectively eliminate reflections?

A polarizing lens is designed to reduce reflections and glare by filtering out specific wavelengths of light, particularly those that are horizontally polarized, which is commonly found in reflections from surfaces like water or glass. For a polarizing filter to effectively eliminate reflections, it needs to be oriented correctly in relation to the light source.

The most effective angle for a polarizing lens is typically at 90 degrees to the light source. However, the choices provided in this question aren’t exact angles but rather refer to the degree of polarization effectiveness achievable at various orientations relative to the light source and reflective surface.

Selecting 34 degrees suggests an alignment that can still provide significant reduction in glare and reflections, especially in certain conditions where the light is not directly overhead or directly pointing toward the polarizing filter. This value represents an practical approach to angling the polarizing filter where considerable effectiveness can still be achieved against direct reflections, allowing for enhanced clarity and contrast in photographs.

In contrast, angles like 45, 30, and 60 degrees may vary in their effectiveness based on specific lighting conditions and may not provide the ideal polarization needed in all situations. Therefore, while 34 degrees isn’t the standard reference, in practical photography, it signifies a usable angle for reducing reflective glare