A polarimeter and method of polarizing incoming light includes an optical assembly, a first adjustable circular retarder that rotates the polarization content of incoming light, a polarization beam splitter that receives light from the adjustable circular retarder and polarizing the light into a first portion of light having a first polarization and a second portion of light having a second polarization. The first portion of light is directed to a focal plane and the second portion of light is directed to the optical assembly. The optical assembly is switchable between a polarizing mode of operation in which the first portion of light is viewable at the focal plane in absence of the second portion of light and an imaging mode of operation in which the first portion of light and the second portion of light are viewable at the focal plane.