Circular Polarizing Filters

[Stereodude]

I've been looking at CP filters a bit for a few of my lenses, and I see there is a wide variety of filters out there at a wide range of prices. Is there really a visible (in the end photo) difference between a coated, uncoated, multicoated, etc filters. I've seen some people swear by the most expensive Hoya filters, and other people say they all give the same results.

Is the truth out there?

 

[darktiger]

IMO, multicoated are worth the money. I started with cheap C-PL filters, and had better success with multicoated Hoyas. You might want to look into Kenyo, they are suppose to be remarked Hoyas, made from the same factory in Japan. I see no difference between my Hoyo Pro1 67mm and my Kenyo 77mm Pro1 except for the savings in $$$$...

 

[Stereodude]

I also saw someone recommended getting the filter to fit your largest lens and using a step up adapters to use the same filter on all the lenses.

Thoughts?

 

[darktiger]

I think you can do that to a limit. I think there will be some problems with some Wide-angle lens like between the 8-17mm range

 

[MixManSC]

I'm personally partial to Hoya but I also have a couple of Tiffen and Sunpak filters which also seem to be quite good. The muticoated ones are the best - less reflections, etc and seem easier to keep clean to me.

 

[Stereodude]

I think you can do that to a limit. I think there will be some problems with some Wide-angle lens like between the 8-17mm range

My largest lens uses an 82mm filter. That would fit pretty much anything.

Supposedly wide angle lenses and CP don't get along that well.

 

[PS-RagE]

I also saw someone recommended getting the filter to fit your largest lens and using a step up adapters to use the same filter on all the lenses.

Thoughts?

A good enough theory except it may limit the use of a hood.

I'm at the point now where all my lenses use the same size filter (77mm), so all I pack is a c-pol and a 2 stop ND. I don't use either very often but have 'em when I need 'em.

 

[Joves]

My largest lens uses an 82mm filter. That would fit pretty much anything.

Supposedly wide angle lenses and CP don't get along that well.

Yeah they viginette on some of the lenses, depending on field width ofcourse. I have the Hoya and, seeing that the Kenyos are made by them, I think I will buy it next time. Thanx for the tip.

 

[Rooster]

You need the slim filters for wide angles. I think a polarizer really brings out the true colors of the scene. I never shoot outside without one, unless it's dark out.

 

[n64man120]

You need the slim filters for wide angles. I think a polarizer really brings out the true colors of the scene. I never shoot outside without one, unless it's dark out.

I'm starting to think I should look into a polarizer, they're just so damn expensive for a good one! $120 seems like alot when the lens is only $400 (28-135)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...782&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I guess it's worth it if it brings out the color in the sky though.

Also, any information where Kenyo filters are available? I did some looking and came up with nothing usefull.

 

[Rooster]

I have Nik Color efex for Photoshop. In there, you'll find a polarizer filter too. It brings out the details of the sky and brings out the blue. You can rotate it and adjust the strength as well. It kinda looks like it adjusts highlight details and adds some saturation. But it works in a pinch and helps with those washed out images. It also takes out blueish hues on a scene left by the blue sky, making the colors more accurate.

 

[sulfur_lad]

I'm starting to think I should look into a polarizer, they're just so damn expensive for a good one! $120 seems like alot when the lens is only $400 (28-135)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...782&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I guess it's worth it if it brings out the color in the sky though.

Also, any information where Kenyo filters are available? I did some looking and came up with nothing usefull.

Anything you put in between the real world and the film plane (yes, even the shiniest L glass out there) degrades the quality of the light getting through there. Every lens element, filter, etc, tele converter, close-up lens etc... This is why prime lenses (single focal-length) have stereotypically (and most often truthfully) enjoyed 1. higher performance and 2. faster f-stops.

When you're spending more on a filter (note: NOT UV/skylight filters, they're a sham nowadays; especially the cheaper ones which can cause more damage than they could prevent), you're buying (just like a lens) nicer, clearer glass: it will degrade the quality of the light making it to your film plane or sensor far less than the cheaper stuff.

With that in mind, I luuuuurrrrve my Rodenstock. If you want to see it in action, check out Florence, Italy; Fujichrome Velvia shot through a 70-200 f/2.8L and scanned on a Nikon Super Coolscan 5000ED.

 

[darktiger]

I have Nik Color efex for Photoshop. In there, you'll find a polarizer filter too. It brings out the details of the sky and brings out the blue. You can rotate it and adjust the strength as well. It kinda looks like it adjusts highlight details and adds some saturation. But it works in a pinch and helps with those washed out images. It also takes out blueish hues on a scene left by the blue sky, making the colors more accurate.

I use that PL plugin with my Color Efex. I love that suite with a Wacom tablet.... Works wonders...

 

[Stereodude]

I'm starting to think I should look into a polarizer, they're just so damn expensive for a good one! $120 seems like alot when the lens is only $400 (28-135)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...782&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

I guess it's worth it if it brings out the color in the sky though.

Also, any information where Kenyo filters are available? I did some looking and came up with nothing usefull.

There's a thread on Fatwallet about this place for good prices/deals.

http://www.tradingoo.com/

 

[n64man120]

There's a thread on Fatwallet about this place for good prices/deals.

http://www.tradingoo.com/

FYI to anyone out there, I spent a while looking into this guy and he seems pretty legit. Big ebay seller who put up an online store as well. According to guys over at fatwallet, while they have no way of confirming the filters they bought aren't immitations... they look and perform exactly as would be expected from a Hoya SMC filter. $72 shipped for a 72mm Mulitcoated Polarizer is a much better sounding deal

 

[n64man120]

I also saw someone recommended getting the filter to fit your largest lens and using a step up adapters to use the same filter on all the lenses.

Thoughts?

I'm looking at getting a 58mm - 72mm step-up adapter so I can fit my 72mm polarizer filter on my kit lens. When looking on B&H's website, they have a "General Brand" one for $7, while the B+W and Tiffen adapters are $20 each. I also found a generic one on ebay for about 5 bucks.
Normally I avoid generic junk, as skimping on equipment isn't the best idea.

However, in this case, do you think there is any reason to buy the $20 adapter over the $6 'Generic' on B&H?

 

[Joves]

On adapters I would say there would be no problem. It is the filters themselves that are important. Much like the lenses.

 

[n64man120]

On adapters I would say there would be no problem. It is the filters themselves that are important. Much like the lenses.

Yea I got some Hoya Super Multi-coated filters, should be pretty nice. Just wanted to make sure the $20 adapter didn't have a step up on the $6 in any way.

 

[Joves]

Nah the only way they can srew that up is bad threads. They may not be as matte black but, that can be fixed. Just use the Krylon flat textured paint. That stuff is dark I use it on the inside of telescope tubes.