Circular Polarizing Filters

I have one. Most of us do. But I only paid about $30 for a KALT CPL. So now I wonder if I could get much improvement by paying more. And what is a good brand. The question is, "Is this another 'get what you pay for' item? Or, is really a difference in Poloarizing Filters?"

Anyone help me with this?

Thanks!

Glenn Carter

Glenn, my perspective is based on my long standing personal belief that you get what you pay for in most cases. I have a tendency to think more expensive equals better.

I don't know if there are any technical comparisons/analysis on filters (like lenses & bodies) that you could review. Personally, I purchased a Singh-Ray circular polarizer early on, with a 77mm thread size so that I could use it on my larger lenses and with step down rings on any lenses that have smaller thread sizes.

Just my .02 worth. Have a great weekend!

Thanks Wayne. I think that way too but I just reached a limit when I bought the D-200, extra battery, and new lens. So I went cheap. Now I'll pay for that! HA! HA!
Glenn

Multi-coated filters will be less susceptible to flare, which is especially important in polarizing filters, since they have multiple glass surfaces. Hoya and B+W are big names in high-end filters, but I'm still using my old moose polarizers, which date from the days when a warming polarizer was a good idea.

I think if you get a Hoya or B+W you are fine, but spending the super high amount does not show much difference. I paid $180 for my Hoya UltraThin PL, thinking that I would get less vignetting on my shots, compared to a standard Hoya CPL. Yes, it helps in the vignetting dept, but as far as polarizing, they still work the same. I also broke that Ultrathin one on my recent SW trip, and just went ahead and spent 50 on a regular hoya. No difference in shots taken before I broke the one, with the one I used after. I think it is a matter of personal choice, but the thin does reduce vignetting, if you want to spend the money.

As I once heard in a workshop that I took, your camera system is only as good as the weakest link. So, I think as long as you get optically good MC glass, you will be assured of quality images (other factors not considered, of course). I personally like the B+W line because of the brass construction, which tends to not bind as much as aluminum. If you've ever been out in cold weather and had trouble unscrewing a filter when you're fingers are numb, you know what I mean.

Thanks everyone. After your comments and a few more days of study on the subject I bought a B+W thin CPL. I'll see how that works.
Glenn

I love my B+W. I think you made a good choice.