Hoya Polarizer

I have to get a new polarizer. Hoya is in my price range, but there seems to be a few different kinds. Which one is the best? (Thin, thick?etc.)

Ben, it doesn't matter from a quality standpoint. The thin ones supposedly reduce the risk of vignetting on WA lenses but you can't add another filter like a ND to them. Hoya is a good polarizer and you are wise to buy quality. I tried a cheap Optex CP and my 50-200mm Olympus Zuiko could not focus with it even though it was labeled as a circular.

Bob

I have several Hoya filters and think they are excellent. I'm assuming you need a circular polarizer first of all (which I'm guessing you knew if this is not your first polarizer?). Beyond that, from what I've heard the multi-coated ones are best - they cut down on flare and ghosting, etc. I haven't had any problems with mine, even shooting in some area with very bright specular highlights. Of course, the multi-coated are more expensive. I'd probably go with the highest level one you can afford. They have a "PRO" series I think, but I'm not sure what advantages they have over the normal multi-coated.

I use a polarizer more than half the time outdoors in daytime. I have both B+W MRC and Hoya SMC. They seem to be equal. I used to get by using the lower priced Hoya, which I think are mono-coated. I take a lot of photo of oncoming trains, and their strong headlights caused a huge problem with flare and ghosting. I swtiched to using multicoated filters and most of the problem disappeared. I buy them from eBay for around a hundred bucks. For me, the multicoating is a necessity. For you, shooting general scenes, it probably won't be. If you use a lens wider than 18mm, consider a thin. If not, a regular filter will likely work for you. I suggest always using a lenshood if you get the uncoatedf or mono coated filter. I use one all the time anyway.


Kent in SD

I use Hoya...I recommend the thin/multi-coated polarizer...and if you're big on warming filters...I believe they make a thin one with 81A warming built in (Moose Peterson one, I think, it may be a regular thickness...can't remember), which is nice so you don't have to stack filters. The thin one has kept a lot of vignetting out of my photos when I'm using my 24-120mm lens at around 26mm..been a big help and I also use a lens shade. Also, if you stack filters then the thin will give you just a bit more wide-angle than a regular polarizer. I got mine from B&H...sometimes you can fine a great used one.

Cynthia Spence
www.geolightphoto.com

The so called standard monocoated filters will prevent even a sharp lens from delivering quality results. Hoya and Kenko have a 4 different grades of filters, depending on coatings, thinness of mount, etc. You cannot go wrong getting the best, called the Pro 1 super multicoated filter. Optically it is comparable to the B&W pro filters. The B&W has a more durable coating on the outside and has a brass mount as opposed to aluminum, makign it less prone to getting locked on the lens. Do not waste money or time with anything less than a SMC filter from Hoya or Kenko. If you do not have a problem purchasing a filter on ebay, there are several Hong Kong based sellers that do a brisk business in all three of these. I recently purchased a 77mm Pro1 UV filter for $34 shipped to the US, compared to $95 plus tax and shipping from B&H. These guys have 99% to 100% feedback ratings and they ship very quickly.

One other note - If you are comfortable doing filtering in Photoshop (or other software), I wouldn't bother with the warming filter. You can achieve results just as good, and as easy, on the computer in my opinion.

Check out http://www.2filter.com They have Hoya and Sunpack. I have used the multicoated Sunpack on my 17-40 and find it to be a Hoya equivalent. I just ordered another for my new 24-105.