Polarizer Suggestions

Last November while shooting in the Narrows at Zion NP I lost my polarizer. Now that summer has arrived I have a little cash to buy a new one. Is there a particular one that you guys recommend? I've used a variety over the years and have found the quality to vary considerably and it hasn't always been in relation to the company or price. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

I've been using a Hoya HD polarizer. The "HD" stands for hardened. Besides being a top quality filter, they are very easy to clean and are very tough. Check out this video: http://reviews.photographyreview.com/blog/indestructable-hoya-hd-filter/

Adam, can you also suggest one that is not only "indestructible" but also "unloseable"?

I also use Hoya polarizers as they're high quality glass, color cast free and are a reasonable price.
Unfortunately, these polarizers are just as 'loseable' as their more expensive counterparts.

I've been happy with B&W filters for a long time. Never had a problem with them.

As for "unloseable", I'm reminded of a scene from the movie "Harold And Maude". Harold gives something to Maude and she promptly throws it into the ocean saying "That way I'll always know where it is."

Cheers,

I recommend B+W or Heliopan. They have brass rings which prevent binding which I've experienced with aluminum ring polarizers.

Another vote for Hoya, Erik. I don't know your specific needs, but if you don't need to attach an ND holder to the front, or stack filters, you might consider the slim models since they'll vignette less.

Heliopan, B+W, and the aforementioned Hoya HD would all be good choices. I have an old Singh-Ray that's awesome. It's a pity they don't make basic polarizers any more.

I've had good luck with Heliopan and B+W. I've also seen some bad ones by Hoya (and Canon made by Hoya), but these were not their top of the line filters. It will usually show up on a zoom in the 70-200mm range. Color doesn't matter as much as it once did. They all claim to be neutral, but I have put 6 different brands on a light table and it looked like a freakin easter egg hunt. Green, blue, pink, yellow, you name it. Another test I did was interesting. I found Nikon, B+W and Heliopan all warmed up film at least as much as an 81A filter. So much for paying for the polarizer/warming filter combo.

I've been using the Nikon oversized (at 82 mm) 77 mm. It's perfect for those wide-angle lenses.

Ken

B+W and Heliopan

I just got a Kaesemann polarizer or whatever it's called and I watch the snowflakes bounce off the filter so I don't have to clean it often while it's snowing. Not sure if it was non stick snow or the filter does that but it's a little better if you get into any extreme climate conditions. One thing is for sure you won't find a better one.

Erik,
Check out singh-ray filters. They offer many different filters geared towards landscape photography. www.singh-ray.com is the link. I actually just went to their website and they NOW OFFER A NEUTRAL POLARIZER!!!

I have a Hoya for my Standard Polarizer and then I have a Singh-Ray Gold & Blue, I have considered the Singh-Ray neutral polarizer because the Singh-Ray filters seem to be as good of build quality but the polarization seems to be more variable / adjustable.