Posted by Luke Ormand on April 22, 2010 at 11:02 PM
I'm looking at purchasing CPL filters for my 105 macro and 300 f/4 and see a wide variety of prices. I know when it comes to photography, the old adage "you get what you pay for" almost always holds true, but am looking for advice. Thanks in advance.
- Luke
Posted by Peter Cross on April 22, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Hi Luke,
I think most of the majors offer pretty good quality filters. I agree that you get what you pay for, but it does pay to shop around price wise. For me, I wanted to be sure that I got a multi-coated one as the test results showed they are far superior to those having a lesser amount. But there can be several grades by a manufacturer offering multi-coated. So that is where I got a bit conservative (saving a buck) and opted for the middle grade and not the top of the line pro grade. I've been happy with those I got.
I used B+W for about 30 years for their high quality and lack of any sort of color cast. Then I got into a situation where I needed replacements on short notice, but couldn't get them. I'd heard good things about Hoya, and those were available. I haven't bought a B+W since.
Another vote for the Hoya polarizer.
In particular, the Hoya HD CP. which has hardened glass, is thinner, and has more transparency than other CPs, and is much easier to clean for some reason.
I bought mine from this dealer on eBay.
Posted by Adam Schallau on April 23, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Yet another vote for Hoya, and like John, I'd go with the Hoya HD polarizer.
Hi Luke,
Like others here is another vote for both Hoya and B+W. Most of professionals absolutely swear by Singh-Ray, but personally I consider them to be extremely expensive. Also Hoya (get at the very least Super HMC or Pro 1) and B+W can be found for much cheaper prices in trusted E-bay sellers, I dont believe that would be a case with Singh-Ray.
I do have a B=W 10 stop ND filter, and for really long exposures, I have seen it offer a color cast more towards the red/magenta side, so I always have to remember to correct the same. I have had no such issues with B=W polarizer though, nor the Hoya ones.
Price to quality ratio- I think Hoya easily tops.
Posted by Bill Chambers on April 23, 2010 at 1:03 PM
I use a Singh Ray with the Cokin P system and have been very pleased. I bought it (and all but one of my Singh Ray Grads) on Ebay at a nice savings. The problem with Ebay is that you can't be in a hurry because it might take several auctions to pick one up at a decent price.
Most definitely I'd buy Hoya HD. I've got one B&W and have had nothing but trouble with taking it off, it always seems to bind to the UV filter underneath or the lens when I remember to take the UV filter off.
Luke: I have Hoya screw ons for most of my lenses and have been very pleased. I also have a Singh-Ray warning polarizer for the Cokin P system. I bought the Singh-Ray in my film days but with digital a simple white balance adjustment can take care of any warming necessary. The advantage to the Singh-Ray would be that you would only have to buy one and then the appropriate rings for your specific lenses. I carry the Singh-Ray in my vest pocket so if I travel light I don't have to carry a pocket full of filters.
Discussion
8 replies- Luke
I think most of the majors offer pretty good quality filters. I agree that you get what you pay for, but it does pay to shop around price wise. For me, I wanted to be sure that I got a multi-coated one as the test results showed they are far superior to those having a lesser amount. But there can be several grades by a manufacturer offering multi-coated. So that is where I got a bit conservative (saving a buck) and opted for the middle grade and not the top of the line pro grade. I've been happy with those I got.
Peter
In particular, the Hoya HD CP. which has hardened glass, is thinner, and has more transparency than other CPs, and is much easier to clean for some reason.
I bought mine from this dealer on eBay.
Like others here is another vote for both Hoya and B+W. Most of professionals absolutely swear by Singh-Ray, but personally I consider them to be extremely expensive. Also Hoya (get at the very least Super HMC or Pro 1) and B+W can be found for much cheaper prices in trusted E-bay sellers, I dont believe that would be a case with Singh-Ray.
I do have a B=W 10 stop ND filter, and for really long exposures, I have seen it offer a color cast more towards the red/magenta side, so I always have to remember to correct the same. I have had no such issues with B=W polarizer though, nor the Hoya ones.
Price to quality ratio- I think Hoya easily tops.