Need to buy a new polarizing filter

When I was out in the Tetons 2 weeks ago my Hoya SMC filter came apart in my hand. Not an optimal time to say the least, and I was stuck without one for the rest of the trip. So now I find myself in need of a new 77mm Circ Polarizer. I'm feeling a bit shy to go back to Hoya so I was wondering is this just an isolated incident or have people had similar issues and if I should stay with Hoya or go to B&W or Tiffen or some other brand. Thanks in advance for the advice.

B&W-Pro. It will not be inexpensive, but will serve the need for a high quality, multi-coated filter.

--P

I've never used anything but Hoya filters and have never encountered what happened to you. Odds are good that if you contact them about this issue, they'd send you a freebie to replace the one that fell apart.

I've used only Singh-Ray filters for the last few years but I have had Hoya filters and never had any issues with them. I bet John is right - contact Hoya & they'll probably send you a new one.

Another vote for B+W.

I've had two Hoya 77mm HD polarizers come apart. The first one was under warranty and they replaced it. The second one happened last month (while on a photography assignment ) unfortunately outside the filter's warranty. At first Hoya didn't respond to the email I sent them regarding the failure, but after a little pushing they instructed me to send it in for repair. I sent it in last week and haven't received it back yet...but I'll keep everyone informed of the outcome if anyone is interested.

Hoya did tell me that it shouldn't happen again. I got the impression (from other forums) that it was a problem with a certain production batch of filters.

Using Singh-Ray for years with no issues. Pricy, but you only have to buy it once.

Have you seen this set of tests of polarizers? http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test.html Interesting findings about which filters perform best. Hoya doesn'nt score too well. There is a follow up article at http://www.lenstip.com/119.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test_-_supplement_Introduction.html that includes a test of the Hoya HD filter.

If Hoya does not replace your filter, and you're able to upgrade to a premium polarizer, I highly recommend the Nikon Circular Polarizer II. These are slim filters that don't vignette with wide angle lenses, plus - big difference with other slim style filters - they have threads on the front so that filters can be stacked. The glass and construction are top quality. Here's the listing at B&H Photo: http://bit.ly/b9ynSe.

I the singh-ray for 77mm and use B+W for the others. I haven't any problems with either. The singh-ray is a thin circ pol.
John

Peter, thanks for the link to the filter tests. They apparently like the Hoya HD filters, but what is interesting to me is that the HDs placed lower than the Marumi DHG filters. I own both filters and can say that the Marumis have one flaw...they introduce a strong blue color cast into the image that is difficult to correct.

I think it's fair to say that the Hoya HD filters have their shortcomings but for me they have several strong points that most other other filters do not have:
1) They are very thin and have front threads.
2) They are very easy to clean. I only need a micro-fiber cloth to wipe them clean, nothing else is needed.
3) They allow more light to pass through to the lens. A faster shutter speed is almost always a good thing.

Thanks again for the link to the filter tests.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I've sent email to Hoya, we will see how they reply, the polarizer is over 5 years old so I'm not sure they'll do anything. Peter that link to the filter tests, it's very interesting reading. Greg, I'm not sure if my Canon lenses will work properly with a Nikon circ pol. :D I'm looking into the Singh Ray and B&W's dependent on Hoya's response.

FWIW, I have a 77mm B+W thin-mount (no front threads), and something has come loose -- it rattles -- and I don't see how to tighten it back up. As for cleaning it, I have never been able to get it spotless. I wouldn't buy another one. I also wouldn't buy another filter that I couldn't put my regular lens caps on.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I've sent email to Hoya, we will see how they reply, the polarizer is over 5 years old so I'm not sure they'll do anything. Peter that link to the filter tests, it's very interesting reading. Greg, I'm not sure if my Canon lenses will work properly with a Nikon circ pol. :D I'm looking into the Singh Ray and B&W's dependent on Hoya's response.

I can't think of any reason why a Nikon filter wouldn't work on any other brand of lens, even Canon, and vice versa.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I've sent email to Hoya, we will see how they reply, the polarizer is over 5 years old so I'm not sure they'll do anything. Peter that link to the filter tests, it's very interesting reading. Greg, I'm not sure if my Canon lenses will work properly with a Nikon circ pol. :D I'm looking into the Singh Ray and B&W's dependent on Hoya's response.

Weird! Mine (Hoya 77mm) just fell apart today. I was removing it to shoot some indoor stuff. Now I have to get something before I leave for the Smokies this weekend. Bummer! I think I will check with Hoya, too. Mine's only a few months old.... I want a Singh Ray, but wouldn't get it in time...

Another vote for the Nikon polarizer. Besides the top quality filter itself it also comes with a great plastic case that is very underrated feature.

I've had this happen twice with a Hoya 77mm filter. The camera store graciously exchanged it the first time. The next time I was in the Galapagos-bad timing. However, that very fine metal ring has threads that screw inside the larger ring holding the glass in place. After 20 frustrating minutes I got it back into place. Don't want to do it again, but it did make a stop-gap solution to a poorly timed problem. That one still works--but next time NIKON.

Angela,
I'm sorry to hear that your Hoya fell apart while you were in the Galapagos. The first time it happened to me I had just finished backpacking into the Grand Canyon. It was my first night on the river and I had several hikes planned up some side canyons. Luckily (for me) I had a second polarizer on another lens and was able to get my shots.