Which Circular Polariser

flyingsnail

I want to buy a circular polariser for my 24-70 (77mm thread) but there are so many offerings with prices going from 50 to over 200:eek:. I am not sure which one to go for. Hopefully somebody will have a recommendation for something that is not overly expensive but is still good quality.

Thanks Flyingsnail.

5uspect

I've one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Circular-Polarizer-Filter-Resistant-Coating/dp/B0000BZLAD/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1359917957&sr=1-1
It does the job.

I have a cheap Cokin CP filter which slides into a holder, this leads to some vignetting and don't work if you want to pop your lens hood back on.

EDIT: This might be useful:
http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Introduction.html

ValueInIreland

If you think you will get a lot of use from one, go for a Hoya Pro1- Digital (Multi coated, thin glass and mount- as good as you can get), otherwise get a Kenko - a reasonable quality budget* filter.
* Circular polarising filters are not cheap!

Corkbah

I'm sure there's a value/price graph out there with a list of circular polarisers but at the end of the day it comes down to if you are willing to risk purchasing a cheaper one in the hope that it'll not have issues.

A) buy from a recommended source.
buy from a reputable name (online or actual shop).
C) read the many hundreds of reviews online and generate your own opinion.

The most expensive is not always the best ! .... do you really need a circular polariser ? or can you achieve the same effect using post processing ?

I have a few of these floating around ...not sure of filter thread most of my lenses would be 77mm or 82mm - not sure on the quality either....bought one in Calumet for around €150 last year - spotted it a few days ago while going through some boxes in the attic.....will have a look see if I can give you one to test/play with.

flyingsnail

Thanks for the info guys. The last time I bought a cp, I got a cheap one ( I think it was a soligor) and it had a noticeable effect on the image quality. I just don’t want to make the same mistake again but at the same time I don’t want to spend 200 if I can get the same image quality with one for 100.

5uspect wrote: »

I've one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Circular-Polarizer-Filter-Resistant-Coating/dp/B0000BZLAD/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1359917957&sr=1-1
It does the job.

I have a cheap Cokin CP filter which slides into a holder, this leads to some vignetting and don't work if you want to pop your lens hood back on.

EDIT: This might be useful:
http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Introduction.html

That looks like a great link, I have just skimmed over it for now but I will read it properly when I get a chance tonight.

sebphoto

Stick to good brands e.g. Heliopan, BW, Singh-Ray. If you're full time photographer or high quality is your goal then get as good filter as you can.

ImagenEstilo

This would be my choice. I bought a 77mm one myself about 4 months ago. The price is excellent

Hoya Pro 1 Circular Polariser

Dave

brokenarms

I got regular Hoya CP filter and I cant live without it now. I love it.
Was not overly expensive either. I think 30 euro.
As far as my research got me, it seems that the regular version has the same glass as the Pro 1 C/P filter. But the pro has a coating on it, and was over twice the price .

It seems the experts from the tinterweb could only find a very marginal difference between the 2 .