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knumbnutz · 10-03-2009, 03:27 AM

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Hi All,

I am about to splash out and buy a cirpolarizer after my other one busted the glass

and i was in the shop looking at options and there are too many.

So i am asking you guys, what do you use and why ?

Do u notice the different in quality or not.?

Best Brand?

How much ?

Examples ?

Cheers Neil

axl · 10-03-2009, 07:31 AM

Many people, many answers.
General consesus though is:
buy multicoated filters (no matter if polarising or other). It reduces flare and keeps contrast.
good brands are generaly recommended. f.e. : B&W, Hoya (Pro line, but apparently the HMC line is good too) but have a look at Kenko and Marumi too.
anothe thing is, it all depends on the lens(es) you have. Saying goes the lens is only as good as the filter you put on it. So if you have DA18-55 the filter won't degrade the IQ as much as if you would have say FA31ltd.

my2p

PS: my own opinion, it's worth to spend money if you are buying whatever! I've learnt that on lenses. The cheap ones are hard to live with and even harder to get rid off! The expensive ones deliver the results and keep their resell value.

BR
Peter

**gofour3** · 10-03-2009, 11:11 AM

Originally posted by knumbnutz

Hi All,

I am about to splash out and buy a cirpolarizer after my other one busted the glass

and i was in the shop looking at options and there are too many.

So i am asking you guys, what do you use and why ?

Do u notice the different in quality or not.?

Best Brand?

How much ?

Examples ?

Cheers Neil

The B+W Kaesemann line are very good. If you have an older film camera you may be able to use a Linear (Top) Polarizer instead. They sell for about a third of the cost, compared to a CPL.

Phil.

Wheatfield · 10-03-2009, 02:42 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

The B+W Kaesemann line are very good. If you have an older film camera you may be able to use a Linear (Top) Polarizer instead. They sell for about a third of the cost, compared to a CPL.

Phil.

+1. There isn't any pressing reason to use a circular polarizer on a Pentax DSLR.

Spotmatic · 10-03-2009, 04:28 PM

You need a circular polarizer for digital. Get a good one....especially since you live in Oz.

Hoya HD or Kenko Zeta..they are the same but the Kenko is cheaper. These are better than the B + W's. They are coated like a Pentax lens and easy to clean. Not so for B + W.

From Hoya:

"Light rays which are reflected by any surface become polarised and polarising filters are used to select which light rays enter your camara lens. They allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass etc. They also saturate colors and increase contrast. Polarizers come in two variations but have the same effect. Linear polarizers work with older camera meters; Circurlar polarizers are designed for today's newer split-beam metering systems used in auto focus cameras. Check your camera's manual. Hardened Glass: Hardened optical glass that has 4 times the breaking strength in ANSI standardized testing (ANSI Z80.3 : 2001) where a steel balls of varying size and weight were dropped from a height of 50 inches onto the glass. High Transparency Polarizing Film; The polarizing film is the same as that used in the latest high definition LCD TV screens. It has 25% higher light transmission than standard polarizing film used in current photographic filters. Hardened 8 Layer Waterproof Multi-Coating That is Scratch & Stain Resistant: Newly developed industry leading 8-layer multi-coating yields an average light transmission rate of 99.35% between 400 and 700nm (visible spectrum). These coatings greatly reduce reflections off the surface of the glass allowing you to capture more light in your photos. "

knumbnutz · 10-03-2009, 05:38 PM

Great info guys.
I need a 77 and 82 and collectively it is over $400USD ! GULP

Now, the whole reason i wrote this is that i had the cheap 77 (which broke

)but i used it for waterfalls and loved it.
Especially because it cut out some light which made for longer exposures and better softer water effect.

Soooo. I am wondering why i want to pay the extra when i was happy previously but maybe i will be happier too ??

Cheers Neil

StevenVH · 10-03-2009, 05:38 PM

This link was posted in another thread discussing filters:
Polarizing filters test - Introduction - Lenstip.com
Probably more info than needed, at least for me. Page 4 has the results and summary.
I have B&W and Hoya coated CPLs. IQ is still under investigation, B&W products have meticulous quality, newer Hoya filters seem to have increased, oily residue around the edges (is it just me ??) which makes them difficult to clean.

hth

Spotmatic · 10-03-2009, 06:05 PM

Search e*ay for Hoya HD and Kenko....much cheaper there.

hoya hd, great deals on Cameras Photo on eBay!

hoya zeta polarizer, great deals on Cameras Photo on eBay!

Hoya HD Polarizers

The HD is different than the regular coated Hoya. Kenko Zeta is the name they sell them under in Japan. http://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/e/pie2008/zeta_filter_english.pdf

knumbnutz...we must be related...I get called that a lot hmmm....

daacon · 10-03-2009, 06:06 PM

I am with ya on the residue in the corners I use Kenko happy with the overall results (they are Hoya's ) but a #&#$( to clean especially the edges. I might spring for a B+W or Singh Ray but man oh man the price difference

knumbnutz · 10-03-2009, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by Spotmatic

knumbnutz...we must be related...I get called that a lot hmmm....

HEHE , yes, maybe...

Well it was the only thing i could think of that wasnt taken on hotmail, Pentax forums etc, and yep people call that too. LOL

Thanks for the info

Cheers Neil

wwwmorrell · 10-03-2009, 06:52 PM

Originally posted by knumbnutz

Great info guys.
I need a 77 and 82 and collectively it is over $400USD ! GULP

Cheers Neil

Buy yourself a 82mm polarizer plus a 82mm/77mm Step down Filter Ring, one size fits both.

Wheatfield · 10-03-2009, 06:58 PM

Originally posted by Spotmatic

You need a circular polarizer for digital. Get a good one....especially since you live in Oz.

Hoya HD or Kenko Zeta..they are the same but the Kenko is cheaper. These are better than the B + W's. They are coated like a Pentax lens and easy to clean. Not so for B + W.

From Hoya:

......Polarizers come in two variations but have the same effect. Linear polarizers work with older camera meters; Circurlar polarizers are designed for today's newer split-beam metering systems used in auto focus cameras......

Pentax DSLR cameras do not use split beam metering systems. The AF is the only thing using a beam splitter (the mirror).
Metering is done off the focusing screen, just like they've done it with every SLR camera, film or digital, except for the LX.

knumbnutz · 10-03-2009, 10:03 PM

Whoa !!
Is there such a thing ?
Maybe a great idea if the filter does not interfere with the hood.
I'll look in to that.
Cheers Neil

Originally posted by wwwmorrell

Buy yourself a 82mm polarizer plus a 82mm/77mm Step down Filter Ring, one size fits both.

wwwmorrell · 10-03-2009, 10:08 PM

knumbnutz;763540]Whoa !!
Is there such a thing ?

Sure is

Russell-Evans · 10-03-2009, 11:39 PM

Originally posted by wwwmorrell

Originally posted by knumbnutz

Whoa !!
Is there such a thing ?

Sure is

If you buy a Cokin holder you can use their or Lee's hood system.

If you are buying for a Pentax digital, and the 82mm lens in question is a 135 format lens, I would go the other way on the rings, 82 to 77mm step down and a 77mm CPL. You then wouldn't have any issues with the lens hoods.

I'm using a 86 to 77mm step down ring on the Sigma 170-500mm on the K20D so that I can use my 77mm accessories.

Thank you
Russell

10-03-2009, 03:27 AM	#1
knumbnutz Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 394	Circular Polarizing Filters, the good, bad and ugly?? Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. Hi All, I am about to splash out and buy a cirpolarizer after my other one busted the glass and i was in the shop looking at options and there are too many. So i am asking you guys, what do you use and why ? Do u notice the different in quality or not.? Best Brand? How much ? Examples ? Cheers Neil

10-03-2009, 06:05 PM	#8
Spotmatic Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ft. Myers Florida Posts: 169	Search eay for Hoya HD and Kenko....much cheaper there. hoya hd, great deals on Cameras Photo on eBay! hoya zeta polarizer, great deals on Cameras Photo on eBay! Hoya HD Polarizers The HD is different than the regular coated Hoya. Kenko Zeta is the name they sell them under in Japan. http://www.kenko-tokina.co.jp/e/pie2008/zeta_filter_english.pdf knumbnutz...we must be related...I get called that a lot hmmm.... Last edited by Spotmatic; 10-03-2009 at 06:11 PM.*

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10-03-2009, 07:31 AM	#2
axl Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Nove Zamky, Slovakia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,183	Many people, many answers. General consesus though is: buy multicoated filters (no matter if polarising or other). It reduces flare and keeps contrast. good brands are generaly recommended. f.e. : B&W, Hoya (Pro line, but apparently the HMC line is good too) but have a look at Kenko and Marumi too. anothe thing is, it all depends on the lens(es) you have. Saying goes the lens is only as good as the filter you put on it. So if you have DA18-55 the filter won't degrade the IQ as much as if you would have say FA31ltd. my2p PS: my own opinion, it's worth to spend money if you are buying whatever! I've learnt that on lenses. The cheap ones are hard to live with and even harder to get rid off! The expensive ones deliver the results and keep their resell value. BR Peter

10-03-2009, 11:11 AM	#3
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Originally posted by knumbnutz Hi All, I am about to splash out and buy a cirpolarizer after my other one busted the glass and i was in the shop looking at options and there are too many. So i am asking you guys, what do you use and why ? Do u notice the different in quality or not.? Best Brand? How much ? Examples ? Cheers Neil The B+W Kaesemann line are very good. If you have an older film camera you may be able to use a Linear (Top) Polarizer instead. They sell for about a third of the cost, compared to a CPL. Phil.

10-03-2009, 02:42 PM	#4
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,987	Originally posted by gofour3 The B+W Kaesemann line are very good. If you have an older film camera you may be able to use a Linear (Top) Polarizer instead. They sell for about a third of the cost, compared to a CPL. Phil. +1. There isn't any pressing reason to use a circular polarizer on a Pentax DSLR.

10-03-2009, 04:28 PM	#5
Spotmatic Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ft. Myers Florida Posts: 169	You need a circular polarizer for digital. Get a good one....especially since you live in Oz. Hoya HD or Kenko Zeta..they are the same but the Kenko is cheaper. These are better than the B + W's. They are coated like a Pentax lens and easy to clean. Not so for B + W. From Hoya: "Light rays which are reflected by any surface become polarised and polarising filters are used to select which light rays enter your camara lens. They allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass etc. They also saturate colors and increase contrast. Polarizers come in two variations but have the same effect. Linear polarizers work with older camera meters; Circurlar polarizers are designed for today's newer split-beam metering systems used in auto focus cameras. Check your camera's manual. Hardened Glass: Hardened optical glass that has 4 times the breaking strength in ANSI standardized testing (ANSI Z80.3 : 2001) where a steel balls of varying size and weight were dropped from a height of 50 inches onto the glass. High Transparency Polarizing Film; The polarizing film is the same as that used in the latest high definition LCD TV screens. It has 25% higher light transmission than standard polarizing film used in current photographic filters. Hardened 8 Layer Waterproof Multi-Coating That is Scratch & Stain Resistant: Newly developed industry leading 8-layer multi-coating yields an average light transmission rate of 99.35% between 400 and 700nm (visible spectrum). These coatings greatly reduce reflections off the surface of the glass allowing you to capture more light in your photos. "

10-03-2009, 05:38 PM	#6
knumbnutz Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 394 Original Poster	Great info guys. I need a 77 and 82 and collectively it is over $400USD ! GULP Now, the whole reason i wrote this is that i had the cheap 77 (which broke )but i used it for waterfalls and loved it. Especially because it cut out some light which made for longer exposures and better softer water effect. Soooo. I am wondering why i want to pay the extra when i was happy previously but maybe i will be happier too ?? Cheers Neil

10-03-2009, 05:38 PM	#7
StevenVH Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: N Carolina, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 475	This link was posted in another thread discussing filters: Polarizing filters test - Introduction - Lenstip.com Probably more info than needed, at least for me. Page 4 has the results and summary. I have B&W and Hoya coated CPLs. IQ is still under investigation, B&W products have meticulous quality, newer Hoya filters seem to have increased, oily residue around the edges (is it just me ??) which makes them difficult to clean. hth

10-03-2009, 06:06 PM	#9
daacon Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Alberta,Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 20,914	I am with ya on the residue in the corners I use Kenko happy with the overall results (they are Hoya's ) but a #&#$( to clean especially the edges. I might spring for a B+W or Singh Ray but man oh man the price difference

10-03-2009, 06:41 PM	#10
knumbnutz Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 394 Original Poster	Originally posted by Spotmatic knumbnutz...we must be related...I get called that a lot hmmm.... HEHE , yes, maybe... Well it was the only thing i could think of that wasnt taken on hotmail, Pentax forums etc, and yep people call that too. LOL Thanks for the info Cheers Neil

10-03-2009, 06:52 PM	#11
wwwmorrell Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mount Buller, Australia Posts: 397	Originally posted by knumbnutz Great info guys. I need a 77 and 82 and collectively it is over $400USD ! GULP Cheers Neil Buy yourself a 82mm polarizer plus a 82mm/77mm Step down Filter Ring, one size fits both.

10-03-2009, 06:58 PM	#12
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 15,987	Originally posted by Spotmatic You need a circular polarizer for digital. Get a good one....especially since you live in Oz. Hoya HD or Kenko Zeta..they are the same but the Kenko is cheaper. These are better than the B + W's. They are coated like a Pentax lens and easy to clean. Not so for B + W. From Hoya: ......Polarizers come in two variations but have the same effect. Linear polarizers work with older camera meters; Circurlar polarizers are designed for today's newer split-beam metering systems used in auto focus cameras...... Pentax DSLR cameras do not use split beam metering systems. The AF is the only thing using a beam splitter (the mirror). Metering is done off the focusing screen, just like they've done it with every SLR camera, film or digital, except for the LX.

10-03-2009, 10:03 PM	#13
knumbnutz Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Photos: Gallery Posts: 394 Original Poster	Whoa !! Is there such a thing ? Maybe a great idea if the filter does not interfere with the hood. I'll look in to that. Cheers Neil Originally posted by wwwmorrell Buy yourself a 82mm polarizer plus a 82mm/77mm Step down Filter Ring, one size fits both.

10-03-2009, 10:08 PM	#14
wwwmorrell Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Mount Buller, Australia Posts: 397	knumbnutz;763540]Whoa !! Is there such a thing ? Sure is

10-03-2009, 11:39 PM	#15
Russell-Evans Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 1,553	Originally posted by wwwmorrell Originally posted by knumbnutz Whoa !! Is there such a thing ? Sure is If you buy a Cokin holder you can use their or Lee's hood system. If you are buying for a Pentax digital, and the 82mm lens in question is a 135 format lens, I would go the other way on the rings, 82 to 77mm step down and a 77mm CPL. You then wouldn't have any issues with the lens hoods. I'm using a 86 to 77mm step down ring on the Sigma 170-500mm on the K20D so that I can use my 77mm accessories. Thank you Russell

Circular Polarizing Filters, the good, bad and ugly??

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