looking for opinion on which circular polarizer to get

**aslyfox** · 01-13-2019, 11:13 AM

ok, I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters

I have some Vivitar brand polarizers

and have reviewed this article

Polarizing Filter Basics - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

_________________________

most of my lenses take 49mm filters but I also have 55mm, 58mm, 77mm and 82mm

so do I need different filters for each or will a step / step down ring work

any help would be greatly appreciated.

Docrwm · 01-13-2019, 12:40 PM - **1 Like**

Step-down rings are great. Personally, I'd consider two CPL filters - 82mm & 58mm with step-downs for the other sizes.

Best Cost-Quality ratio CPL for me when I reviewed all the various articles and opinions was the Marumi Super DHG MC CPLmodels.

Good luck.

IgorZ · 01-13-2019, 01:01 PM - **1 Like**

I bought one and use step down rings. Definitely a worthy investment...

rawr · 01-13-2019, 01:06 PM

Originally posted by aslyfox

I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters

It does indeed, as this comprehensive three- part series of reviews by the folks at LensTip shows:

Polarizing filters test 2015 - Introduction - LensTip.com

+1 for step down rings. I have a 77mm CPL and batch of cheap step down rings that bring down as far as 49mm, if needed. Which reminds me - I need to get a 62mm step down ring for the DFA 28-105.

**ramseybuckeye** · 01-13-2019, 01:20 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by aslyfox

ok, I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters

I have some Vivitar brand polarizers

and have reviewed this article

Polarizing Filter Basics - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

_________________________

most of my lenses take 49mm filters but I also have 55mm, 58mm, 77mm and 82mm

so do I need different filters for each or will a step / step down ring work

any help would be greatly appreciated.

I''m happy with the Hoya and Tiffen filters I have. I would just caution on where you buy filters, because there seem to be a lot of fakes being sold on ebay. I would stick with B&H, Adorama, or even Amazon.
With the step down rings just make sure they will still work with your hoods.

HoutHans · 01-13-2019, 02:00 PM

I have the B+W HRC KSM, and it works very nicely. I don’t use it with a step down ring, so I can’t help you with that.

mikesbike · 01-13-2019, 04:14 PM

No issues with Hoya filters. Years back, I bought a Tiffen filter, a grad ND I think, and put it away without examining it (mistake). When I got around to using it after some months, I found it had a tiny chip mark at the very edge of the glass. So I called Tiffen CS and they said to send it in with a copy of my receipt, which I did. I didn't get any response for well over a month, and was wondering what the...? The 'replacement" finally arrived, which turned out to be the very one I sent, still with the chip mark! No written explanation or comment. Haven't bought another Tiffen since.

**aslyfox** · 01-13-2019, 05:08 PM

thanks for all the responses so far

I just remembered to " not reinvent the wheel " and decided to look under Accessories above -

Filters - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

there are several reviews:

MeFOTO Wild Blue Yonder Circular Polarizing Filter reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

_______________

Kenko Zeta Super Multi-Coated Circular Polarizer reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

_________________________

Marumi Super DHG Slim Circular Polarizer reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database

perhaps those who have responded to this thread so far, and who have not comment there, might want to add reviews

Ash · 01-13-2019, 05:11 PM

I can vouch for Marumi slim. Very good quality CPL filters in the league of Hoya and B+W.

**csa** · 01-22-2019, 09:26 AM

MeFoto polarizer filters @$5, MeFoto polarizing filters $4 to $5 at Adorama - PentaxForums.com

bdery · 01-25-2019, 10:58 AM

At the current price of the MeFoto, I wouldn't hesitate. Reports are that they're very good.

Marumi are very highly regarded.

Hoya antistatic Fusion filters also rate consistently well.

**aslyfox** · 02-14-2019, 01:59 PM

I picked up some MeFotos Circular Polarizers

along with 58mm Marumi Exus 58mm Professional Digital Circular Polarizer and 82mm Marumi Digital High Grade Circular Polarizers

Wheatfield · 02-15-2019, 10:24 AM

Originally posted by aslyfox

ok, I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters

I have some Vivitar brand polarizers

and have reviewed this article

Polarizing Filter Basics - Articles and Tips | PentaxForums.com

_________________________

most of my lenses take 49mm filters but I also have 55mm, 58mm, 77mm and 82mm

so do I need different filters for each or will a step / step down ring work

any help would be greatly appreciated.

I went through this last year when I went looking for a quality polarizer for my new 50/1.4. After much research I ended up with a Zeiss CZ-T* Polarizer. My understanding is the polarizers filters from Breakthrough Photography are also pretty awesome. I bought two of their ND filters and am very pleased with them.
Sizewise, You could try just buying an 82mm and stepping down, but I suspect you will end up with an 82mm and a 58mm. The 82 is a long way down to 49mm. Breakthrough Photography stepping rings are brass, which is less bindy than cheap aluminium rings.

Take-5-JB · 02-17-2019, 12:56 PM

I have Marumi (one is the Slim which works well), Hoya, Tiffen, and B&W. As mentioned, buy from known dealers.

JB

Ishpuini · 02-18-2019, 03:15 AM - **1 Like**

One thing to consider when getting a CPL is whether the lenses you are going to use them on have hoods with removable inserts that allow reaching the filter to turn it while the hood remains mounted. Some Pentax lens hoods have this excellent feature (e.g. DA*16-50/2.8), and it's a shame to lose when using a larger size filter on a step down ring.

Wim

01-13-2019, 11:13 AM	#1
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,356	looking for opinion on which circular polarizer to get ok, I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters I have some Vivitar brand polarizers and have reviewed this article Polarizing Filter Basics - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com _________________________ most of my lenses take 49mm filters but I also have 55mm, 58mm, 77mm and 82mm so do I need different filters for each or will a step / step down ring work any help would be greatly appreciated.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
New gear: Pentax 16-85mm, flash diffuser, and circular polarizer	bwDraco	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	12-19-2017 05:06 PM
For Sale - Sold: B+w 55mm circular polarizer(s)-2 new in box (conus)	dcmsox2004	Sold Items	6	09-20-2010 04:35 AM
Looking for Circular Polarizer	lurchlarson	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	22	08-01-2010 09:39 AM
Which Circular Polarizer should I get?	Hannican	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	7	09-25-2008 03:00 PM

01-13-2019, 12:40 PM - 1 Like	#2
Docrwm Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Somewhere in the Southern US Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,285	Step-down rings are great. Personally, I'd consider two CPL filters - 82mm & 58mm with step-downs for the other sizes. Best Cost-Quality ratio CPL for me when I reviewed all the various articles and opinions was the Marumi Super DHG MC CPLmodels. Good luck.

01-13-2019, 01:01 PM - 1 Like	#3
IgorZ Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ottawa Posts: 1,735	I bought one and use step down rings. Definitely a worthy investment...

01-13-2019, 01:06 PM	#4
rawr Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 11,913	Originally posted by aslyfox I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters It does indeed, as this comprehensive three- part series of reviews by the folks at LensTip shows: Polarizing filters test 2015 - Introduction - LensTip.com +1 for step down rings. I have a 77mm CPL and batch of cheap step down rings that bring down as far as 49mm, if needed. Which reminds me - I need to get a 62mm step down ring for the DFA 28-105.

01-13-2019, 01:20 PM - 1 Like	#5
ramseybuckeye Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hampstead, NC Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,061	Originally posted by aslyfox ok, I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters I have some Vivitar brand polarizers and have reviewed this article Polarizing Filter Basics - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com _________________________ most of my lenses take 49mm filters but I also have 55mm, 58mm, 77mm and 82mm so do I need different filters for each or will a step / step down ring work any help would be greatly appreciated. I''m happy with the Hoya and Tiffen filters I have. I would just caution on where you buy filters, because there seem to be a lot of fakes being sold on ebay. I would stick with B&H, Adorama, or even Amazon. With the step down rings just make sure they will still work with your hoods.

01-13-2019, 02:00 PM	#6
HoutHans Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Appingedam Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,539	I have the B+W HRC KSM, and it works very nicely. I don’t use it with a step down ring, so I can’t help you with that.

01-13-2019, 04:14 PM	#7
mikesbike Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Southeastern Michigan Posts: 4,333	No issues with Hoya filters. Years back, I bought a Tiffen filter, a grad ND I think, and put it away without examining it (mistake). When I got around to using it after some months, I found it had a tiny chip mark at the very edge of the glass. So I called Tiffen CS and they said to send it in with a copy of my receipt, which I did. I didn't get any response for well over a month, and was wondering what the...? The 'replacement" finally arrived, which turned out to be the very one I sent, still with the chip mark! No written explanation or comment. Haven't bought another Tiffen since.

01-13-2019, 05:08 PM	#8
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,356 Original Poster	thanks for all the responses so far I just remembered to " not reinvent the wheel " and decided to look under Accessories above - Filters - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database there are several reviews: MeFOTO Wild Blue Yonder Circular Polarizing Filter reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database _______________ Kenko Zeta Super Multi-Coated Circular Polarizer reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database _________________________ Marumi Super DHG Slim Circular Polarizer reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database perhaps those who have responded to this thread so far, and who have not comment there, might want to add reviews

01-13-2019, 05:11 PM	#9
Ash Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Toowoomba, Queensland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 23,914	I can vouch for Marumi slim. Very good quality CPL filters in the league of Hoya and B+W.

01-22-2019, 09:26 AM	#10
csa Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Montana mountains Posts: 10,097	MeFoto polarizer filters @$5, MeFoto polarizing filters $4 to $5 at Adorama - PentaxForums.com

01-25-2019, 10:58 AM	#11
bdery Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Quebec city, Canada Photos: Gallery Posts: 9,074	At the current price of the MeFoto, I wouldn't hesitate. Reports are that they're very good. Marumi are very highly regarded. Hoya antistatic Fusion filters also rate consistently well.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

02-14-2019, 01:59 PM	#12
aslyfox Seeker of Knowledge Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Topeka, Kansas Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 24,356 Original Poster	I picked up some MeFotos Circular Polarizers along with 58mm Marumi Exus 58mm Professional Digital Circular Polarizer and 82mm Marumi Digital High Grade Circular Polarizers

02-15-2019, 10:24 AM	#13
Wheatfield Moderator Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The wheatfields of Canada Posts: 14,852	Originally posted by aslyfox ok, I am looking to see if the brand of circular polarizer matters I have some Vivitar brand polarizers and have reviewed this article Polarizing Filter Basics - Articles and Tips \| PentaxForums.com _________________________ most of my lenses take 49mm filters but I also have 55mm, 58mm, 77mm and 82mm so do I need different filters for each or will a step / step down ring work any help would be greatly appreciated. I went through this last year when I went looking for a quality polarizer for my new 50/1.4. After much research I ended up with a Zeiss CZ-T* Polarizer. My understanding is the polarizers filters from Breakthrough Photography are also pretty awesome. I bought two of their ND filters and am very pleased with them. Sizewise, You could try just buying an 82mm and stepping down, but I suspect you will end up with an 82mm and a 58mm. The 82 is a long way down to 49mm. Breakthrough Photography stepping rings are brass, which is less bindy than cheap aluminium rings.

02-17-2019, 12:56 PM	#14
Take-5-JB Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: South Carolina Posts: 236	I have Marumi (one is the Slim which works well), Hoya, Tiffen, and B&W. As mentioned, buy from known dealers. JB

02-18-2019, 03:15 AM - 1 Like	#15
Ishpuini Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Antwerp, Belgium Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,725	One thing to consider when getting a CPL is whether the lenses you are going to use them on have hoods with removable inserts that allow reaching the filter to turn it while the hood remains mounted. Some Pentax lens hoods have this excellent feature (e.g. DA*16-50/2.8), and it's a shame to lose when using a larger size filter on a step down ring. Wim