Trying to decide on a Circular Polarizer
Jul 18, 2014 14:47:55 #
My birthday is approaching, and I've decided I want to get a CP for my gear bag! I have a Canon 7D with a few lenses. The main lens I want the CP for is my 24-105mm "L" lens, which requires a 77mm filter. All my other lenses are smaller so if I ever have a need to use the CP on them I could use step rings to adapt this filter for the smaller diameter lenses.
Trying to decide which brand/type of CP to get is confusing to say the least. Currently I "think" I'm looking at either the B+W Kaesemann CP with Multi-Resistant Coating, or the XS-Pro version for a bit more.
Other CPs I've looked at are those by Tiffen (relatively cheap) and Hoya. Would be interested in thoughts on the B+W (or the others), especially from anyone with first-hand experience with these filters.
Thanks
Trying to decide which brand/type of CP to get is confusing to say the least. Currently I "think" I'm looking at either the B+W Kaesemann CP with Multi-Resistant Coating, or the XS-Pro version for a bit more.
Other CPs I've looked at are those by Tiffen (relatively cheap) and Hoya. Would be interested in thoughts on the B+W (or the others), especially from anyone with first-hand experience with these filters.
Thanks
Jul 18, 2014 15:26:25 #
Jul 18, 2014 16:02:46 #
Seems to me that if you were willing to spend money for a quality lens that you would want to put the best filter you could afford on it.
Basil wrote:
My birthday is approaching, and I've decided I wan... (show quote)
Jul 18, 2014 16:02:59 #
Basil wrote:
My birthday is approaching, and I've decided I wan... (show quote)
Most of my filters are B+W.
Jul 18, 2014 16:04:41 #
bjprovo wrote:
Seems to me that if you were willing to spend money for a quality lens that you would want to put the best filter you could afford on it.
Well...yeah, but does more $$ always mean better?
Jul 18, 2014 16:27:52 #
Basil wrote:
Well...yeah, but does more $$ always mean better?
Yes, depending on who you are buying from. Very reputable dealers all sell at about the same price and you get what you pay for as I have found out over the years.
Jul 18, 2014 16:33:00 #
Basil wrote:
Well...yeah, but does more $$ always mean better?
No, but cheap does mean cheap.
Jul 18, 2014 16:44:24 #
Basil wrote:
.....Trying to decide which brand/type of CP to get is confusing to say the least. Currently I "think" I'm looking at either the B+W Kaesemann CP with Multi-Resistant Coating, or the XS-Pro version for a bit more.
.....Thanks
.....Thanks
It is not safe to buy filters by brand name alone.
You need to use google and find some filter reviews.
It might save you 50 bucks or so.
Jul 18, 2014 17:22:30 #
Basil wrote:
My birthday is approaching, and I've decided I wan... (show quote)
Your choice of B&W Is right on the mark. They make as fine a filter as you can buy, within reason. Their frame is brass, not aluminum, but their MRC is top of the line and makes the filters worth their price. The XS Pro is a slim version designed for specific applications, your 24-105 is not one of them. B&W is one of the better manufacturers, as are Hoya and Tiffin. Be aware though that all manufacturers will market lower-priced filters, and their quality is reflected in the price. Be very aware of the fact the market is flooded with counterfeit versions of all filters. Buy only from a trusted source! The current list price for your 24-105 from Canon is appx. $1140. If you invest in a new CPL and pay $125-$150 your cost to insure the lens' glass alone is 13%. Consider the CPL effect as a bonus. BTW, the 77mm CPL is less than $100, last time I bought one. They are well worth the price. It is your lens it is working for. Splurge and get a set of filter wrenches also. More insurance!
Jul 18, 2014 18:28:39 #
lighthouse
Loc: No Fixed Abode
B+W yes.
Hoya Pro - also good.
Tiffen - I would buy either of the others instead.
Now - most important, if you are going to use step up/down rings I would make sure I got brass threads, I think this will lead you to the B+W.
Also very important - there are fake pop out filters all over the net, make sure you trust the source if buying online.
Hoya Pro - also good.
Tiffen - I would buy either of the others instead.
Now - most important, if you are going to use step up/down rings I would make sure I got brass threads, I think this will lead you to the B+W.
Also very important - there are fake pop out filters all over the net, make sure you trust the source if buying online.
Jul 19, 2014 06:00:48 #
Basil wrote:
My birthday is approaching, and I've decided I wan... (show quote)
The B&W you mention is a fine filter, with brass fittings so it won't bind up on you when trying to remove it.
Jul 19, 2014 06:03:22 #
Wanderer2
Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains
You might find the ratings in the article below helpful. The link is to the ratings page but earlier in the article there is a very technical discussion on the physics of polarizing light.
http://www.lenstip.com/115.4-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Results_and_summary.html
http://www.lenstip.com/115.4-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Results_and_summary.html
Jul 19, 2014 07:03:12 #
Basil wrote:
My birthday is approaching, and I've decided I wan... (show quote)
From one New Mexican to another......I bought the B&Ws for my lenses (including a 24-105L). They are very high quality.
Now I live in terror of dropping one
:)
Jul 19, 2014 08:09:25 #
Mark7829
Loc: Calfornia
Key to the CL is construction, coatings and materials. Yes you want brass,(if the manufacturer does not list the material, it is likely not brass. It muste screw on easily, rotate easily, reduce flares with its coatings, no distortion or vignetting at the edges. The ones mentioned so far are all acceptable.
Jul 19, 2014 09:08:08 #
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