amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I've heard good things about Breakthrough filters, but have never used and had opportunity to compare them. The specifications and price for their X2 Circular Polarizer seem similar to the B+W model you mention, except the Breakthrough doesn't appear to be "high transmissive" and uses an aluminum frame instead of brass.

I do use B+W XS-Pro Kaesemann HTC C-Pol in 77mm size. Be aware that it's the "latest and greatest" top-of-the-line among B+W filters. HTC stands for "high transmissive", which means less light lost than with a standard C-Pol, but the difference is really only about 1/3 to 1/2 stop, depending upon setting. This filter has 16 coatings on high quality Schott glass. B+W calls these "MRC-Nano" coatings, which are claimed to have enhanced resistance to fingerprints, scratches and are easier to clean. The "XS-Pro" are especially thin filters, which might be needed with some ultra-wide lenses, but can be harder to screw on and off lenses due to the very thin rim (especially C-Pol, where half the rim rotates freely). This $98 top-of-the-line model also uses finer "Kaesemann" type polarizing foils and the glass edges are sealed for added weather resistance. This grade B+W also uses a brass frame, which are less likely to gall and get stuck on lenses with metal filter threads (usually aluminum or magnesium). This is less important if your lens uses plastic filter threads, the way many do today.

If you don't need a thin filter, the $85 B+W F-Pro Kaesemann HTC C-Pol 77mm is the same except for the frame, which might make the F-Pro version easier to screw on and off of lenses. The F-Pro standard rim versions are what I usually buy and use. They are already thinner than a lot of filters and have never caused any vignetting on even the widest of my lenses (up to 17 and 20mm wide on full frame and 10mm on APS-C cameras). But I got the XS-Pro filter for free with a lens purchase... so, hey, I ain't complaining!

The $61 Hoya Pro 1 Digital filter you reference is not the same quality level as the B+W. Hoya doesn't specify what glass and coatings are used in that filter. I would suspect it's not scratch, oil or fingerprint resistant and between 2 and 8 coatings. And it's not a "high transmissive" type of C-Pol. It also uses a slim frame, but is aluminum... the type most likely to gall and get stuck on a lens.

Hoya makes a bunch of different grades of circular polarizers and changes their naming conventions all the time, so can be very confusing and difficult to compare. Their "HD3" model is the most similar to the specifications of the B+W Kaesemann XS-Pro HTC... High quality glass, 16 "nano" coatings, slim, etc. One difference, it uses an aluminum frame, instead of brass. Plus it sells for a whole heck of a lot more than the B+W filter! $199. Note: I think Hoya has renamed this top-of-the-line model "HD Nano", but most online stores aren't showing the change yet.

The $156 Hoya EVO Antistatic in 77mm is also similar specification to the HD3, HD Nano and B+W XS-Pro HTC... except this Hoya is not "high transmissive" type and it uses an alu frame, like all Hoya. I think Hoya might have renamed this model "Fusion" now.

I use several Hoya filters and they're fine, but all are older types with different model names. Not really sure how they relate to the current models Hoya offers.

Another popular brand is Marumi. I haven't had opportunity to use any of those, either, but see a lot of positive comments. Their $140 EXUS Circular Polarizer is similar specification to all the B+W XS-Pro HTC, except the Marumi isn't "high transmissive" and it uses an aluminum frame. Marumi coats the threads of their filters with Teflon, though, to help prevent them from getting stuck on lenses.

I have to agree with a previous response.... most of the time you would have a hard time telling apart images made with any of the above. The difference in frame materials and finishes might matter. Or the additional coatings that make the filter more resistant to oils, fingerprints and easier to clean may make a difference to you. Sometimes the little bit of extra light that the high transmissive type offer may make a difference. So, I wouldn't worry too much. Of the above, the less expensive Hoya Pro 1 is likely a lower grade of glass and coatings than the others, but it's difficult to be certain because it's simply not specified.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Yep it is great!!

Tim Stapp Loc: Mid Mitten

IMHO, the best bang for the buck are the Marumi filters.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Ditto!

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

I agree. I find that my Marumi's are of vey high quality.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

I agree. I find my Marumi's to be of very high quality. The two attached images were shot on 35mm Portra 400 film. No post processing.

Attached file:
(Download)

Attached file:
(Download)

songoftheramapos

My best experience has been with hoya whatever lens I have on.Stays clean,minimal dust cling,thin,and on those drizzly days wipes nice and clean.

ronf78155 Loc: Seguin Texas

and...at 1/3 the cost