Filters - coated vs non-coated, thin vs thick, etc: Looking online for a circular polarizer i've noticed different types; non-coated, coated, multi-coated, thin, hardened, etc. Would...

Virgil Loc: The Hoosier State

Looking online for a circular polarizer i've noticed different types; non-coated, coated, multi-coated, thin, hardened, etc.
Would someone like to venture the benefits of each type. I'm not sure of the advantages (or disadvantages) and I don't want to spend my hard earned nickels needlessly! [You know we've hunted those buffalo to near extinction].
Thanks in advance, Virgil

renomike Loc: Reno, Nevada

Buy Quality.... Why would you pay $1600.00 or more for a lens, and then put a cheap $10.00 or $20.00 filter on it? I've been buying my filters from... http://www.2filter.com/ Check them out, I bought my circular polarizer filters from them.

Mike

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Thin (or slim) filters are designed for wide angle lenses so you don't get vignetting. Trouble is there are no threads on the outside of the filter so you can't use a normal lens cap, nor can you attach a filter holder (rectangular graduated ND filters). The mor coatings the better for improving light transmission and eliminating reflections. Some filters have a protective coating to minimize dirt sticking and scratches. You get what you pay for. The last surface between your camera and your subject is a poor place to economize. BTW filters with a brass body, rather than aluminum, go on and off much easier and do not stick or jam.

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

Since digital photography requires much less use of filters, except CP and ND, there is, hopefully, less need to economize. I've seen the sharpness of a $1600 lens totally destroyed by a $20 CP. As stated above: It ain't worth it!
I've mentioned before, I go with B+W filters...hard to buy, easy to love!

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Virgil wrote:

Looking online for a circular polarizer i've noticed different types; non-coated, coated, multi-coated, thin, hardened, etc.
Would someone like to venture the benefits of each type. I'm not sure of the advantages (or disadvantages) and I don't want to spend my hard earned nickels needlessly! [You know we've hunted those buffalo to near extinction].
Thanks in advance, Virgil

Two highly rated CPLs @ around $50 are Hoya HD CPL (Hi Quality and super durable) & Marumi DH6 CPL (in one full review test tied 1st w/ B&W @ 1/2 the price)

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Virgil wrote:

Looking online for a circular polarizer i've noticed different types; non-coated, coated, multi-coated, thin, hardened, etc.
Would someone like to venture the benefits of each type. I'm not sure of the advantages (or disadvantages) and I don't want to spend my hard earned nickels needlessly! [You know we've hunted those buffalo to near extinction].
Thanks in advance, Virgil

Two highly rated CPLs @ around $50 are Hoya HD CPL (Hi Quality and super durable) & Marumi DH6 CPL (in one full review test it tied 1st w/ B&W @ 1/2 the price)

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

The price of a CP filter will depend very much on the size. If you pay less than $100 for a 77 mm filter you're probably buying garbage.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Correct, I priced 52mm for Nikon.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

mcveed wrote:

Thin (or slim) filters are designed for wide angle... (show quote)

Actually some thin ones do have threads The Hoya HD (highly rated by Lenstip) is very slim and exterior threaded.

wlgoode Loc: Globe, AZ

Virgil wrote:

Looking online for a circular polarizer i've noticed different types; non-coated, coated, multi-coated, thin, hardened, etc.
Would someone like to venture the benefits of each type. I'm not sure of the advantages (or disadvantages) and I don't want to spend my hard earned nickels needlessly! [You know we've hunted those buffalo to near extinction].
Thanks in advance, Virgil

All things being equal coated is better, multi-coated even better, it cuts down reflections, especially between the filter and the front lens element. The Hoya HD is hardened and is extremely durable. There is a You Tube video showing how tough it is.

Rip Tragle Loc: Estes Park, CO

I have used Hoya since the film days and not a regret yet.