BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

My point was and remains: Why do they provide no mailing address or other company information. To me this is always a point of concern. For those never burned by a fly-by-night this may be of no concern, but to me I insist on something other than a easily disconnected telephone number. If they are a truly legit company, and I am not saying that are not, why the lack of essential information on their operation?

I'll follow for your answer, but no you seem to miss my point re pertinent information.

rstipe Loc: S. Florida

I've done business with several Chinese companies. Although some of the products are not the best quality, the customer service is outstanding, especially on Ebay & Amazon where a few bad reviews can wreck their whole business.

Preachdude Loc: Geneva, OH

Check out this article from LensRentalsa.com. This article, along with others, addresses the issues related to protecting the front lens element. https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/05/yet-another-post-about-my-issues-with-uv-filters/

billnourse Loc: Bloomfield, NM

I don't know what web sight you are looking at for Breakthrough, but I am finding that they are in San Francisco, they have a pin map location in the Mission District, they have a toll free number, live chat, e-mail address, they show the founder as Graham Clark and show a list of companies where the current research team formerly worked. Go to the web site and look under "About". You will find all this information there, and I'm betting there is more info there than with most of the companies you do business with.

Bill

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

If you look at the site filters I looked at were Hoya made in Japan.

DMGill Loc: Colorado

This is an interesting article although pricing seems off in at least one case. The top rated Hoya is 50% more expensive than the top rated B+W at B&H photo (77mm size). Both filters have excellent reviews.

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Regarding Breakthrough Photography:
Their Home web page shows several ways to contact them. In the blue band at the very top of the page they offer a phone number (877.762.8427). They also offer a Live-chat button at the bottom right of the home page, but I have found that it is not really "Live". It works more like an email. They will eventually (a day or two) answer queries posted there, but it is faster to email them (support@breakthrough.photography). Under "About Us" they also offer a contact point of "kathy@breakthroughphotography.org."
Their web page is a bit tricky to navigate as some of their products are listed under other products. For example, aluminum and brass attachment rings (for the X100 filter Holder) are listed in the drop down menu under the X100 holder itself--as are the integrated CPL and the Dark CPL. Although both Dark CPL's are also listed under CPL's.
They are a small company just barely out of start-up status. They claim to be headquartered in San Francisco, but products ship from Denver, CO.
I placed an order after learning about them from members here and researching their products. I have received only part of my order so far and expect an additional increment tomorrow. Two items are on backorder (one of them is the X100 Holder) and I won't see them until "late Dec or early Jan." The items I have received so far (CPL, a step-up ring, and filters) seem to be well made and sturdy. They claim to have NO color cast in their filters, but until I receive the X100 holder, I cannot test the filters.
The items I have received are well packaged. Each filter ships in a protective pouch and the CPL is in a nicely padded and sturdy plastic case. Their packaging reminds me of the way Apple products are packaged. They claim that their "current team" (don't know who they are) were employed at Apple, AirBnB,and REI. Since Graham Clark is an industrial designer he may have been involved in designing the packaging at Apple and carried the concepts over to his own products.
My only criticism so far is that their order fulfillment process seems a bit lackadaisical. There may be many legitimate reasons for this but a bit more communication with their customers would be reassuring. They have always been responsive to my questions, but I suppose I have been spoiled by B&H who tell me every little thing about my order and its processing.
After I get my entire order I'll post my thoughts about the whole kit. Unless y'all don't really want to hear it.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Raz, I'd suggest B+W filters. This is based on a discussion I had with one of their optical engineers. Additionally, their use of brass for the threaded ring is far superior to the use of aluminum, that most use. I'd also suggest a polarizer along with you UV and ND filter choices. In all the better coatings will keep the filter cleaner and lend to better optical performance.
--Bob

repleo Loc: Boston

You mention 'protect that glass'. For protection only you want a clear filter. B&W are considered amongst the best. Their M007 series are clear, the M010 series are UV. Most folks here seem to think that UV filters don't bring any benefit to modern digital cameras over a clear filter and many dispute the benefit of using a protection filter at all.
Graduated ND filters are mostly for darkening the sky without darkening the foreground.
Neutral Denisty (ND) are for allowing you to use wide appertures in bright light or for long exposure (eg smooth water) shots.
Variable ND filters allow you to adjust the density of the ND - not usually recommended due to 'malteese cross' effect on wide angle lenses.
You don't mention polarizing filters. A circular polarizer (CP) is probably the first filter you should buy for landscape work. Breakthrough Technology are very good. The knurled edge makes them easier to adjust if you are using a lens shade.

Raz Theo Loc: Music City

Preachdude,
Wonderful article full of important information for a guy like me (or anyone who thinks they already know it all). Thanks a million.
Tom Williams

leftj Loc: Texas

You can't go wrong with Breakthrough Photography. In IMHO they are the best.

Jim Bob

I got your point but I ignored it since only Breakthrough Photography can answer your questions. Perhaps you should attempt to contact them. The OP seeks suggestions on quality filters. Breakthrough are among the best and like no one else they have a 25 year warranty. I don't give a sh*t if your preconceptions mean you would not patronize the company. People do dumb things all the time. Welcome to the club. Go out and buy some plastic Cokins from a source you trust.

Jim Bob

Would you please elaborate on your concern about the order fulfillment process. I have purchased at least 8 filters (8 separate orders) from them and in each case the item was shipped either the same or next day.

Jim Bob

The top Hoya and Breakthrough filters are better at light transmission.

rayclay Loc: Arab, AL., USA

I use an IV filter to protect the lens from dust and getting scratched. Filters age much cheaper than lens.