amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

I disagree (and also speak from experience ) ... B+W (not B&W) are not overkill. They are reliably good quality. And, actually some of the better quality, multi-coated Hoya tend to be more expensive than equivalent B+W.

For example, 77mm Hoya HD3 CPL costs $200, Hoya EVO $140 and Hoya HD2 $121. Comparable 77mm B+W XS-Pro Kaesemann CPL costs $120 and B+W F-Pro Kaesemann is selling for $97.

Kenko filters are simply a cheaper Hoya, marketed under the Kenko brand name. Same company. (Was "THK" at one time, which stands for "Tokina, Hoya, Kenko").

Many filter manufacturers make various series of filters... different quality "tiers" that are offered at various price points.

For example, B+W makes uncoated & single-coated in aluminum frames that are more affordable, as well as more expensive higher quality multi-coated in brass frames.
Hoya probably makes more different quality Circular Polarizers than just about anyone... uncoated cheapos, single coated, 8-layer multi-coated, premium 16-layer coated.... probably 5 or 6 different price tiers.

Tiffen makes some of the best pro-quality rectangular, glass ND and Grad ND filters on the market. Only one or two large sizes, if memory serves (125mm?) and pretty expensive... about $100 apiece. Those are what Hollywood uses. Other Tiffen filters... might be great. Or might not. Depends upon the particular series. Tiffen also markets cheap consumer-grade filters..... probably Chinese-made!

Leitz Loc: Solms

You'll also need a reversing ring on the lens, and mount the filter backwards. A step-up ring makes more sense.

AzGriz Loc: Sedona, Arizona

If you are still using the obsolete technology of grads...

Some of us on UHH are still shooting film as well as digital.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

If you're using film or doing video, then grads are your only choice.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

I use Tiffen glass rectangular GND filters on my video camera: 4x5 inches--not cheap!

For stills I use Kenkos, just the mid range multicoated, and they work fine. Shooting DSLR video I have a very expensive Kenko VND: about $600, and a Tiffen at around $200. There is a difference, but it mostly shows up near extinction.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

They may be multicoated, but square filters are much more convenient than screw-on filters (and versatile)!!

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

I would re-think the screw on type. Eventually, you will want some grad ND's and you will need a holder style system so may as well just start off with one and save a few bucks upgrading later.
Also, do not buy cheap filters, get the best you can afford. Lee's, B&W's etc.

terry44 Loc: Tuolumne County California, Maui Hawaii

I have a set of THK they worked ok, I tend to use the screw on's though I do have a big stopper glass over plastic always, and I have found that we don't need most filters anymore photoshop, lightroom or the counterparts have easy to use filters in the software. A good polarizer, and a couple neutral density, is about it nowadays, nice thing about screwon's is that they also add a layer of protection to your lens.

al davis Loc: chesterfield virginia

Agreed. I am partial to Hoya. Saves me a lot of money and I have great results. I know lots of people here do not like a variable neutral density filter. I have a Hoya variable and love it. It took some getting used to and some patients along with the learning curve but now no issues. I also have a ten stop by Hoya.

rspmd23 Loc: NYC , now in Westlake, Florida

Go for the gusto and get Lee filters and holder- fantastic build quality 100x 150 mm rectangular filters, and yes they rotate.

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

I keep saying that, after a few years you'll have a nice collection that you can use on any of your equipment.

kymarto Loc: Portland OR and Milan Italy

The great thing about screw-in filters is that you don't have to mount and dismount every time you put the camera back in the bag. Just pop the lens cap on and throw it in. Also I find that square filters scratch very easily. These are things to consider if you don't have all the time in the world to set up your every shot, or when you are shooting in less-than-ideal conditions.

wolfman

I have a screw on ND filter and IMO a P.I.T.A. to use. I went to the Lee system and never looked back.

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

I guarantee that I can pop off a Lee holder faster than you can unscrew a filter. You also have to be careful with screw on filter too. They all scratch. This argument is kind of pointless---screw on filters vs. square filters---it's what you get used to when you first start and are comfortable with, that's what works.

Carl D Loc: Albemarle, NC.

For personally, I agree!!!