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Seeking advice on Breakthrough Photography Circular Polarizer
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Aug 11, 2017 20:29:36   #
cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD
 
I need to obtain a 77mm circular polarizing filter, and I've read some stuff suggesting that Breakthrough Photography makes some pretty great stuff, but it's pretty expensive, about $150.00 for a 77mm filter. Anybody have any experience that can challenge, or vouch for, the quality of this product? Or, of course, suggest an less expensive alternative.

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Aug 11, 2017 20:36:57   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
B+W makes good stuff.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=B%2BW%2077mm%20circular%20polarizer&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

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Aug 11, 2017 21:33:31   #
cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD
 



Thanks Bill_de; I've heard good things about their stuff too. Anyone have a comparison?

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Aug 11, 2017 22:30:01   #
wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
 
cbtsam wrote:
I need to obtain a 77mm circular polarizing filter, and I've read some stuff suggesting that Breakthrough Photography makes some pretty great stuff, but it's pretty expensive, about $150.00 for a 77mm filter. Anybody have any experience that can challenge, or vouch for, the quality of this product? Or, of course, suggest an less expensive alternative.


It looks like they are a very legitimate manufacturer of filters. And most of their claim of having the most neutral and sharpest CPL seem to be substantiated by the comparisons on their website. And the samples they present show that compared to no filter, they are still a little off. But compared to B&W and Formatt, they are much more neutral than either of the two. Their competitors mention that their "neutral" density tints can be fixed in post processing. The question I have: Is the extra filter cost worth the savings from less post processing? If it is, you may want to put your money down. If it isn't, some of the better less expensive brands will do fine.

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Aug 12, 2017 00:30:51   #
TheDman Loc: USA
 
I haven't tried Breakthrough but I've tried Hoya, Tiffen and B+W and IMO a circular polarizer is a circular polarizer. Polarizing is not a hard job; they all do it identically. None have any color shift that I notice, and I'm pretty anal. The only difference seems to be the material: B+W's brass fittings are nice and seem to stick less.

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Aug 12, 2017 00:33:59   #
rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA
 
IMHO, it's worth every penny. Breakthrough's are the only screw on filters I use.

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Aug 12, 2017 00:45:10   #
repleo Loc: Boston
 
Most of my filters are B&W. I have two different sized B&W CPLs and I really can't tell if they do much if anything in terms of reducing glare or intensifying colors.
I have the Breakthrough Technology (BT) 3 stop ND filter and it is excellent. If I was getting another CPL I would definitely give the BT a try over the B&W. One really nice feature of the BT filters is the deep knurls on the rim. It is much easier to turn with a lens shade on than the relatively smooth B&W. Reviews on Amazon say that BT's customer service is second to none and they are standing by their 25 year guarantee.
The Breakthrough X2 CPL 77mm Circular Polarizer (not the X4) is currently $99 on Amazon which is only $1 more than the B&W Kaesemann CPL.

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Aug 12, 2017 03:55:24   #
wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado
 
repleo wrote:
Most of my filters are B&W. I have two different sized B&W CPLs and I really can't tell if they do much if anything in terms of reducing glare or intensifying colors.
I have the Breakthrough Technology (BT) 3 stop ND filter and it is excellent. If I was getting another CPL I would definitely give the BT a try over the B&W. One really nice feature of the BT filters is the deep knurls on the rim. It is much easier to turn with a lens shade on than the relatively smooth B&W. Reviews on Amazon say that BT's customer service is second to none and they are standing by their 25 year guarantee.
The Breakthrough X2 CPL 77mm Circular Polarizer (not the X4) is currently $99 on Amazon which is only $1 more than the B&W Kaesemann CPL.
Most of my filters are B&W. I have two differ... (show quote)


I was wondering how effective the knurling was. It sounds like the filters are worthwhile if one wants to spend the money.

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Aug 12, 2017 03:59:03   #
Leicaflex Loc: Cymru
 
LEE Filters, considered to be the best by many professional photographers.
"Masters of Light"

http://www.leefilters.com/

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Aug 12, 2017 05:49:33   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
cbtsam wrote:
I need to obtain a 77mm circular polarizing filter, and I've read some stuff suggesting that Breakthrough Photography makes some pretty great stuff, but it's pretty expensive, about $150.00 for a 77mm filter. Anybody have any experience that can challenge, or vouch for, the quality of this product? Or, of course, suggest an less expensive alternative.


They have a pretty persuasive web site.

https://breakthrough.photography/products/x4-circular-polarizer

Read some reviews and comparisons before buying.

http://www.lenstip.com/139.25-article-Polarizing_filters_test_2015_Results_and_summary.html
http://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-circular-polarizer-filter-5-top-models-tested-and-rated-1320842
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Circular-Polarizer-Filters.aspx
http://www.lenstip.com/index.php?art=139

http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test.html
http://www.lenstip.com/115.4-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Results_and_summary.html
http://nikonrumors.com/2014/07/26/how-to-use-a-polarizing-filter.aspx/

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Aug 12, 2017 05:56:33   #
cthahn
 
Most the time ou get what you pay for.

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Aug 12, 2017 06:40:25   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
repleo wrote:
Most of my filters are B&W. I have two different sized B&W CPLs and I really can't tell if they do much if anything in terms of reducing glare or intensifying colors.


If that is the case you are not using the filters in situations they were designed for. If you were shooting with the sun at right a angle to your line of site the difference is quite dramatic even with the cheapest polarizer. If the sun is behind you they won't do much at all. If I were you I don't think I would spend money on a more expensive polarizer without first experimenting with what you have. Your choice of course.

--

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Aug 12, 2017 06:47:50   #
sueyeisert Loc: New Jersey
 
I only buy b+w filters because of what the filter rings are made of, but speak to B&H to make sue you get the right filter for you lens.

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Aug 12, 2017 07:47:45   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
cbtsam wrote:
I need to obtain a 77mm circular polarizing filter, and I've read some stuff suggesting that Breakthrough Photography makes some pretty great stuff, but it's pretty expensive, about $150.00 for a 77mm filter. Anybody have any experience that can challenge, or vouch for, the quality of this product? Or, of course, suggest an less expensive alternative.


All I buy now are German Schneider B+W filters. And I don't use a lot of filters with digital photography anyway. I'm skilled enough with Photoshop to correct any slight off tints from glass filters. I'm more concerned about filters affecting sharpness and resolution.

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Aug 12, 2017 07:48:23   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
sueyeisert wrote:
I only buy b+w filters because of what the filter rings are made of, but speak to B&H to make sue you get the right filter for you lens.



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