MRHooker2u Loc: Kingston, WA

I just purchased a new lens and in the market for a good CPL filter. In my research I have come across the terminology 1Peak, 2Peak, 3Peak, etc... Can someone explain the difference between these filters? Also, I am looking for a high quality filter which will not break the bank. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance for your insights.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

One peak is their cheapest filter, two peaks are their middle of the range price point filters with three peaks being their premium filters. I am a Hoya or B+W from Germany

Carl1024 Loc: Kaneohe, HI 96744

2Filters.com
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amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Gobe is a relatively new brand of filters recently introduced to the market. I have not used them and have no idea their quality.

Gobe has three different quality series, offered at three different prices. "1 Peak" is their least expensive, "2 Peak" is their mid-grade/mid-priced and "3 Peak" is their top-of-the-line.

More info: https://mygobe.com/shop/lens-filters/cpl-filters.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw5cL2BRASEiwAENqAPp7hAm8y_6Qk_hfLNALQusGbw2TtNkz_oOjjs_QKcXRlialhz4R7ahoC4asQAvD_BwE

Gobe appears to be pricing things low to break into the market. All three of their series CPL filters are less than most of the other, well known brands...

Just to compare Gobe and some other well respected brands. I don't know what size you need, so I just plugged in 77mm for this comparison... I also limited it to multi-coated filters, as all the Gobe are. Filters are sorted from least to most expensive: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=77mm%20circular%20polarizer&sort=PRICE_LOW_TO_HIGH&filters=fct_brand_name%3Ab-w%7Cformatt-hitech%7Cgobe%7Cheliopan%7Choya%2Cfct_category%3Apolarizer_115%2Cfct_circular-sizes_27%3A77mm%2Cfct_design_2321%3Amulti-coated

Personally I've used filters from all the brands above, other than Gobe (which is new). Most of my CPL are B+W MRC. More recently I've been using one of B+W's newer "high transmissive" (lighter gray, doesn't reduce light as much as typical CPL). That filter is an "XS-Pro", which also uses a slim frame and has 16-layer "nano" multi-coatings. In 77mm size it's selling for $100. (The most comparable other brand filter, with almost identical specs and materials, is the Heliopan selling for more than twice as much).

Look for reviews of Gobe filters online. I really can't comment good or bad about them, having never used them. I don't like to waste money unnecessarily, but I also think it makes sense to invest in high quality filters, because they will likely serve for many years on a wide variety of lenses and, whenever a filter is used it has very direct effects on every image shot through it.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

I've used Marumi before and thought it offered good value. I'm currently using Breakthrough. Well made but I get a variable hue on a wide angle (24mm) under some circumstances.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Here are some links that might help. I went with Marumi filters based on reviews and comparisons. You might also consider a Xume magnetic adapter. It lets you put the filter on and off in less than a ssecond.

https://www.lensrentals.com/blog/2017/09/my-not-nearly-complete-but-rather-entertaining-circular-polarizer-filter-article/
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://nikonrumors.com/2014/07/26/how-to-use-a-polarizing-filter.aspx/
https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-polarizing-filters
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzfVCxXg6GQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNoRXJWrZ_Q

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://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/best-circular-polarizer-filter

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

My personal preference is B+W.

To address your "not break the bank" comment. Once that filter is placed on your lens, it becomes an integral part of the optical system of your lens. This lens is probably one that is top of the line. Would you consider replacing any of the optical elements with a substandard piece of glass? Probably not.
--Bob

Doc Barry Loc: Huntsville, Alabama USA

I use B+W and am very pleased.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

I currently use the high end Hoya. But like B+W but many years ago used mostly Nikon. I found Nikon of old held the glass with a leaf spring that they said did not put bending pressure on distorting the glass vs a ring of metal screwed tightly against the glass distorting it.
That was their claim not mine.