PoppieJ Loc: North Georgia

I am looking for a polarizer. I currently have a Hoya that I am not thrilled with. looking for suggestions on what other UHHers use and why they like it

Quixdraw Loc: x

Budget is the key - I like B&W and Nikon - I do have some lesser brands that seem to do well. Have no idea other than the final photo, on how to compare "scientifically".

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Poppie can't really offer suggestions since I don't know what your intended use is...

However I can share what glass I use and why...
I use a Tokina POLA 55mm (Japan) primarily to manage reflections on product (commercial jewelry assignments) on a Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 Pro D macro lens. To date this has worked exceptionally well in this scenario albeit I would like to polarize the studio strobes for ultimate control...

If you are serious about working commercially then I would suggest you obtain a copy of "Light Science & Magic" https://www.amazon.com/Light-Science-Magic-Introduction-Photographic/dp/0415719402

This is virtually mandatory for working professional...
It greatly impacted my workflow and most importantly the quality of my deliverables...

All the best on your journey Poppie

Bill_de Loc: US

I mostly use B+W, but also have a couple of other brands including Hoya. You can't just go by brand because within a given brand you will find different levels of quality.

What are you looking for that would make another filter better than what you have?

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JRiepe Loc: Southern Illinois

B&W and Hoya are quality filters but I also have a Marumi that is excellent.

User ID

Lacking that thrill ?
Perhaps try Couples Therapy.

I’m thrilled by a few different PLs but I’m careful that none of them are aware of the others. I can definitely report that I have tended to ignore CPLs. Upon reflection, I observe that I just happen to prefer linear. Personal kink I guess ...

repleo Loc: Boston

Breakthrough Photography X4 CPL is best for color neutrality. US company. 300 day return or exchange period. 25 year guarantee. They are superbly made, brass construction (X4 series - X2 are aluminum). The rotation ring has substantial knurling on the edge to make it easier to turn with a lens hood on and for mounting the filter on the lens.

https://breakthrough.photography/products/x4-circular-polarizer?variant=31547348945

CO

Nikon makes polarizing filters that are excellent quality. I've had one for a long time and it produces great results. Here's a review where they compared Tiffen, Hoya, B+W, and Nikon polarizers.

https://havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer/polarizing-filter-shootout/

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have used Hoya for years and have got great results from it. If you like I also shoot with a B&W polarizer, it costs a lot more, but the results are just about the same. Of course, knowing how to properly use a polarizer goes a long way.

lsimpkins Loc: SE Pennsylvania

Depending upon size, Hoya has as many as eight different polarizers available. It would be helpful to know which series you have as well as what aspect of it is unsatisfactory.

MrPhotog

Hoya makes good filters, so I’m guessing you may be expecting too much from polarizing filters in general. If so, buying a different brand will be a further waste of your money.

I bought my first polarizing filter in an attempt to eliminate reflections from glass. It didn’t work as well as I wanted.

Years later, when I could afford it, I bought a top quality Leitz circular polarizer. It still didn’t do magic tricks for me.

For one to get the best effects from polarized light you need to have a polarized light source and a polarized filter mounted on the lens at a right angle to the direction of the polarization of the lights. That can be a bit fussy to set up in the studio, but it is do-able. Large polarizing screens for lights can be expensive, and may affect color, too.

Outdoors, on sunny days, when the Sun is at a certain angle in the sky, you can get the maximum polarization effect. As the Earth spins and the Sun’s position changes you will get less and less of an effect — or no effect at all. Of course on overcast days, the sky light is diffused and polarizers don’t do a darn thing.

photoman43

I like B + W, SinghRay and Breakthrough. Consider getting a large diameter one , like 7xmm, with step down rings so you can use it on smaller diameter lenses too.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you for this Article CO, I found it of merit even the responses were germane...
https://havecamerawilltravel.com/photographer/polarizing-filter-shootout/

"...knowing how to properly use a polarizer goes a long way..." indeed billnikon... I quickly discovered that using a Circular Polarizer on my Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 resulted in major vignette a.k.a. much depends on the optic and how it's used...

"...Large polarizing screens for lights can be expensive..." So very true MrPhotog, very costly indeed.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Hoya is a reputable brand. I have polarizers made by them and I cannot complain. You failed to tell us why you do not like Hoya. Are you sure using another polarizer will make you happier? They ALL do the same thing.
I am still using polarizer from 30 years ago and they are doing their job even with new lenses. Furthermore, they are not circular polarizers and they do not have multicoating...that I hate in a polarizer.

Lexartiste

I own Breakthrough polarizers and they are the best for color and transparency.