Circular polarizer confusion: I need a circular polarizer, specifically for landscape shots in the high mountains to remove some of the haze and reflections as well as darken the sky.

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Circular polarizer confusion

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Apr 30, 2018 11:32:52 #

tomad Loc: North Carolina

I need a circular polarizer, specifically for landscape shots in the high mountains to remove some of the haze and reflections as well as darken the sky. I used to use Tiffen but after some reading here I have come to realize the some of the more expensive filter brands can make a difference in image quality. So due to many recommendations on UHH I'm looking at B+W filters. This is where the confusion arises. If you look at the B+W circular polarizers at B&H Photo's site there are 4 different ones all within a $20 price range (not significant at this price point. Some seem very different from the others but I cannot determine which one would be best to suit the purpose mentioned. They seem to be for different circumstances but I can't distinguish what those are.

Can someone explain why one would be better than the others? I see no difference except in the amount of light they let through. Here's a link to a comparison of the 4 filters.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/B%2BW_72mm_XS-Pro_Kaesemann_High_Transmission_Circular_Polarizer_MRC-Nano_Filter_vs_B%2BW_72mm_Circular_Polarizer_MRC_Filter_vs_B%2BW_72mm_F-Pro_Kaesemann_High_Transmission_Circular_Polarizer_MRC_Filter_vs_B%2BW_72mm_Circular_Polarizer_SC_Filter/BHitems/1141524-REG_9777-REG_1141456-REG_753004-REG

Apr 30, 2018 11:46:51 #

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I'd go with the XS-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC-Nano Filter.
--Bob

tomad wrote:

I need a circular polarizer, specifically for land... (show quote)

Apr 30, 2018 11:51:45 #

juanbalv Loc: Los Angeles / Hawthorne

Why that one? What are its merits/features that make it your choice?

rmalarz wrote:

I'd go with the XS-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC-Nano Filter.
--Bob

Apr 30, 2018 11:58:45 #

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

The nano coating for one. Easier to keep clean. The other is the Kaesemann construction for the filter.

I would also suggest reading this https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/faq/bw.htm
--Bob

juanbalv wrote:

Why that one? What are its merits/features that make it your choice?

Apr 30, 2018 12:02:06 #

juanbalv Loc: Los Angeles / Hawthorne

rmalarz wrote:

The nano coating for one. Easier to keep clean. The other is the Kaesemann construction for the filter.
--Bob

Apr 30, 2018 12:05:41 #

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

The link below is to the B+W website that will explain it all. The differences between the filters seam to be the coatings used and the mounts.

https://www.schneideroptics.com/Ecommerce/CatalogSubCategoryDisplay.aspx?CID=530

Apr 30, 2018 12:09:40 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

tomad wrote:

I need a circular polarizer, specifically for land... (show quote)

The differences are explained better here:
https://www.schneideroptics.com/Ecommerce/CatalogSubCategoryDisplay.aspx?CID=57
https://www.schneideroptics.com/info/faq/bw.htm
Edit: It’s good to see someone actually willing to do some research on their own.

Apr 30, 2018 12:14:32 #

tomad Loc: North Carolina

rmalarz wrote:

I'd go with the XS-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC-Nano Filter.
--Bob

Thanks Bob, (and everyone else). I looked at the links that explain the differences and answer questions and I'm going with the one you suggested.

Apr 30, 2018 15:34:40 #

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

For landscape photography, when you want to diminish brightness in the sky and allow correct exposure in the foreground, you should consider 100 mm ND Graduated filters.

Apr 30, 2018 15:34:43 #

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

For landscape photography, when you want to diminish brightness in the sky and allow correct exposure in the foreground, you should consider 100 mm ND Graduated filters.

Apr 30, 2018 15:35:23 #

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

For landscape photography, when you want to diminish brightness in the sky and allow correct exposure in the foreground, you should consider 100 mm ND Graduated filters.

Apr 30, 2018 19:45:02 #

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

For landscape photography, when you want to diminish brightness in the sky and allow correct exposure in the foreground, you should consider 100 mm ND Graduated filters.

But that only works well if you have a straight horizon. If you have mountains, trees, buildings etc jutting up into the sky, the GND filters are a real pain to use.

Apr 30, 2018 20:42:07 #

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

RWR wrote:

Just noticed that these two links were posted ahead of me. Sorry, I should have refreshed the page before posting.

Apr 30, 2018 21:13:35 #

wdross Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

rmalarz wrote:

I'd go with the XS-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC-Nano Filter.
--Bob

May 1, 2018 06:19:56 #

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

Better materials (brass on the B&W ones and other higher end), evenness of the coatings, and the colour hue rendered. For example, I have a MARUMI CP and it gives a slightly 'royal blue' finish to skies. Not sufficient that it has an appreciable effect to other colours and not annoying enough to require a change. But it's not so neutral as some.

Have a look at the lenstip CP guide.

http://www.lenstip.com/115.4-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Results_and_summary.html

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