I would like to get a circluar polarizer filter for my 67mm lenses, but depending on which one I get, they can get very expensive. I have heard that as a general rule, you wouldn't want to put a $30 filter on L glass or anything, but the good ones, the Kaesemann MRC's and such, are upwards of $120. Then there is the regular MRC, the MC, etc. Anyways, I was thinking of going either with one of the $80 B+W MRC ones, or even maybe a HOYA one for a bit cheaper. My question is, will I see a noticeable difference with a HOYA filter? Should I stick to getting a B+W despite the cost? Can anyone recommend a good circular polarizer filter that is not too expensive?
Also, as a side question, for landscapes, I might need a grad ND filter at some point, any recommendations on those?
the difference between the Hoya and B+W filters that caused me to convert completely to B+W is that when i get smudges on the filters, it's easy to clean the B+W while it's easily possible to get smudges that never come off the Hoyas. i think that the coating on the Hoya's have better flare resistance, but if the first major smudge means it never goes away, it's a waste of time. the brass rings and other stuff is bonus.
I use all B+W filters and have been happy with the results. You may want to check out http://hvstar.net/ they have really good prices on B+W Filters. They also carry HOYA but im not sure how there prices compare on the HOYA although im sure they are cheaper than most.
It looks like they have the 67mm MRC for $80 and the kaesemann for $90.
It always seems like these discussions make me seem anti-B+W, but I've been using heliopan polarizers for a while and would never switch to another brand. You can view them as essentially B+W+ polarizers that have numerical ring markings and a better feel to the ring. They do cost a good bit, but most quality things do.
Regarding hoya, you won't see a noticeable difference using one, but the rings will be more easily bent and the coating will be less easy to clean.
Aaron Jors wrote:
I use all B+W filters and have been happy with the results. You may want to check out http://hvstar.net/ they have really good prices on B+W Filters. They also carry HOYA but im not sure how there prices compare on the HOYA although im sure they are cheaper than most.
It looks like they have the 67mm MRC for $80 and the kaesemann for $90.
This could have been my post. My exact recommendations; you won't find a better deal for an actual B+W filter.
Andrew, you're not anti-B+W. You just found the other best option. I looked at the Heliopan CPL for a while before going with B+W; I simply could not pass up the pricing hvstar (maxsaver then) offered.
Nick, Like you said, don't put a $30 filter on an L lens. You spent upwards of $1000 for that lens to get the best there is, so what's $100 for the best filter available for it?
