ok so here is a little update.
So my friend have the same exact filter (got from B&H like me) and I tested out using his filter against mine... same scene, same lighting. I was able to get sharp results without the hazy effect with his filter, results are almost identical to no filter... sharp. I then put on my filter again, and got the hazy effect again.... I guess even the same brand same type of filters (production variation) can cause difference in IQ.
Email Hoya, try to get a response and send it back to them. It'd be interesting to see what they do; mail you a replacement, check if it is counterfeit. It's no use to you so why not?
Paul Mo wrote:
Email Hoya, try to get a response and send it back to them. It'd be interesting to see what they do; mail you a replacement, check if it is counterfeit. It's no use to you so why not?
So are you now looking for a new filter?
Paul,
I doubt it's counterfeit since both filters came from B&H... but then again anything is possible.
One thing I did noticed was this same filter costs $20 more than when I got it back in May 2012. B&H states that the increase in price was driven by mfg.... Perhaps Hoya did some upgrade/ update to the filter and that resulted in price increase? I don't know... but $20 is a lot of increase.
I will most likely shoot without filters to get the best IQ, will only use filters in hazardous environments.
gwei8 wrote:
ok so here is a little update.
So my friend have the same exact filter (got from B&H like me) and I tested out using his filter against mine... same scene, same lighting. I was able to get sharp results without the hazy effect with his filter, results are almost identical to no filter... sharp. I then put on my filter again, and got the hazy effect again.... I guess even the same brand same type of filters (production variation) can cause difference in IQ.
This is precisely what several of us suggested that you do. People commenting that they have the same type, brand, etc of filter is not a reliable comparison. Testing the exact filter that gave you poor results on other lenses (like a 35L or 85L, or another other lens with ≤ 72 mm threads) or trying an alternate 72mm filter (like you did here with your friend's) on your 135L is the only way to proceed.
Problem solved: your filter is a lemon. Weird, but I suppose QC issues can pop up anywhere. If you don't see the effect as noticeably on wider lenses maybe consider swapping it to them. Otherwise, talk to Hoya or B&H. =\
aladyforty wrote:
no probs with my 135L with a hoya pro filter, the only lens I dont use a filter on is my 100-400L
I will have to try that with mine, I always thought it was soft, perhaps the filter! I will report back this weekend.
