CPL filters with low flare?

tomasr
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · CPL filters with low flare?

I'm looking for some recommendations for a filter suitable for work in very high contrast environments, notably real estate.

I have Hoya HD, genuine copy and that flares like mad shooting into windows, particularly with darker walls and curtains. Totally unusable. You get blooming and those bright circles everywhere. Even their UV is a liability compared to other brands. Bare lens is like perfect.

A good test I found is to place to black sheets on both sides of the window and shoot an overexposed frame. I don't care if it looks good shooting blue sky away from the sun. They all are.

Is there a brand that is free these defects? Not a little better, but totally clean and clear?

K&F? B+W?

Oct 18, 2023 at 11:07 AM

GroovyGeek
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · CPL filters with low flare?

https://breakthrough.photography/

Generally considered top of the line and priced accordingly. I personally can't swallow the price and use NiSi filters, though I only need NDs and not CPLs.

Not sure if "totally clean and clear" is a reasonable selection criteria - very few lenses will be "totally clean and clear" and the filter can only make things worse

But why do you even need a CPL? The conditions you describe would not strike me as something that needs a CPL.

Oct 18, 2023 at 11:31 AM

tomasr
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · CPL filters with low flare?

GroovyGeek wrote:
https://breakthrough.photography/

Generally considered top of the line and priced accordingly. I personally can't swallow the price and use NiSi filters, though I only need NDs and not CPLs.

Not sure if "totally clean and clear" is a reasonable selection criteria - very few lenses will be "totally clean and clear" and the filter can only make things worse

But why do you even need a CPL? The conditions you describe would not strike me as something that needs a CPL.

It is well known methodology to use CPL for real estate work. You find some of the most reflective surfaces there. Like cheap horrible tables and plastic floors I despise so much.

You will find Canon 16-35 III is pretty clean. Like 95% clean with only minor blooming around worst edges.

Anyway hoping someone used one before buying them all up, which I frankly will not do.

Oct 18, 2023 at 11:35 AM

CanadaMark
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · CPL filters with low flare?

I use both the Hoya Fusion Antistatic CIR-PL and Nikon CPL II polarizing filters, I have not noticed any flare issues with either and I also shoot Real Estate. In my experience you do not need to buy the grossly overpriced filters to get one that performs well (the profit margin on filters is insane), but YMMV depending on your specific application. Most of the houses I shoot do not have plastic floors (hardwood/tile is a lot more common in my area), so it's possible the issue is more severe for you. At the end of the day, any time you add another piece of glass (or two with a polarizer), you are going to increase your chances of flare - not sure you will find one that is perfect.

The Hoya Antistatic filters have more coatings than the HD filters, but they have lower light transmission (1.7 stops vs 1.0 stop).

Oct 18, 2023 at 11:52 AM

tomasr
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · CPL filters with low flare?

CanadaMark wrote:
The Hoya Antistatic filters have more coatings than the HD filters, but they have lower light transmission (1.7 stops vs 1.0 stop).

That's not ideal. AD200 (x2) can just about deal with HD filter on. That would push me to AD600 where I absolutely don't want to go for multiple reasons.

I think really I would prefer non-Hoya CPL. I had nothing but trouble with them. I had fakes, I had pro1D losing coatings in a matter of months, and now this.

Oct 18, 2023 at 12:19 PM


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