I am not sure that this is where I should post this question but it seemed like the best fit.
I had questions about which brands of polarizer and filters people are finding to be the most durable in the field.
When I needed new polarizers and filters some years ago I did the usual research/reviews etc. and chose a particular brand as they had very good reviews and a reasonable price. Of course, all reviews are based on new equipment - not after a few years of use.
I do a lot of backpacking/hiking, so my gear gets "exposed". I do my best to take care of it, but my polarizers especially (used more than filters) are not standing the "test of time". I am guessing that what I am seeing is some micro delaminating of the polarizing coating- but that's just a guess.
So - of those out there who also put their gear to the test in the wilds, which brands/models really do hold up and which to avoid?
I've never seen a Marumi c-pol de-laminate. Even the best quality c-pol filters can be damaged by high heat and liquid cleaners seeping between the glass sandwich layers. Never spray cleaning solution onto a c-pol. Moisten a tissue and then wipe the glass. Don't keep anything in your car when you're not in it. If it's too hot for you, its too hot for your gear.
Western Montana, one of the most beautiful regions I know of anywhere.
Back to topic, I use Kase magnetics filters and lens caps and take them everywhere. They aren't inexpensive but they are durable and don't get lost being magnetic. I have a polarizer, ND, and black mist stacked together with a spare lens cap on top of the stack and "back cap" on the bottom. This give me a nice .75" tall stack of three filters that is protected on both ends and slips into the upper zippered pockets in my hiking pants. No need for a carrying case and I can separate and install the magnetics with light gloves on. I really like the filters but just the magnetic cap is great to have. I was buying replacement lens caps every few months prior to switching over. I'm happy to post a photo if interested.
I think I had the same problem many years ago. The delamination was always near the filter's edge. I replaced the offending filters with the B+W Kasemann model. The ones labelled Kasemann are sealed around the edge while those without that designation (and I assume nearly all other brands) are not. I used those filters for about 20 years, until about 1.5 years ago when I changed camera systems and none of the filter diameters were the same. I still have them and they are still in perfect condition with no signs of delamination.
graytrekker wrote:
I am not sure that this is where I should post this question but it seemed like the best fit.
I had questions about which brands of polarizer and filters people are finding to be the most durable in the field.
When I needed new polarizers and filters some years ago I did the usual research/reviews etc. and chose a particular brand as they had very good reviews and a reasonable price. Of course, all reviews are based on new equipment - not after a few years of use.
I do a lot of backpacking/hiking, so my gear gets "exposed". I do my best to take care of it, but my polarizers especially (used more than filters) are not standing the "test of time". I am guessing that what I am seeing is some micro delaminating of the polarizing coating- but that's just a guess.
So - of those out there who also put their gear to the test in the wilds, which brands/models really do hold up and which to avoid?
I've used many. The main problem is that the multi-coating gets damaged after a while. Is that what you mean by delaminating? Some filter rings get tight over time, like the older B+W.
EB-1 wrote:
I've used many. The main problem is that the multi-coating gets damaged after a while. Is that what you mean by delaminating? Some filter rings get tight over time, like the older B+W.
EBH
A polarizing filter consists of two pieces of glass with polarizing film sandwiched (laminated) between them, without any air between the layers. If it's the problem I had, this sandwich begins to come apart on one side of the film. When it does,
the defect starts to become visible at the outer edge of the filter. Mine never progressed very far inward.
It could be seen as a lighter silvery area because it's more reflective due to the additional air/glass interface where air has intruded between the layers. The Kasemann filters have a sealant painted around the circumference on the edge of the glass, before it's mounted in the metal ring. That prevents the problem. The delamination can't start because air can't get in and atmospheric pressure keeps the sandwich pressed together with 101.3 kPa or 14.7 pounds per square inch.
No delamination in 50 years of using polarizers, but the B+H Kaesenmanns are some of the worst polarizing filters I had. Very expensive and they became unusable far too soon. Maybe they improved later, but I stopped buying those about 10 years ago. I do use their other filters. I have several Marumio (no longer sold in the States) and Heliopan (out of the business) polarizers of the low-loss variety.
I have a few polarizers where the polarizing film appears to be micro textured and floating loose. I don't recall (maybe 15+ years ago) what brand, but they were a major brand, not some cheapie.
gdanmitchell wrote:
Are you using a lens cap? Are you leaving a polarizer on the camera all the time?!
Dan et al.:
Yes, I use a lens cap. No - not on the lens all the time - perhaps the better part of the day sometimes, but not longer than that.
I am guilty off using spray cleaners - didn't know that was a thing until now.
I don't know if what I am seeing is delamination - just a guess. I will attempt to get a photo of what I am seeing. None of my polarizer from the 70s and 80s have done this.
I was primarily asking about how robust some of the top brands are. What I got are Irex brand - 2 sizes and both of then look like this now. I also got some of their ND filters and they seem fine, but of course, get less use
I've really liked my set of Kase Wolverine magnetic filters. Highly recommend them, they're super easy to use since it's magnetized and can be stacked. I've dropped my filters a few times on rock and so far no issues besides some scuffs on the threads. The filter glass themselves are fine.
I’m only one data point but I had a Breakthrough CPL that had the coating flake off before I even used it. That was years ago and I just bought another one since I found a good deal so we’ll see how the second one goes…
I don’t have any traditional Kase filters but the coating on my Armour filters seems pretty fragile and certainly not befitting of being called “armour”. My Firecrest filters have seen a lot more abuse and in pretty much perfect shape except for the couple that have shattered (completely my fault).
My most bombproof filters are the old heavy brass B+W that have no AR coatings on them. They must be at least 30 years old and the glass looks new. As a bonus they are super easy to clean. My newer MRC B+W filters seem to get difficult to clean after a while, but I haven’t had any issues with the coating flaking off or scratching.
my big problem with the breakthough filter was the ribbing on the outside of the ring which was easier to grip but interferred with my lens hood. stopped using them. Using marumi.
js47 wrote:
I’d like to know which filters you’ve been using?
I have a set of "Irex Edge"
Upon closer examination, I don't think I am seeing delamination. It looks like there are spots or smudges on the surface that don't clean off or even change when trying to clean the glass I should have time today to see if I can capture what I am seeing in a photo
