Polarizer Help! Is this a good deal?

Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO Macro Super for Canon

09/01/2006 02:38:04 PM · #1

I'm shopping for a circular polarizer and am not sure what to get.

I found this B + W 58mm Circular Polarizer Coated Glass Filter on Adorama and am wondering how to determine the difference between a quality polarizer and one that will just exacerbate the fact that I am using cheap glass.

Please share your thoughts on this item, or recommendations for something better.

Thanks!
Roxanne

nemesise1977

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

09/01/2006 02:48:03 PM · #2

Thats not what I would call a cheap polarizer, but not an overly expensive one. I personally think if you can afford it ,then get it.

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/01/2006 02:48:13 PM · #3

B & W is an excellent brand for filters.

Something else to consider, if you have lenses with different filter threads. Buy the filter for the lens with the largest size requirement and buy stepup rings for the smaller size lenses.

Message edited by author 2006-09-01 14:48:44.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

09/01/2006 02:50:14 PM · #4

Other then buying them and trying them out, you kind of have to go off other people's opinions. From what I've heard B+W is about as good as it gets in filters.

Personally I like the Price/Quality combination I get from Hoya filters. You can get them dirt cheap on Ebay from China sellers, not sure why? Maybe someone forgets to lock a warehouse there? I've bought several through Ebay and have been nothing but pleased. Be sure to get at least the HMC version though!

edit to add: ebay listing This is the Hoya pro filter (I've got 2 of these), and I think I even bought from this seller before. $55 with shipping.

Message edited by author 2006-09-01 14:54:56.

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

09/01/2006 03:02:30 PM · #5

Thanks everyone!

Daryl, that Hoya looks quite interesting! I may reconsider and go with that. Thanks for the link.

Anyone else?

Gatorguy

Nikon D700

09/01/2006 04:00:35 PM · #6

Originally posted by greatandsmall:

Thanks everyone!

Daryl, that Hoya looks quite interesting! I may reconsider and go with that. Thanks for the link.

Anyone else?

For ten bucks more you can get it at 17th street photo 17th Street Photoin the US and not have to worry about dealing with Hong Kong.
With all the counterfeit CF cards on Ebay that are coming from Hong Kong, I'm a bit leary of buying equipment over there.

PSUlion01

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/01/2006 04:03:14 PM · #7

Originally posted by cpanaioti:

Not trying to threadjack here, but quick question regarding step-up rings. How does this affect lens hoods? Obviously if I want to use a cap then I'd need one the size of the filter, but my currently lenses have a 58mm thread... Say I buy a 62mm filter for a future lens, would I also need new hoods?

Or, am I just overestimating the use of lens hoods?

Thx

Gatorguy

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

09/01/2006 04:05:38 PM · #8

Originally posted by LoudDog:

edit to add: ebay listing This is the Hoya pro filter (I've got 2 of these), and I think I even bought from this seller before. $55 with shipping.

Just to point this link is not the "pro" filter, but rather the S-HMC. There is a substantial price difference in stores. I don't know what the actual difference is though.

Message edited by author 2006-09-01 16:06:13.

C-Fox

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/01/2006 05:51:13 PM · #9

Originally posted by PSUlion01:

Originally posted by cpanaioti:
B & W is an excellent brand for filters.

Something else to consider, if you have lenses with different filter threads. Buy the filter for the lens with the largest size requirement and buy stepup rings for the smaller size lenses.

Not trying to threadjack here, but quick question regarding step-up rings. How does this affect lens hoods? Obviously if I want to use a cap then I'd need one the size of the filter, but my currently lenses have a 58mm thread... Say I buy a 62mm filter for a future lens, would I also need new hoods?

Or, am I just overestimating the use of lens hoods?

Thx

Yes you will need a large len hood, which can add on the price as well

cpanaioti

Canon EOS-40D

Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 DO IS USM

09/01/2006 05:55:16 PM · #10

Originally posted by PSUlion01:

A hood is not generally used when using a polarizer since operating the polarizer with a lens hood can be quite awkward. I don't know if there's a lens hood that will fit if using step up rings since buy using a stepup ring to use a larger size filter you've increased the size of the outer element.

eschelar

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

09/04/2006 01:40:31 AM · #11

I did not have a chance to view the Hoya filter system, but when I went to pick up a polarizer, I did a side-by-side comparison of the B+W to the Marumi (An Asia-local Japanese brand) polarizer.

I found that the Marumi was NOTICEABLY clearer, to the point that the B+W looked almost cloudy. The Marumi was also considerably thinner and lighter.

I saved 60 bucks and got the Marumi. I am not sure which level of filter I was looking at, but I would assume it was the top end as it was around $170 USD equivalent. Both were 77mm circulars.

have a look to see if you can find the marumi. Many of the local pros here in Taiwan use their filters.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/18/2006 12:57:47 PM · #12

Thanks everyone, for the great feedback!

My filter arrived today. Eschelar, sorry I had already ordered the Hoya by the time I saw your post. It came from China, so there's no going back; unless you want to go over and return it for me;)

Thanks Daryl, for the link. I got the Hoya Pro 1 Digital Circular Polarizer from that buyer , and although I have no idea if it's what I really need, I'm happy with the price and service. And although it came from China, it says "Made in Japan".

Now that my sensor is clean and I have this filter, I'm running low on excuses for bad images...Time to shop for glass!

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

09/18/2006 02:07:47 PM · #13

greatandsmall, I know its a little to late but I only use the B+W filters and think there worth it. Now when are you gonna get permission to get the 24-70 f2.8???

Eschelar, I've never used or heard of the filters in your post can you provide a link???

annasense

Olympus E-500 EVOLT

Olympus 14-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Digital ED

09/18/2006 02:13:22 PM · #14

i buy hoya and really like them!!

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/18/2006 02:17:25 PM · #15

Too late, Kevin! Where were you when I was asking for advice?;)

This is the lens I've got in my sights: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

I'm hoping to get it for my birthday or Christmas. If anyone wants to talk me out of it...now's the time!

notonline

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

09/18/2006 02:21:36 PM · #16

Originally posted by greatandsmall:

whens your birthday???