Top dollar or bottom dollar

[hey_moe]

I decided to see the difference in a 39.00 Circular Polarizer Filter and a 129.00 one from B&H. I was disappointed in the top dollar one. I shot the same shot on a tripod with out changing anything. Some in auto and some in manual.To me the cheaper one had more color. The top dollar one seemed to be washed out in color. Will experiment some more. If ya have some suggestions tell me , Mike

[evandavies]

Wow, thats an eye-openner...

I guess the expensive one would be better for flare?

[René Damkot]

Curious: How did you get the pol filters in the same position?

[hey_moe]

I focused on a car wind shield and took it to where there was no silver reflection on the window before turning the camera and doing a shot. I took thirty shots in the two different modes just about in the same spot at the park looking at the water and tree line. I have a dual monitor system and could compare each one on seperate monitors side by side. Both monitors are set up the same.I guess for me I was kinda of expecting a filter that cost three times more than the one I already had to do a better job..Mike lineCurious: How did you get the pol filters in the same position?

[evandavies]

A better way to compare is to open 2 copies of the viewer and ALT-Tab between them.

[rklepper]

this would be a lot more meaningful if you did 3 things. posted photos of the "test", told us the make and model of the polarizers, and described how you got each polarizer set to the same position to be able to make a valid comparison.

[hey_moe]

I'll be going out today and trying some more. I think when I use the high dollar filter I might tone down the contrast and see what happens. I wanna use the big ticket filter something bad mainly for the cost I paid for it..lol. I might go ahead and post the shots and see what you guys think....Mike

[hey_moe]

I answered your first statement on the above thread for getting the filters to line up. The two different filers: http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CROFK67 and the high dollar one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=133000&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation this would be a lot more meaningful if you did 3 thing. posted photos of the "test", told us the make and model of the polarizers, and described how you got each polarizer set to the same position to be able to make a valid comparison.

[rklepper]

The question is not whether or not you were focusing on the same area. the question is when you adjusted the CP filters, how did you ensure that they were in the same position, not that they were focused on the same spot. Without them adjusted the same the comparison may be meaningless.


I answered your first statement on the above thread for getting the filters to line up. The two different filers: http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CROFK67 and the high dollar one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=133000&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

[Jon]

The question is not whether or not you were focusing on the same area. the question is when you adjusted the CP filters, how did you ensure that they were in the same position, not that they were focused on the same spot. Without them adjusted the same the comparison may be meaningless.If you read his post, he adjusted both to zero reflection on a common target (car windscreen).

[Laffctx]

I thank you for your thread. I personally am not good enough to warrant that kind money, $129, for a single filter. It makes me feel better to know that MAYBE I can get super good shots without having to turn loose of my life savings to do it.

I am sure you got a decent comparison even if they werent turned EXACTLY the same to the 1,000th of a degree.

Thanks again for your input.

[blue_max]

I have no less that three of your expensive filter and can make these observations.

It doesn't always work nice. Sometimes it goes a horrible grey.
The effects don't always seem that significant.
Sometimes I plain don't like the effect.

Polarisers are not an exact science (well then are, but not in practice!). Sometimes a poor one will give more attractive results (a poor lens may in some instances make a nicer image than an expensive one).

I believe that the quality of manufacture and design is second to none. Whether in use, the user can make the most of them is, like much of photography, down to the photographer.

Graham

[hey_moe]

Adjusting the filter using the car windshield to where there is no silver or reflection is ok. It is a very small area on the filter. A bit to the left or right will bring in the reflection and mirror on the face of the windshield. Standing at a distance of twenty feet or so does a nice job. On these type of filters if you look through the lens the area is very small.It is a bit hot today so maybe later on this evening I will shoot some and post. Maybe you guys can come up with a few suggestions...Mike

[323]

i actually was wondering this myself.. so in reality, what is the difference between these 2 filters besides the fact that one is multicoated? do i get a crappy blue with a cheaper circular polarizer? lol

http://cgi.ebay.com/HOYA-72-72mm-circular-polarizer-filter-FAST-shipping_W0QQitemZ180007529655QQihZ008QQcategoryZ1 5217QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Hoya-HMC-Coated-Circular-POLARIZER-Filter-72-72mm_W0QQitemZ270008438243QQihZ017QQcategoryZ15217 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[AdamJL]

Lo, I just returned a £45 polariser ($75) for a $70 one ($120)

Don't tell me I've done the wrong thing!

Lol

But seriously, you forget that some higher priced polarisers are made with multiple coats, which cuts back significantly on lens-flare. This is worth the added money to me, especially if one concentrates on landscape photography.