Filter-question (what polarizer)

[vvizard]

I'm looking into a 77mm circular polarizer.. And to those who have read my other threads today, guess what lens I think I've settled on ;) On B&H, under Accessories for the lens (yeah, the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8), the only cir-pol listed is a "general brand" for $54. Is this good enough? I also did a search there for a cir-pol 77mm, and got some multi-coated filters from (amon others) Hoya. Hoya is what I'm using on my 50mm (both cir-pol and UV). It's also what I've owned in the past. Should I really spend $150-200 on a cir-pol? Are there any noticable difference in the image to justify this?

[Belmondo]

In the real world, I don't believe there's significant differences between very expensive filters and the 'run-of-the mill.' By pure coincidence, I took my new lens out for the first time today (also a 77mm), so I stopped at the local camera store and bought a Hoya CP filter. The filter performed just as it should have---nothing remarkable. There perhaps exists a level of photography that requires super expensive filters, but I'm not there yet, and I doubt many others are, either.

Good luck.

Tom

[Belmondo]

By the way....my Hoya circular polarizer was less than $60.00, so I classify it as 'run-of-the-mill.'

Tom

[vvizard]

Ok. Take the general-brand for $24 then =) I saw the $150 got UV-protection also.. But for me that doesn't mean much.. I've _NEVER_ had an image spoiled by UV-light (I think :)) But I always use them anyway for protection. I felt embarreased the other day when I wen't to my local photo-store to get myself an UV-filter for my 50mm f/1.4. I said:

- "Give me an UV-filter with 58mm diameter"
- "Yeah, what kind?"
- "err, ehm.. the 'normal' one :-P"
- "So, do you shoot B&W or color"
- "Color mostly
- "Ok, here's the HOYA Skylight 1B
- "Thanks.. I guess :-O"

As long as it protects my lens, and doesn't spoil pictures, I'm satisfied :) With everything except the price.. He probably ripped me off to, cause I paid $50 for it. Haven't dared to check it's prices online =)

EDIT: The reason a CIR-POL with included UV-filter doesn't matter to me, is because I only use them for protection, and a CIR-POL will work just as fine for that.. Although on my 50mm, I tend to put on the CIR-POL, and then screw the UV onto that again. Simply because the UV is cheaper to replace than the CIR-POL =)