Is there enough IQ difference to justify the price difference???

[bryank930]

I'm looking to buy a 77mm CPL. The two that I'm asking about are the Kenko Pro1 Digital, and the B+W MRC circular polarizer. Now the Kenko is a pretty good deal at $53, but am I going to notice enough difference to justify stepping up another $75 and getting the B+W??

Thanks,
Bryan

[TooManyHobbies]

The thread quality is different. You may notice the glass difference depending on what you or doing but 99% won't notice. I have never used Kenko glass just B+W, Helipan and Hoya, but always the high end stuff.

[cosworth]

No. Mine delaminated weeks after owning it. Took over a year to get a response from the company to replace it.

Unless you NEED a slim polarizer, go with the less expensive one. I've had many and used many. A $200 polarizer is a crime in my books.

[bryank930]

No. Mine delaminated weeks after owning it. Took over a year to get a response from the company to replace it.

Unless you NEED a slim polarizer, go with the less expensive one. I've had many and used many. A $200 polarizer is a crime in my books.

That's what I was hoping for! LOL. Thanks man.

p.s.: Very nice website!

[jhom]

Take a look at this link: http://www.zen20934.zen.co.uk/photography/LensTests/Flare/FilterData.htm

[argyle]

You do get what you pay for, IMO. I've been using B+W filters for many years and have never had a problem. There's always the off chance that you may have a bad experience, but I found that to be zero in my experiences with B+W. When you get to the higher-end filters such as the B+W line, they're usually constructed with brass rings instead of aluminum and have better coatings, for example. On the other hand, quite a few users on this forum, as well as on Fred Miranda, have reported that their Hoya CPL's have literally come apart unexpectedly (problems with poorly designed retaining rings/clips). Some Hoya filter coatings are also more difficult to clean than those of other manufacturers. I'm not ragging on Hoya or any other filter line, but usually the higher cost for B+W filters is because of some tangible advantage, not just a marketing gimmick. And naturally, when you cross the threshold to the 77mm filter size, the cost goes up dramatically, no matter which brand you choose.

[TooManyHobbies]

I have had a Hoya come apart on me, but it was a cheaper one.

[ben_r_]

I say stick with B+W and if you havent already, check out hvstar.com for the best prices.

[jhom]

In my experience, there is no appreciable IQ difference between the B+W and Hoya/Kenko Pro 1 Digital filters. I have read some postings where Hoya CPLs have supposedly fell apart. But, I'm not sure of the details. I know of several users of Hoya CPLs, the Pro 1, who have no problems with them and would highly recommend them. Personally, I have B+W CPLs, but Hoya/Kenko uv and protective filters.

[bryank930]

I went ahead and ordered the Kenko Pro1 from HVstar.net. I'd be glad to post my thoughts on it after I receive it and have used it for a while.

Bryan