Sigma Circular Polarising Filters... should I get another one?

Hi,

I have a SIGMA EX 62mm Circular Polarising Filter for my Sigma 18-125 lens. Which seems to work very well.


With my new 17-40mm Canon lens it needs a 77mm filter, should I go Sigma again?

What is the view on Sigma quality?

Anything else better?


I dont use UV filter at all. I like to think without is better, I know this is a talking point on the forum. Does anyone use the 17-40 with one, again what are you views?


R

Heliopan and B+W are as good as filters get.

I shall check them out, do they have a website?

Whos does them in the UK?

I ordered 2 Sigma Ex UV filters 58mm and 82mm. they are coming straight from Japan in 10 days.

i think Sigma is a decent lens maker. so its Ex filters must be good. it must be a tiptop job for Sigma to make better filters then Hoya or kenko as Sigma is old player in glass manufecturing.

so i think if you are satisifed with your Sigma Ex filter then you have to go for Sigma filter again.

Hoya multi coated

I got one of those slim Hoya MC UV+CL-PL 62mm Filter. It's a charm and it's only 3mm thick. Paid about 60 new on ebay and retail is 140.

I second the motion for the same Hoya filter, especially for a wide-angle lens (where you could get vignetting with a thicker filter).

You must be aware when using a polarizing filter that, at the widest zoom settings, you may see a blue sky with quite a variation in the density of the blue in the sky. This is because the amount of polarization of the light in the sky changes with the angle to the sun. A wide-angle lens can easily cover enough of the sky to "see" the variations. However, for a shot of trees, grass, into a pond, etc., you will still have plenty of good reasons to use the polarizing filter - even at wide angle settings.

Vignetting is unlikely with a full frame lens like a 17-40L on a 1.6 crop body such as the OP has. I wouldn't let thickness of filter be a consideration.

I bought a 77mm CP and stepdown rings. Much cheaper and you can get on great filter (in my case a Hoya HMC) instead of several cheaper ones.

IMHO,. In a polariser.. the best is not neccesary.. (just don't get the worst)

I am happy with my Hoya, Tiffen and Sigma and Canon polarisers (the Sigma and Canon's are the drop in units for long teles)

Despite Sigma and Canon being lens manufacturers,. I would not be at all surprised if both companies sub out the filter manufacture... at least for the threaded screw on types.