HELP!!! B+W filters...soooooo lost....

okay...so I know that if I were to get Hoya I should go for the Pro1 line...but, people (the knowledgeable folks on this fine site!) have been suggesting B+W, so I've checked it out..I have NO idea what I should be looking for when looking at a B+W...I'd like something that's AT LEAST the equivalent in quality to the Hoya Pro1 line.

They'd be going on my Tamron and the Canon 70-200 (both 67mm)....please help thanks

http://hvstar.net …tion=VIEWCATS&C​ategory=36

^^^^^ the list I'm looking at

For one, the B+W's are considered by many as 'better' than the Hoya line. You don't say what type of filter you're looking for...UV or CPL? For a UV (if you choose to use one), the B+W UV010 MRC is the one to look for if you decide to go with B+W. For a CPL, the B+W Kaesemann MRC (only because its priced about $10 more than the non-Kaesemann). You 'normally' wouldn't need a Kaesemann type CPL, but for the $10 difference its worth having (Kaesemann means that the filter is sealed to keep out moisture, also uses a better grade of polarizing foils).

Hoya and B+W are both good filter lines. Generally, in order of quality (according to some, but not sure how its verified): Heliopan, B+W, Hoya. In either case, no matter which brand you choose, be sure that the filter is multicoated. For B+W, its designated as 'MRC'. Not sure what the others designate since I use only B+W.

You already have the lin for hvstar. BTW...hvstar only accepts Paypal for payment. Other than that, they're a very reputable dealer...I use them exclusively for B+W filters.

I agree with all the above. I have two UV010 MRC and two Hoya Pro 1's and happy with both. Don't see any difference in my images. If the B+W are not too pricey at a given time I'd buy them. If the Pro 1 are on an extra special price, which they were when I got mine, then I'd buy them. HVStar tend to discount either at different times.

LowriderS10 wrote in post #5581797
okay...so I know that if I were to get Hoya I should go for the Pro1 line...but, people (the knowledgeable folks on this fine site!) have been suggesting B+W, so I've checked it out..I have NO idea what I should be looking for when looking at a B+W...I'd like something that's AT LEAST the equivalent in quality to the Hoya Pro1 line.

They'd be going on my Tamron and the Canon 70-200 (both 67mm)....please help thanks

http://hvstar.net …tion=VIEWCATS&C​ategory=36

^^^^^ the list I'm looking at

In a way B+W is simpler as they just have two types of multicoating (standard single and MRC) where as Hoya have three (standard single, HMC & Pro 1 Digital, or SHMC & SHMC Pro1) all in order of increasing quality. The SHMC coating is slightly better in spec than the B+W but in real life there is no difference. According to Hoya the SHMC Pro 1 is out of production.

I know what you mean, B+W appears very confusing, just make sure you have the letters MRC somewhere and then you are OK. Just remember the B+W slimline filters have no front threads and so will no hold a Canon lens cap.

Read the Protective Filter FAQ, this is mostly in there.

Lester Wareham wrote in post #5582399
...Just remember the B+W slimline filters have no front threads and so will no hold a Canon lens cap.

Read the Protective Filter FAQ, this is mostly in there.

Good point Lester...I neglected to mention that earlier. However, looking at the OP's lens lineup, he shouldn't have any need for a slim filter anyway (especially with the crop bodies).

thanks very much for the info! I'll look at B+W, but it seems like even if I go Hoya Pro D1 I won't notice a difference, right?

http://www.2filter.com​/ Check out these guys too . . . they're in New Hampshire and their prices are comparable. I'm not positive, but I think hvstar "might" be shipped from Hong Kong although I could be mistaken. I debated on either when I ordered my B + W polarizer and figured I'd have a fighting chance with someone in New Hampshire over someone in Hong Kong if I had a problem.

thanks for the link, I'll check it out. You are correct, HVStar ships from HK and it ain't cheap either (they don't combine shipping...basically it's a hidden cost, but still cheaper than anything else I've found)_

LowriderS10 wrote in post #5582666
thanks very much for the info! I'll look at B+W, but it seems like even if I go Hoya Pro D1 I won't notice a difference, right?

You might, the Hoya Pro 1 Digital is the same coating as HMC 98% reflective, the SHMC or SHMC Pro 1 are/were 99.7%, B+W MRC are 99.5%.

How likely you are to notice any difference is lens specific and not predictable without test. On lenses where the difference between SHMC Pro 1 and Pro 1 D was visible I could not tell the difference between SHMC Pro 1 and B+W MRC.

thanks...this is getting very annoying!!! haha...I'll see what I can find for B+Ws