Need advice for 17-40L polarizer

Hey folks, decided I could really benefit from a polarizer so I'm looking for some suggestions:

Hoya Pro1 DMC ($70.50): http://hvstar.net …eAction=VIEWPRO​D&ProdID=9

B+W F-Pro MRC ($55.50): http://hvstar.net …Action=VIEWPROD​&ProdID=38

B+W Kaesemann MRC ($134.50): http://hvstar.net …Action=VIEWPROD​&ProdID=36

Frankly, I have no clue what makes one better than the other. They are all 'multi-coated'. I was thinking of getting an ND filter as well. Think I should buy one of the cheaper CPL's to get '2 for 1' so to speak?

A few other questions:

• Are polarizers easy to clean? Would you treat it as a 'protection filter'?
  
• Are hvstar step-up rings ok? Or do I need a name brand? It'd be a bit of a waste not to use it with my 70-200 which IIRC is 58mm thread
  
• Can I fit the hood when I have the filter(s) on?
  

gorby wrote in post #6551599
Hey folks, decided I could really benefit from a polarizer so I'm looking for some suggestions:

Hoya Pro1 DMC ($70.50): http://hvstar.net …eAction=VIEWPRO​D&ProdID=9

This one works great with my 17-40. And yes, it works with the hood. However, the surface is easily scratched in dusty environments. It isn't anywhere as robust as the surface of the actual lens in terms of scratch resistance. It's a Kenko, but same thing as Hoya.

Good quality build though and good image quality. Tough to beat.

gorby wrote in post #6551599

• Are polarizers easy to clean? Would you treat it as a 'protection filter'?
  

Not for the cost of halving the light entering your lens.

The second filter in your list is not a polarizer. To answer your questions:

1.) Depends on the brand. Lots of Hoya users here (and on other forums) have complained about the difficulty in cleaning Hoya CPL filters. Apparently, the Hoya coatings have something to do with it. Not sure if this applies to all Hoya filters or just to certain models, but to me its just a warning sign to avoid them. I've been using the B+W Kaesemann model for several years now. All I use to clean it is a little warm breath and a microfiber cloth. If I have a nasty smudge on it, I use a lens pen. Considering that a CPL is one filter that every photographer should have in his or her bag, save the money and get a good one...you'll be happier for it.

2.) Step rings are step rings. Ebay, hvstar...probably doesn't matter. But you may want to re-check your lens diameter...the 70-200L/f4 is a 67mm thread if I'm not mistaken (the 2.8 versions are 77mm).

3.) Step rings *may* make it difficult to use the hood...all depends on how much you're stepping up and how much clearance is around the hood. Personally, I don't use step rings and have a separate CPL for each lens that gets a lot of use. If you're worried about the 70-200, just measure the inside diameter of the hood (in mm), then subtract the OD of the CPL from that value. Divide this result by two, and this will be the clearance that you'll have between the edge of the filter and the inside of the hood. Also, a long hood will make it more difficult to get your hand/wrist inside to adjust the CPL. I generally forego the hood in these instances and will shield the lens with my hand or a hat if I feel that there'll be problems from the sun or other light source.

I like the B+W ones because they clean easier. The Hoya seem to suck the fluid and then take a little more to clean. But I have both brands.

gorby,
I personally went for the B+W Kaesemann because B+W reputation and the Kaesermann is sealed

I also have a hvstar step-up ring, the 58mm to 77mm (to use my 77mm filter on a lens that takes 58mm filters) and it works great

Using the hood is really not recommended as you wont be able to turn the polarizer, or if using the step-up ring it probably wont even fit

i have two hoya pros, i thought as they were cheaper they would suit me better, wrong, like others on here i find they are a pain in the ass to clean, all because of the coating- i have also tried cokin filters, i dont like the abbrasive metal they use on the mountings, when you screw it in to the lens is like nails down a black board, it just doesnt feel right. I am now saving for the B&W kaiserman, my advice, save money and go for the best first.

I've got the B+W Kaesemann MRC from hvstar.net. It's a nice piece of glass, I accidentally dropped it the other day onto a wooden pier, no damage at all!

I don't think there is much that can go wrong with step up rings, so it doesn't matter where you get it from. My canon 70-200 is a 67mm thread, not sure if the hood would fit on with the step-up-ring.

You will be able to use the hood and a CPL on your 17-40, it might be a bit of a pain adjusting it though.

I have a Hoya Pro1, and yes it is a pain to clean. Even with a microfiber, I still usually end up making it worse.

i have a hoya pro1 shmc and never really noticed it being hard to clean...but i haven't tried b&w so i guess i have nothing to compare it too..

Great, great advice guys. I'm saving for the B+W Kasemann now. Got two nice pieces of glass, figure I can splurge a little to treat em nice.

Cheers

SuzyView wrote in post #6551990
The Hoya seem to suck the fluid and then take a little more to clean. But I have both brands.

Yeah the Kenko's do this too(same filter). They scratch realllly easy too. Still, IQ is very good.

I bought the hoya from hv star, us it on a 16-35 on a 5d, and am very happy with it.