Curcular Polarizing filter

Hello,

Was thinking of getting a Circular Polarizing filter. I don't own any filters and was wondering if this would be a good one to get. It would be good to be able to darken skies so they are not over exposed.

I was thinking of this Hama one as it is quite a good price:

http://www.amazon.co.u​k …=467198433&pf_r​d_i=468294

Does anyone have any recommendations or advice on this Hama filter or others?

Thanks,

Mike

TBH, a polarizer is not the best filter to use if you're trying to avoid having blown-out skies...that's where a graduated neutral density (GND) filter comes into play. Remember that a polarizer is consistent across its surface...it will have the same effect on the entire frame by decreasing the exposure equally across the frame. Your camera's meter will account for the filter and adjust the exposure values accordingly, but you'll still have a sky that's much brighter than the foreground.

The forum needs to do a sticky for filters in the future, but the opinions are so varied, it's hard to explain to newbies.

There is a reason why some filters are cheap and others are expensive. I had several inexpensive Canon filters when I started years ago. They didn't do much for the images. I came onto the forum and realized that Ritz Camera wasn't the end all. My brother, who is a pro, never told me about B&H and all the other great on-line camera shops, including Amazon. I found out there were thousands of choices out there for everything and I read all the threads about filters before getting the UV and CP filters. I buy mainly Hoya and B+W, as they are in the mid-range, and have good reviews. Hoya filters are good, but they are more difficult to clean. B+W are more expensive, but easy to clean. If you need a filter, don't think about getting the cheapest one out there. If you are going to put something in front of your lens, make it something worth the money and can actually improve your shot.

Hama CPL was not included in the CPL tests done by Lenstip.com, so I would avoid it as a cheapo inferior filter unless proven otherwise. Even names like Tiffen and Canon are inferior filters!

And while there is speculation that the Hama filters are rebranded Hoya filters, there is a line of cheapo single coated Hoya filters that I would never own! It is not uncommon for major manufacturers to make private label products under contract, to custom (specified by client) specifications which are typically inferior to the manufacturer's main line (why undermine their own line?!)

Look at the Hoya Pro 1D and Hoya HD circular polarizers. I have both and they work great. Also note, most cheap filters don't have front threads which means you can't keep a lens cap on your lens when using them. The multicoating is most important. Look at higher end offerings from B&W, Hoya, and Heliopan if you want a good CPL. However, I agree with the previous comment. Sounds like you need a graduated ND filter. I have the Singh Ray Galen Rowell 3 stop soft and it is fantastic. This is something you need to research heavily before spending your hard earned money. Many choices and frankly, there is a lot of junk on the market. I suggest buying quality the first time. If not, you will likely put a filter on that substantially drops the IQ of your images.

Thanks for the replies!

Great discussion. I am in the process of buying a circular polorizer and a graduated ND filter as well. I have Hoya Pro1 UVs on my lenses and they work great. Unfortunately, I tried a less expensive filter first and it degraded my images big-time. The Hoya Pro1 doesn't. I am shooting a 17-55 f2.8 Canon EF-s (77 mm filter size). What would you recommend for a graduated ND? Would you go for the the Cokin P holder and Singh-ray? I've heard the could be some image clipping on some of the ND holders. Any advice?

I'd go for the 4" filters and Singh Ray or Lee. Lee holder rather than the Cokin Z holder. But right now a lot of Lee stuff seems to be back-ordered everywhere.

Jon wrote in post #10301241
I'd go for the 4" filters and Singh Ray or Lee. Lee holder rather than the Cokin Z holder. But right now a lot of Lee stuff seems to be back-ordered everywhere.

Thanks Jon! I'll go for the 4" Singh Ray and Lee holder. I can always hold the filters if the Lee holder is back-order. Thanks again.

Jon wrote in post #10301241
I'd go for the 4" filters and Singh Ray or Lee. Lee holder rather than the Cokin Z holder. But right now a lot of Lee stuff seems to be back-ordered everywhere.

yes, i was even joking with andrea from 2filter that between the BP oilpocalypse and Lee i'm done with british companies for a while...i've been trying to get a 77mm wide angle adapter ring for the lee foundation kit holder with zero luck for over a month now...

georgebowman wrote in post #10302771
Thanks Jon! I'll go for the 4" Singh Ray and Lee holder. I can always hold the filters if the Lee holder is back-order. Thanks again.

Absolutely. That is my preferred method and it works great in most situations. I have a holder I use 10% of the time. I have the Singh Ray Galen Rowell 3 stop soft and love it. Wonderful quality and performance. You can order directly from Singh Ray. Top shelf product.

As for the polarizer, the Hoya Pro1D and Hoya HD are very nice. I have both and bought one from 2filter's website at a great savings compared to B&H. Good company to deal with when buying filters.

DANATTHEROCK wrote in post #10304304
Absolutely. That is my preferred method and it works great in most situations. I have a holder I use 10% of the time. I have the Singh Ray Galen Rowell 3 stop soft and love it. Wonderful quality and performance. You can order directly from Singh Ray. Top shelf product.

As for the polarizer, the Hoya Pro1D and Hoya HD are very nice. I have both and bought one from 2filter's website at a great savings compared to B&H. Good company to deal with when buying filters.

Do you find the 3 stop Singh Ray is too much sometimes? Just wondering if I should start with the 2 stop or go directly to the 3 stop. I ams sure I'll buy more at some point. However, I need to budget now. Any advice?