Hoya HD Vs B+W Kaesemann Circular Polarizers

To me, there's no comparison...the B+W Kaesemann is a top performer. There's more to choosing a polarizer than price alone. First, the B+W (non-slim version) is available with brass rings, the Hoya is not. The B+W is very easy to clean, somtimes nothing more than a little warm breath and a microfiber cloth will do the trick; the Hoyas have a widely-known reputation of being very difficult to clean. Certain Hoya CPL's have a reputation of coming apart unexpectedly (many threads on this this in the forum), the B+W doesn't. As far as Marumi goes, this CPL leaves a very noticeable blue cast to the image (several threads on this too).

My recommendation is to just take the plunge and get the B+W F-Pro MRC polarizer (Kaesemann or non-K, either one). The slim version is not available with brass rings...however, you won't need the slim filter with a 17-55 on a crop. TBH, you don't even need a slim when using the 10-22...the F-Pro standard version does not vignette at 10mm.

Hi

I have to agree with Argyle. I posted previously that my Hoya HD CPL 77mm has just fallen apart while being screwed onto my lens. I happened twice to me and once to another photographer I know. To be honest I was shocked since I have never seen this happen with previous equipment I owned over he past 15 years. But oh well I am still staying that it is a design flaw or quality control issue. On top of this since there has been no recall and the warrenty is only 1 year I would stay away from Hoya HD till there is a response from Hoya.

GroovyGeek wrote in post #10545785
Yeah, once upon a time I also tried the CPL+LPL gizmo and I must say that I was dissappointed. Not really usable above 5 stops due to the EXTEME color casts noted above. In my case it was more violet than blue. The CPLs were not cheapos --- two B+W Kaessermans --- and yes, I had them in the correct order.

The main reason you would want a vari-ND is to use it above 5 stops, where you can compose and focus with the filter in place, then turn it to tune the attenuation you want. With a 3-4 stop you can just leave the filter in place and do it (at least in bright sunlight).

Don't know about the Singh-Ray vari-ND, but I certainly would not recommend the home-made version (CPL+LPL). Not to mention that I most often use NDs on WA lenses, and stacked filters vignette pretty severely below 14mm on an APS-C sensor.

Totally agree...the "home made" variable filter is a complete waste of time, with oddball color casts that need to be addressed in post, poor IQ, etc. I really don't know why some folks keep pushing this idea. Beyond some limitations, nothing really beats the Singh-Ray Vari-N-Duo.

Is the B+W Kaesemann MRC CPL noticeably different/better than the regular B+W MRC CPL?

Mike K wrote in post #10545916
There are not very many quantitative CP tests out there based upon instrument measurements, but here is one:
http://www.lenstip.com …arizing_filters​_test.html
and a suppliment to include several other CP filters including the Hoya HD.
http://www.lenstip.com …Hoya_HD_CIR-PL_72_mm.html

<snip>

The Marumi DHG Super scored the same as the top rated B&W and was much, much more affordable. I got one of these from www.2filter.com It works fine and appears well made, but it is not made out of brass.
Mike K

I had a Hoya Pro-1 CPL, which I was quite happy with until I dropped my camera and smashed it. Based on the CPL review at Lenstip I replaced it with the Marumi DHG Super. To be honest I'm not impressed. Build is nice, but there is a noticeable colour cast which I don't ever recall seeing with the Hoya. I know it's easy to tweak white balance, especially as I only shoot raw, but if the filter is altering the spectral balance that's not good, is it.

Anyway, as a CPL is important to me I have just ordered a Hoya HD CPL, despite the fact that my Marumi is only a couple of months old. I just don't like it. I'll compare them back to back when the new one arrives. It's on its way from Hong Kong as I type.

EDIT : Eek! I had not seen the Lenstip supplement. Not looking great for the Hoya HD. I guess I shall find out when it arrives. At least the HD is priced lower than the Pro-1, which seems odd - http://www.onestop-digital.com …ywords=77mm+hoy​a+circular

I would love to SEE a side by side comparison shot with the Kaesemann vs. with an 'ordinary' CPL like the Hoya HD or B+W MRC...Schneider claims that the polarizing element in the Kaesemann is better, but I have not ever seen concrete advantage in a photo of that supposed advantage. So, for most photographers, the real advantage of Kaesemann version is that the filter edges are sealed against moisture which might enter and permit mold to grow in tropical climates.