Polarizers

rbrugman

Hello,
I was thinking about getting a circular polarizer for my 18-135mm lens. I was looking at the Hoya 67mm HMC Circular Polarizer. It's about $80. I have a couple questions regarding these things that I can't find by searching the forums.

1.) Is buying a polarizer worth it? In my case, I can buy an external flash (SB-600) and the polarizer OR a new lens. I simply do not have enough money for all three. I take mainly outdoor shots, but the few indoor shots I do take tend to be in very large and sometimes dark rooms like an Auditorium.

2.) What is the difference between the $18 filters, $90 filters and the $170 filters? I've heard the saying "Why would you want to put a cheap filter on expensive glass", but I'm wondering what you get for the $80 difference between the Hoya and the B+W's. There is something about Käsmann or something like that but I'm not sure what that means or if I need it.

The effect I'm trying to get at is the same as if I wear my polarized sunglasses. The greens of the trees are much more vibrant and the sky is an entirely different shade most of the time. For my Canon I had a UV filter but it never really did much so I think if I were to get a new filter it would be a polarizer.

Thanks for the input.

Robert

ziggy53

Robert,

Maybe these will help?

http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7912
http://www.photofilter.com/comparison_Hoya_Pro_camera_filters.htm

As for purchase order, perhaps you could look at a simple "auto" flash like the Sunpak 383 for now, and then you might have enough for both another lens and a CPL filter. Many times auto flashes work fine for many shooting situations, and the manual mode of the flash can be used with a slave unit later when you need a remote flash capability.

rbrugman

Thanks again. I didn't even know there was such thing as a manual flash. I just assumed you slap the thing on the top of the camera, push the trigger and it goes off like the built-in flash. I guess I have way more to learn then I thought.

claudermilk

rbrugman wrote:

Hello,
I was thinking about getting a circular polarizer for my 18-135mm lens. I was looking at the Hoya 67mm HMC Circular Polarizer. It's about $80. I have a couple questions regarding these things that I can't find by searching the forums.

1.) Is buying a polarizer worth it? In my case, I can buy an external flash (SB-600) and the polarizer OR a new lens. I simply do not have enough money for all three. I take mainly outdoor shots, but the few indoor shots I do take tend to be in very large and sometimes dark rooms like an Auditorium.

Yes, but for outdoor shots. You don't want ot use a polarizer inside generally. The polarizer will deepen colors and eliminate glare (e.g., reflections on water or glass or other shiny objects).

2.) What is the difference between the $18 filters, $90 filters and the $170 filters? I've heard the saying "Why would you want to put a cheap filter on expensive glass", but I'm wondering what you get for the $80 difference between the Hoya and the B+W's. There is something about Käsmann or something like that but I'm not sure what that means or if I need it.

Glass quality, coatings & their quality, polarizing film quality. I'm one of those who says don't cheap out on the filter; you spent a lot of time selecting the best lens you can get--does putting the cheapest pieces of low-quality glass you can find in front of it make any sense? Here's an analogy: Say you just went out and bought yourself a Ferrari...would you then head down to Sears and slap the $50 special tires on it? Same idea.

The Kaesemann filters have a couple of things different. One, the edges of the filter are sealed so moisture doesn't get in. Second, at least with B+W, the polarizing films are higher quality & supposed to be more effectinve & more color-neutral. The place I buy mine the price difference is minimal, so it doesn't make sense to me not to step up.

The effect I'm trying to get at is the same as if I wear my polarized sunglasses. The greens of the trees are much more vibrant and the sky is an entirely different shade most of the time. For my Canon I had a UV filter but it never really did much so I think if I were to get a new filter it would be a polarizer.

Thanks for the input.

Robert

A polarizing filter is indeed what you're after for those effects. The UV filter is more commonly used simply as a protective filter. It's main function is to filter out excessive UV at higher altitides which causes a blue shift in the image. Digital cameras already have a UV filter in front of the sensor, so this is less of an issue now.

The place I get my filters is http://www.hvstar.com Their prices are the best I've found at a legitimate seller. BTW, heres a direct link to their B+W Kaesemann filter: http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=45 That's $10 more than you're looking at for the best you can buy. I say, spend the $10 and know that you're not compromising.

rbrugman

Thank you very much for the suggestion. I think I will go ahead and order that filter and the autoflash mentioned above. It's not quite time for a new lens yet but I could use the basic accessories.

Robert

rbrugman

I just wanted to post a note recommending hvstar. I got my filter in under a week and it is brand new. $90 for a Käsemann MRC circular polarizer - can't beat that. It just feels much better built than all the other ones I have held. Now I just have to figure out how to use it properly.

Robert

wellman

claudermilk wrote:

The place I get my filters is http://www.hvstar.com Their prices are the best I've found at a legitimate seller. BTW, heres a direct link to their B+W Kaesemann filter: http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=45 That's $10 more than you're looking at for the best you can buy. I say, spend the $10 and know that you're not compromising.

What kind of shipping times do you get from hvStar? I might be needing a new CP this weekend. If I order today (Monday), would it get here by Friday afternoon? Thanks.

claudermilk

IIRC it took about a week and a half. I would not count on getting it by Friday if you order today--it is coming from Hong Kong.

wellman

claudermilk wrote:

IIRC it took about a week and a half. I would not count on getting it by Friday if you order today--it is coming from Hong Kong.

Thanks. Still worth the deal to wait.