Hoya HD Circular Polariser

I have the Nikon Circ Pol, which seems OK, but before getting another of different diameter, I wonder whether anyone has tried the new Hoya ones.

They claim to have better light transmission, etc, which sounds attractive as I find that it is easy for the polariser to clog the shadows.

I've read that the Kenko brand is the same as Hoya yet cheaper:



Here's some interesting PL comparisons that I can't read

http://www.optyczne.pl/7.4-Inne_testy-Test_filtr%C3%B3w_polaryzacyjnych_Wyniki_i_podsumowanie.html
--
Rudi - freelancer

The English version is here http://www.lenstip.com/index.php?art=115

Unfortunately none of the links above cover the new Hoya filter

Inside that thread:
http://kwigibocity.com/hoya_hd.html
http://www.kenrockwell.com/hoya/hd-filters.htm

http://www.optyczne.pl/8.4-Inne_testy-Test_filtr%C3%B3w_polaryzacyjnych_-_uzupe%C5%82nienie_Hoya_HD_CIR-PL_72_mm.html

is a review of the Hoya HD.

Kenko is the name of Hoya Filter in Japan market, for some unknow reason.

Apart from different packaging and lettering, the filters are Absolutly the same....

Use Hoya Pro1 and love it.

--
TrondN 'The Frozen Viking'
Equipment list in profile.
http://photo.nordlandikt.no



Comments, criticism and suggestions always appreciated.

I recently bought a 77mm Hoya HD. Compared to my other poliarzers, it's good for an extra 1/4 stop or so -- I was able to shoot at 1/200th of a second instead of 1/160th.

It's well constructed, but so are the Nikon and Hoya Digital Pro 1. At least at the price set by the U.S. distributor, I don't feel the HD is worth the extra money.

--
I miss the days when I used to be nostalgic.

The Hoya data is at http://www.hoyafilter.com/products/hoya/HD-01.html

It implies more light transmission (but not a lot more) than an unspecified normal pol.

It also shows strong UV cut off at about 390nm and some cut off at up to 420 nm which implies chroma of violet hues will be reduced.
--
Leonard Shepherd

Practicing and thinking can do more for good photography than buying or consuming.

What's left out of these tests is the sharpness of the final images. I've found the polarization ability of cheaper filters to often be on par with more expensvie filters. Perhaps they even use the same polarizing material.

However a close look at the sharpness of the final images is very telling and is probably related a lot more the the quality and treatment of the optical glass.

This is where the B+W and high end Hoya's that cost twice as much justify their prices. Side by side you won't see a lot of difference in polarization against cheaper filters. But check out the sharpness and you'll see some differences.

I wish they had included some of the Singh-Ray filters in their test. I'd like to see how these stacked up.

Tom

Something you might take into consideration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT6wBQR7iqE

Seems indestructible