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Polarizing Filters... Best Bang For The Buck?

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RussJames

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Hey guys, I just purchased the Tokina 11-16mm lens and was looking for some advice on filters. I'm pretty new to photography so I don't really know all the different kinds and brands. I was looking to get a polarizing filter and maybe an ND filter but am unawares of which ones to pick as there are many different brands and a huge range in prices. I know I've heard you shouldn't skimp out on filters but I really don't have that much to spend. So, I'm looking for some filters that will get me the best bang for the buck. Any suggestions or advice is much appreciated. Thanks.
 
outstanding quality, good for cleaning, much cheaper than Hoyas or B+Ws.
 
I have heard that UWA lenses & polarisers dont mix very well. If that is correct, no doubt more experienced ones than myself will advise you on this. lee uk
 


I'd pick the Hoya HD (Heavy Duty) hardened glass filters any time. Their circular polarizer is slim and I've had no vignetting problems with my Canon 10-22mm UWA lens, using the 77mm sized filter. Also don't be put off with people saying not to use a polarizer with UWA lenses—break the rules!

Ken Rockwell sings the praises of the HD polarizer here: http://www.kenrockwell.com/hoya/hd-filters.htm
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http://philipyeoh.com/philipsstore
 
happysnapper62 said:
I have heard that UWA lenses & polarisers dont mix very well. If that is correct, no doubt more experienced ones than myself will advise you on this. lee uk
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There are slim versions of polarizers specifically for wide angle lenses; most filter manufacturers make them.
 
Same here. The Hoya HD CP is really a quality one that works for me.
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Chris
 
That is true when shooting skies, but there are other uses for Polarizing filters. The main thing they were designed for is cutting reflections. I use them for cutting reflected highlights on rocks in waterfall scenes like this. They also enhance the colours


happysnapper62 said:
I have heard that UWA lenses & polarisers dont mix very well. If that is correct, no doubt more experienced ones than myself will advise you on this. lee uk
Click to expand...
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdaggar/

 
happysnapper62 said:
I have heard that UWA lenses & polarisers dont mix very well. If that is correct, no doubt more experienced ones than myself will advise you on this. lee uk
Click to expand...
There are two things that can happen when using a polariser and an UWA lens.

One is vignetting, but this is usually not a problem if you use a 'thin' CPL like the Hoya HD which are made for UWA's. The other is that sometimes skies can look 'streaky' when using a CPL on UWA's. I am using one on my 16-35 f2.8 L II and have not suffered any streakiness. Now I don't know if the streakiness is more prone to the cheaper CPL's?

Another good point about the Hoya HD is that it stops less light than other CPL's apparently.

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Phil

I wondered why the ball kept getting bigger, then it hit me.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/philthebirdbrain/
 
This is good news for me guys. I bought a Siggy 10-20 to take away with me on holliday to the Italian Lakes {Garda} next month, as I should get some fabulous landscapes with it. I was going to get a polariser, but heard, through a couple of comments on DPR, that there were problems, so I have held off buying one. It would, undoubtedly, help cut down glare off water & bright skies, & give a nice colour tone. I will now check out the ones you have suggested to the OP. Cheers. lee uk
 
Ive had good luck with Hoya "high quality" CPLs, I like the dark sky gradient effect.

 
Just checked out the Hoya HD for my Siggy 10-20. 77mm. £200!!!!! I dont normally drink this early in the day, but..........lee uk
 
I use a B+W kaserman cpl . I also don't get vigneting on it .
Don't get the slim version .
You need a rubber hood that screws on - makes it easier to adjust the cpl .

I don't like hoyas - every new was is easier to clean - I don't believe them anymore .
You get about 1/2 stop more ND with a B+W kaserman cpl than hoyas .
 
for my Canon 24-105 IS, for 21 Euro it is 3 to 5 times cheaper than Brandnamed filters. But the quality is excelent. So I can recommend it to you.

I seriously doubt the necessity to by filters for over $100. I'm pretty sure that they all are made on 1 or 2 fabrics anr then just labled and selled to idiots at different prices.
RussJames said:
Hey guys, I just purchased the Tokina 11-16mm lens and was looking for some advice on filters. I'm pretty new to photography so I don't really know all the different kinds and brands. I was looking to get a polarizing filter and maybe an ND filter but am unawares of which ones to pick as there are many different brands and a huge range in prices. I know I've heard you shouldn't skimp out on filters but I really don't have that much to spend. So, I'm looking for some filters that will get me the best bang for the buck. Any suggestions or advice is much appreciated. Thanks.
Click to expand...
 
When I was researching this a while back I came across this site:

http://www.lenstip.com/115.4-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Results_and_summary.html

I subsequently bought the comparatively inexpensive Marumi DHG Super Circular which was rated very highly - I've been very pleased with the results. Very good build quality, light, slim, and excellent images.

Can't remember where I bought it from, but look online and I'm sure you'll be able to find one.
 
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