Affordable 77mm Circular Polarizer?

[Mark Dobossy]

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

 

[Wolfgang.schadt]

Only a question Mark.

Why have you spend a lot of money for a high quality lens to decrease its quality with a cheep polarizer ? ;-)

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

 

[Paul De Bra]

Don't have any filters yet for my new Tamron 17-35, also 77mm. Circular polarizers are always expensive but B&H has the Tiffen for $67.50. Is this any good? (It's not the slim one. With the 1.6 crop factor I should not need that.) They also have Sunpak, cheaper still, or their "general brand". Don't want to spend an arm and a leg, but don't want to ruin the pictures by using really bad filters either.

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

--
New Drebel owner (only around 9.000 shots)
Public pictures at http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/

 

[Ray Comas]

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

That's about what I paid for mine, I think you're just going to have to "bite the bullet."

One hint is to buy a CP for the biggest lens you have (77mm, 82mm, whatever ...) then get step-up rings so that you can use it with all of your lenses. That way you only have to buy one CP, and the step-up rings are cheap.

 

[Richt2000]

The Hoya 77mm CIRC-PL is pretty affordable, and pretty good quality too.

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

--
----
Kit in profile. 'I can't let you do that Michael'

 

[Larry Winters]

Hello:

Sit back and take a breath...Wait a few weeks until your finances recoup if need be, but buy a QUALITY filter...That 77mm filter will last a lifetime and work on multiple lenses...B+W makes a single coated CP at B&H for $109 or the MRC one for $129...I bought the MRC...You have to think of this as another element in your lens...Cheers...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=9778&is=REG

LW...

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

 

[Andy Simmons]

Mark,

You are better off with no filter rather than a cheap one. I purchased a relatively cheap polarizer filter (Canon brand) for my 100-400mm L, and I discovered that it seemed to degrade the quality of the photos I was getting. I unscrewed the filter and set it aside.

A few months later I purchased a B+H filter for something like 130 bucks. The quality is much better.

I suggest you go without any filter at all until you can afford a good one.

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

 

[Mark Dobossy]

Thanks everyone!!

I guess I just had no idea that polarizers were so expensive!!

I guess I should have known, when I dropped $55 for a UV filter, that the polarizer was going to be a bit more.. I just didnt want to accept it..

Looks like the CP will be waiting for a month or two!

-Mark

You are better off with no filter rather than a cheap one. I
purchased a relatively cheap polarizer filter (Canon brand) for my
100-400mm L, and I discovered that it seemed to degrade the quality
of the photos I was getting. I unscrewed the filter and set it
aside.

A few months later I purchased a B+H filter for something like 130
bucks. The quality is much better.

I suggest you go without any filter at all until you can afford a
good one.

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

--
-Mark

 

[Howie Mudge]

I use three different polarizers. I use a Hoya circ polarizer. However I've just purchased the Cokin Circ and Cokin Blue Yellow Polarizers to work together.

Both Cokin filters cost me £70 and I was considering the B&W cokin filter. However, I like the results I've seen posted of both cokin filters either on their own or working with each other. I also use the following cokin filters

Red, Yellow, Grey Grad +4, Grey Grad+2, ND +4, Tobacco Grad.

I dont have a problem using any of these pretty inexpensive filters in front of my 17-40 because they give superb results with the effects I'm after.

Weather is awful at the moment so will probably have to wait until March or April before I get chance to test them but I've used the other cokin filters very effectively for the last 12-18 months

Howie

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

 

[noisebeam]

If this is for use on a 1.6 crop camera you may be able to use a smaller diameter polarizer - just for kicks try the 58mm one you have with a step down ring.

Al

 

[Daniella68313]

it's not too expensive and I like the result a lot.

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

--
------------------------------------------
this is elfe language from Lord of the ring:
Minë Corma hostië të ilyë ar mordossë nutië të
Mornórëo Nóressë yassë i Fuini caitar.
Un thoron arart’a s’un hith mal’kemen ioke.
Saurulmaiel

Please do not start new thread for private message to me but send them to me via email instead! thanks.

 

[Daniella68313]

you can find any filter on ebay brand new and for much cheaper.

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

--
------------------------------------------
this is elfe language from Lord of the ring:
Minë Corma hostië të ilyë ar mordossë nutië të
Mornórëo Nóressë yassë i Fuini caitar.
Un thoron arart’a s’un hith mal’kemen ioke.
Saurulmaiel
Please do not start new thread for private message to me but send
them to me via email instead! thanks.

--
------------------------------------------
this is elfe language from Lord of the ring:
Minë Corma hostië të ilyë ar mordossë nutië të
Mornórëo Nóressë yassë i Fuini caitar.
Un thoron arart’a s’un hith mal’kemen ioke.
Saurulmaiel

Please do not start new thread for private message to me but send them to me via email instead! thanks.

 

[Kneafseym]

Earlier today I posted a Heliopan ES 77 Circular Polarizer on Ebay. Wish I had checked this earlier to save the listing expense.
--
Mike
http://www.sailingthecaribbean.com

 

[evan]

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CROCPL77

 

[John_A_G]

The filter connection has always had the best prices. Last month I bought the 17-40 and got the Hoya S-HMC Pro (thin with front threads) for $150 (initial price looks higher but when you add to cart you see the cheaper price) - that was just too good a deal to pass up - I think B&H sells it for $210

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

 

[Paul De Bra]

Thanks for the tip. Bookmarked the site right away. Seem to have good prices on filters. Other stuff ain't so good. $15.51 for one bottle of Eclipse! I don't think so. ($7.50 at B&H) Interesting though that they don't ship that by air. I travel with my bottle of Eclipse, and have had a tiny screwdriver confiscated, but not my Eclipse.

Well, I just purchased a 17-40L, and am in sticker shock.. not on
the lens itself, but on the circular polarizers for it (77mm filter
size)! I havent looked around too much, but the cheapest I can
find is around $150.00. A big jump up from the $35.00 I spent for
the circular polarizer on my kit lens (58mm filter). Anyone have
any suggestions for a descent 77mm circular polarizer that wont
kill the bank account?

--
-Mark

--
New Drebel owner (only around 9.000 shots)
Public pictures at http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/

 

[netscorer]

I use three places for my filter addiction itch:

• Ebay (you can get quality used filters there much cheaper then brand-new);
• hhtp: www.2filter.com - one of the best prices and the best customer service bar none (also very driendly local shop here in Connecticut)
• http://www.thecamerahunter.com/ - slighlty (not by much) cheaper prices on some filters then 2filter and speedy delivery.

Seriously, if you are willing to wait for some time before getting filter, you should try playing a roulette on Ebay - good quality affordable filters appear there all the time. The downside, of course, is that lately Ebay is just that - a roulette. Some addict buyer can swing buy at the very last moment of the auction and pay a full premium on the item you have chosen and was looking forward to and steal away it from you.

Just recently I eyed a very decent used lens to add to my collection and was willing to pay a fair price for it only to be outbid by somebody at the last 2 seconds of the auction with final price being higher then a brand-new lens would cost.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CROCPL77

 

[Paul De Bra]

2filter.com sounds good. Too many choices though. The only thing I know about filters is that on my Sigma 18-125 I don't use the Tiffen UV filter I have because I like the pictures better without it. But what to get? Hoya? B+W? Or another one? I never imagined it to be so difficult to pick a UV filter and a circular polarizer. I do know I don't need a slim one because of the 1.6x crop factor. But other than that, there's still so much choice...

As for the ebay lens hunt, it's not so strange. Buying a brand new lens is like buying a lottery ticket these days. It's not a complete surprise that people are willing to pay a premium to have someone else test and confirm the good quality of a lens.

• Ebay (you can get quality used filters there much cheaper then

brand-new);

• hhtp: www.2filter.com - one of the best prices and the best

customer service bar none (also very driendly local shop here in
Connecticut)

• http://www.thecamerahunter.com/ - slighlty (not by much) cheaper

prices on some filters then 2filter and speedy delivery.

Seriously, if you are willing to wait for some time before getting
filter, you should try playing a roulette on Ebay - good quality
affordable filters appear there all the time. The downside, of
course, is that lately Ebay is just that - a roulette. Some addict
buyer can swing buy at the very last moment of the auction and pay
a full premium on the item you have chosen and was looking forward
to and steal away it from you.
Just recently I eyed a very decent used lens to add to my
collection and was willing to pay a fair price for it only to be
outbid by somebody at the last 2 seconds of the auction with final
price being higher then a brand-new lens would cost.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CROCPL77

--
New Drebel owner (only around 9.000 shots)
Public pictures at http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/

 

[netscorer]

You can save on overall cost for filters if you pass over the UV filter and buy only polarizer. IMHO, UV does not have any other useful purpose except to protect lens front from accidental scratches or spills and any hood would do a much better job at it unless, of course, you spend a lot of time crawling through the bushes with your camera exposed

Besides, I found that even the best multi-coated filters add glare to the shots made in extreme conditions and that really discoureged me from the practice of always carrying filter regardless the situation.

The polarizer, on the other hand is an invaluable filter - especially if you shoot in full sun and near water.

See also my other thread where I posted how you can use polarizer for multiple situations to enhance your photography experience:
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=11258356
Cheers,

netscorer.

• Ebay (you can get quality used filters there much cheaper then

brand-new);

• hhtp: www.2filter.com - one of the best prices and the best

customer service bar none (also very driendly local shop here in
Connecticut)

• http://www.thecamerahunter.com/ - slighlty (not by much) cheaper

prices on some filters then 2filter and speedy delivery.

Seriously, if you are willing to wait for some time before getting
filter, you should try playing a roulette on Ebay - good quality
affordable filters appear there all the time. The downside, of
course, is that lately Ebay is just that - a roulette. Some addict
buyer can swing buy at the very last moment of the auction and pay
a full premium on the item you have chosen and was looking forward
to and steal away it from you.
Just recently I eyed a very decent used lens to add to my
collection and was willing to pay a fair price for it only to be
outbid by somebody at the last 2 seconds of the auction with final
price being higher then a brand-new lens would cost.

http://www.buydig.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CROCPL77

--
New Drebel owner (only around 9.000 shots)
Public pictures at http://wwwis.win.tue.nl/~debra/photos/

 

[Jaymzz]

Generally wide angle and polarizers don't mix because usually the field of view is not always polarized the same so you end up with, for example, half dark-blue skies. I don't think a polarizer is really necessary for this lens - especially on a film body.