Circular Polarizer: B+W vs Nikon

[Wanderer88]

So, I'm planning to get hold of a polarizer pretty soon, for all the usual reasons...colours, skies, fewer reflections, haze reduction, you know the deal. Research tells me that B+W MRC Kaesemann and Nikon CPL-II are regarded as the best.

Without further ado, has anyone tried both and if so, which did you prefer? Any difference apart from the fact that B+W uses brass threads to Nikon's aluminium, that the Nikon is slim with no front thread, and that Kaesemann filters are supposed to be weather sealed? Optically I mean...

Yes, I know. There isn't a difference. Nobody's ever noticed where those extra £40 for the B+W come into a picture. Problem is, I'm something of a neurotic in this respect and just have to ask. Apologies to everyone sensible here Or might the Nikon be better? Aaargh! Actually, you'd best just tell me I'm being silly and to go away
Any thoughts appreciated...

On a slightly different subject - does Nikon actually still make filters? I can't find any on the website.

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Regards,
Richard

 

[kovacj]

The Nikon CP-II slim does in fact have a front thread; i.e. you can put a lens cap on it.
The B+W slim does not have front threads.

Since you're obsessing, the other ones to consider are the Heliopan and the Rodenstock (these don't have front threads either).

If there was a comparison of optical performance of any of these circular polarizers on the net, I was not able to find it.

Since I've had it (I got the Nikon) I have found it handy to be able to protect the filter with a lens cap; i.e. quick access to camera in bag or under coat (I am in Canada, it gets cold here). I believe that you can get caps for the other filters, but being able to use the standard Nikon snap in cap is handy.

Good luck,
-jk

 

[tennanah184187]

I have heard in these forums that the Nikon CP filters are very good, equal to or better than the Hoya's at least. However, people rave about B+W.
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Ed

 

[Wanderer88]

Kovacj, thanks for the correction. I wasn't aware that the Nikon actually had a front thread, I thought that "slim" precluded this. Not that it's a big deal for me...I probably won't be stacking filters. Also good to know about the lens cap option.

At bottom I know they'll be equally good in practice. I'll probably end up going with B+W because the Kaesemann construction is supposed to be hard-wearing - and because I need to find one in Germany. B+W are naturally everywhere, CPL-II nowhere to be seen, hence my question about Nikon still making filters. They seem to have discontinued similar good stuff, the close-up lenses for instance.

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Regards,
Richard

 

[Jack Bishop]

I've recently replaced all of my Hoya filters with Nikon's. Couldn't be happier.

 

[Porky_Pig]

Richard ...

Since you are in Germany, take a look at Heliopan.

http://www.heliopan.de/

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Porky

http://www.trailergypsies.com

 

[joe field]

Sigma's DG filters should also be considered. They claim to have ultra low reflection coatings. Have gotten good prices from Sigma4Less in the past.

Joe

 

[slimandy]

Call me foolish but I bought both and compared them. The B&W seemed slightly more solid and seemed easier to use, as if the effect was easier to see through the viewfinder.

Originally I wished I hadn't bought the slim version of the Kasemann because the push-on cap is useless, but I'm used to not using a cap now and I've had no problems so far. I leave the lens hood in place and find I can still operate it very easily with my index finger.

 

[Wanderer88]

Slim, thanks for your thoughts, this is what I was after. B+W's brass rings are certainly an attraction. I won't call you foolish...you're just me with a bigger budget

Porky, I've looked at Heliopan as well. They don't seem to get as much press as Nikon / B+W. Subjectively, I've heard them ranked third behind those two. Their prices aren't that much lower than B+W either, so I think I'd make the jump.

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Regards,
Richard