Choosing a CPL

Llamaman

Llamaman

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Hi all

Just got myself a new lens with a 72mm thread, which is annoyingly larger than the 67mm on my other lenses so need a new CPL :bonk:

I understand that one should look for multiple-coated filters to reduce flaring and thin ones to avoid vignetting, but that still leaves a lot of choice - are any particular brands/models recommended?
My budget is about £50, but obviously I'd like to spend less if there are good cheaper brands (unlikely) or I can get a 2nd hand one.

Also, does anyone know the difference between Hoya's Super HMC and Pro-1 models? I couldn't find any mention of the latter on their website?

Think my current 67mm is a Pro1 but will probably sell that and get a step-up ring so I can just have the one filter for all lenses - although I assume that a step-up ring stops you using a hood?
 
I'd go for a Hoya Pro1 personally. Not silly money but does the job. I think the main advantage of the Pro1 over the HMC is the thin mount.

Whether a step-up ring fouls the hood will depend on the lens. I found using a 67mm CPL on my Sigma 30mm f1.4 (62mm) was fine. I really hate using the adapters though, unless money is tight I'd recommend keeping both sizes because you wouldn't be saving a massive amount of space.
 
Buy the best you can afford. Do you use any other filters? I.e slot in grads or the like. I am using a b&w kassman with my lee filter holder and only get vignetting between 10 and 12mm which I can stop if I take the 3rd filter slot off. I know my cpl doesn't come in under your budget but look at the future proof of what ever you buy against what you plan to buy lens wise, other wise it gets very expensive.
 
I don't use any other filters at the moment - NDGrads would be useful but as I shoot handheld I probably won't be using an ND8!

Am I right in assuming that slot-in filters mean you can't use a hood? I ask since often the times that I use a CPL (sunny!) I also use a hood. Also, I've decided to stop using a UV filter, so a hood would offer some basic protection. Do you tend to leave the holder on all the lens time or only when you use a filter?
 
You are correct that you can't use the lenses own hood but lee do a bellows hood with filter slots built in. I only fit the the lee filter holder as and when I need to use filters. It isa very rasy holder to fit, it is quick release. I tend to use my filters when it is sunny and haven't had a problem with flare.
 
Best polariser for around your budget is a Hoya HD. And it only reduces the exposure by 1.2 stops, not 1.7-2.0 stops like most others. You can pretty much leave it on permanently :) Amazon?

The Cokin P-system is not nice to use, and very combersome. It's positively nasty with a polariser, and that's if you don't actually cut your fingers on the razor sharp serated edges trying to jam it into the slot :thumbsdown:

BTW, ND8 is only three stops ;)
 
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