Hoya Circular Polarizer from B&H

[ArmandoG]

I am in a need of a polarizer and am considering the circular polarizer by Hoya from B&H. I believe the polarizer goes for $76 minus shipping. It isnt the coated filter, but the 77mm Circular Polarizer Glass Filter. I have used Hoya filters before with my old film camera, but not with my digital 20D.
So I was wondering if anyone here are using that particular filter and if so , how has it faired for you.

Thanks

[BigBlueDodge]

Armando,

If you do not need the CPL filter, and want to save alot of money I would suggest buying from these guys

www.hvstar.net

They are located in Hong Kong, but are completely legit. I have personally bought from them, as well as TONS of other people on another photo forum that I visit. They offer filters at a very attractive price, when you compare against US counterparts. The only complaint, is that it takes about 2 weeks to receive your filters, as they have to go thru customs before you receive them. However, these are the same exact filters B&H sales, but for much lower (not some cheap imitations. Kinda shows you the markup B&H is getting on these things).

For example, here are some comparison prices (I chose 72mm size randomly for illustration)

Hoya Pro-1 72mm S-HCM Circular Polarizer
B&H price -> $172.50
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...izing_Pro.html

HVStar price -> $83.50
http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageActi...PROD&ProdID=28

B+W 72mm MRC CPL
B&H Price $154.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Circular.html

HVStar Price -> $120.90
http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageActi...ROD&ProdID=192
B+W 72mm HRC Circular Polarizer

[Cope]

Originally Posted by BigBlueDodge

Armando,

If you do not need the CPL filter, and want to save alot of money I would suggest buying from these guys

www.hvstar.net

They are located in Hong Kong, but are completely legit. I have personally bought from them, as well as TONS of other people on another photo forum that I visit. They offer filters at a very attractive price, when you compare against US counterparts. The only complaint, is that it takes about 2 weeks to receive your filters, as they have to go thru customs before you receive them. However, these are the same exact filters B&H sales, but for much lower (not some cheap imitations. Kinda shows you the markup B&H is getting on these things).

For example, here are some comparison prices (I chose 72mm size randomly for illustration)

Hoya Pro-1 72mm S-HCM Circular Polarizer
B&H price -> $172.50
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...izing_Pro.html

HVStar price -> $83.50
http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageActi...PROD&ProdID=28

B+W 72mm MRC CPL
B&H Price $154.95
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Circular.html

HVStar Price -> $120.90
http://hvstar.net/index.asp?PageActi...ROD&ProdID=192
B+W 72mm HRC Circular Polarizer

I just got a couple of Hoya filters from HVstar yesterday. They were shipepd 12/1 from hong kong. Sometimes 5-6 days, usually 6-12. Excellent people to do business with. I think they are a 10 at resellerratings.

[fstops]

armando
i have a different opinion regarding filter. they are "glasses" for your camera so buy the best you can affort. if your digital camera relies on split-beam for functions like metering and auto-focus — your manual should have this information — you must use circular.

[jhom]

I highly recommend hvstar.net. I received an 82mm Kenko Pro 1 digital uv filter yesterday from them. The cost was 1/3 of domestic prices.

In response to your question about Hoya CPLs, I don't have first hand experience with them. But, some recent postings I've read seem to suggest that they are not of great quality. The posters complained about the cpl coming apart. On the other hand, the Kenko/Hoya Pro 1 Digital filter I just got seems to be high quality. However, it is a simple uv filter and not a CPL.

I bought a couple of B+W MRC Kaeseman CPLs from hvstar. They are high quality and I have not had any problems with them.

As a recommendation, I would suggest you consider a multi-coated version of whatever brand CPL you buy. If you buy uncoated filters, you are losing on the anti-flare properties of the filter and most probably decreasing the IQ of your lens.

[lhdvies]

I have a 77mm Hoya super pro 1 pl-cir (multi-coated) and a 77 Hoya ultra (thin) UV-PL-CIR filter (among others) for abut 2 years and have given them heavy usage in the mtns swamps and on hikes with no problems at all. You need to take care of them as with anything, but they have served me well. As for me, I would stay with B+W or Hoya and always go for the multi coat. Also I will add my recommendation to hvstar.

[iCe]

These guys make a great circular polarizer. I have their warming CP LINK

[Cope]

Originally Posted by jhom

In response to your question about Hoya CPLs, I don't have first hand experience with them. But, some recent postings I've read seem to suggest that they are not of great quality. The posters complained about the cpl coming apart. On the other hand, the Kenko/Hoya Pro 1 Digital filter I just got seems to be high quality. However, it is a simple uv filter and not a CPL.

Hoya makes 3 or 4 levels of CP filters, the Pro1 HMC being the best, and the Pro1 Digital the 2nd best. I have not used mine a lot, but even my lowere priced models are well made. When I hear of filters coming apart, I wonder whether the blame is on the front of the lens or the back of the camera.

[jhom]

Originally Posted by Cope

Hoya makes 3 or 4 levels of CP filters, the Pro1 HMC being the best, and the Pro1 Digital the 2nd best. I have not used mine a lot, but even my lowere priced models are well made. When I hear of filters coming apart, I wonder whether the blame is on the front of the lens or the back of the camera.

I agree. The posters never revealed which version they were complaining about. I would not be surprised if it was user error.

I spoke with THK, the US distributor of Hoya, Kenko, and Tokina last week. The impression I got was that the Pro 1 Digital Series was their top of the line. But, I may be wrong. The discussion focussed on the uv filter. FYI, Hoya and Kenko filters are the same. Hvstar carries both for many of the filters. The Kenko filters tend to be less expensive for some reason. I'm not complaining.

[markinvictoria]

It appears that HVSTAR doesn't carry the 86mm for my Bigma....bummer. Anyone have a suggestion on saving some money for 86mm CPL and UV filters?

[iCe]

Originally Posted by markinvictoria

It appears that HVSTAR doesn't carry the 86mm for my Bigma....bummer. Anyone have a suggestion on saving some money for 86mm CPL and UV filters?

I just checked. Cokin makes a filter holder called the Z Pro. You would need an 86mm adapter ring. And, of course, you would need a CP filter for the holder. I like the Cokin system because I don't have to buy a bunch of the same filter for the various lenses that I own. One filter fits all. All you need is an adapter ring for each size mount.

[ArmandoG]

Thanks everyone for your input. Your advice is what I was looking for. I will give Hvstar a try. If what i need is much cheaper than I will go with them. I just didnt want to buy something and not sure if I bought the right one. Besides I do trust what some of you have said in that they are the real deal.