CPL Filters

[phiya]

I'm looking into a decent CPL filter and I have two questions.

1. Are the cheapy (Zeikos) filters worth it, or should I spend ~35 or so on a HOYA CPL?

2. Do any of you leave a CPL filter on your lenses at all times? Do you leave any filters on at all times? What are the pros/cons of this?

 

[tirediron]

Cheapies are definitely NOT worth it! A cheap filter is generally worse than no filter at all; $35 is still a cheapie. Hoya and Tiffen are decent consumer-grade filters, IF you buy the multi-coated versions; if you can stretch the budget, Lee, Singh-Ray, Heliopan or B+W are even better options.

There's no point in leaving a CPOL on at all times; it will cost you anywhere from 1 to 2 stops of exposure, and isn't appropriate for all situations. It's main uses are to increase saturation and contrast out of doors, and to remove the reflections water and similar surfaces.

Some feel that leaving a UV filter on their lens at all times offers some degree of protection, that's debatable. I feel that the less in front of the lens the better ('though I use polarizing filters extensively for out door work).

 

[kundalini]

Some light reading about filters......
Filters by Thom Hogan

 

[Greasy]

I have the Hoya HMC CPOL (OMG WTF BBQ). I bought it because I'm moving to the Middle East (sun!). I have taken a few shots with it, but it does more harm than good in most situations.