Polarizer Filters

[WNK]

So, I've decided that my next camera purchase will be a polarizer filter. I've heard that the Hoya ones are the best -- if you have used one, would you agree?
Also, I'm definately on a budget here... do you foresee any potential problems with buying one used online (other than the regular shipping problems, etc.)? Or should I bite the bullet and get a new one?

 

[Don Simon]

I wouldn't say Hoya are the best. They have different ranges; the more you pay, the better the quality. So their more expensive ones will compete with the best, the cheaper ones not quite as good but still perfectly useable. Of course if you have good glass, I think it makes sense to put equally good glass in front of it, so I would look for the better quality filters. And here I turn to your second question - filters are not all that cheap, and I would definitely see if you can get one used. It's not a camera or a lens, all that can really be wrong is that the glass is scratched, chipped, etc. As long as you can be assured the glass is clean, I don't see any other problems.

 

[WNK]

Thanks bunches, ZaphodB! That's just what I needed to know!

 

[skieur]

As well as a glass polarizing filter, I also have a software polarizing filter, a glass graduated neutral density filter and a software ND filter. They all do very similar things to different degrees.

The advantage of the glass polarizing filter is that controls and reduces right angle reflections through glass windows. I find that the sky can be handled best with a software filter and the ND filter is best for getting foreground detail in a landscape shot with a bright sky.

skieur

 

[Don Simon]

No problem I have to buy a new polariser myself after losing the last one... can't bring myself to spend £50 on a single piece of glass so I'll be trawling the 'bay too

 

[WNK]

I just ordered one on Amazon... you might have some luck there

 

[Don Simon]

Thanks - but I just grabbed a B+W for half price :thumbsup: