Ken Durling wrote (edited for space):
I don't have much experience with filters, and want to know if the
really expensive ones are really "worth it." I know you get what
you pay for, but I can't see spending $1,000 on a filter set. What do
you lose when you use Hoya or Tiffen as opposed to B+W and Heliopan?
Or is that even a valid division? I already spent close to $100 for
the B+W UV on my 28-135, and am getting some filters for B&W for my FD
kit, too. A 52mm B+W is already $38.
I'd also like to get a few polarizers for various lenses, and again,
what differences am I going to see between a $200 B+W 72mm and a $75
Hoya or Omega? And how about the new Omega filters? B&H doesn't
even list them, has anyone read any reports?
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The better filters are more expensive. That said, Hoya UVs are very good.
They use L39 glass while the Super HMC Pro1 UV filters use L41. B+W and
Heliopan most likely use L39. They do not indicate but from their charts
the cutoff would indicate L39. If you plan to do high altitude photography
go for the L41 glass.
If not, either filter will serve you well. The L number is the cutoff of UV
light. So the higher the number the more UV will be removed from the photo.
There are special UV filters that have a slight yellow cast (Example: B+W
415 UV) which are specifically made to cut out more UV at very high
altitudes. Using these at sea level will give you a yellow tint to your
photograph. BTW, you can see if you have a decent UV by putting a white
paper in back of it and puttin it in light. It should have a slight yellow
tint.
A more basic difference between the Japanese and German made filters is the
mount. B+W and Heliopan filters use brass mounts which allows them to go on
and off a lens very very smoothly. The glass is a bit thicker with the
German made filters as well.
Will you see a difference in Polarizers? No! However, there is a visible
difference between a "UV-coated" polarizer and a standard polarizer
depending on subject. The Hoya Ultra Series HMC "UV Coated" polarizers
compared to a standard Hoya will produce a slightly more colorful and less
hazy photograph. My only complaint about these High-end Hoya filters is the
aluminum mount is not as smooth as the German made brass mount filters. I
get around this by rubbing a wax candle on the threads and
mounting/unmounting it on the lenses a few times. It works.
Peter K
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