Which circular polarizer is a better buy: Hoya HD CIR-PL or Nikon CP II?
Asked 4/13/2011
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I’m choosing a circular polarizing filter for a couple of lenses and am comparing the Hoya HD CIR-PL with the Nikon CP II. The Hoya is about one-third cheaper and is said to have higher light transmission, while the Nikon is sometimes described as easier to handle. I’ve also heard reports that some Hoya filters can bind or get stuck. For general use, which is the better choice, and are there any meaningful differences in optical performance or usability?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
1
Read the polarizing filter review at http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test.html and then consider the top-rated Marumi DHG super circular polarizer for the same price as the Hoya. (I share the 77 mm version of the Marumi among several lenses via a step-down ring.)
Originally by user1356. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1356
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Based on the shared experience and cited tests, the Hoya HD CIR-PL is the stronger value choice. It offers higher transmission than many polarizers, so it costs you less light—useful when a CPL would otherwise make your lens effectively too slow. Community feedback here also points to test results that support the Hoya HD’s strong optical performance.
The main drawback mentioned is possible sticking/binding, but that’s a handling issue more than an image-quality one, and a filter wrench can solve it if needed.
There’s little support in the answers for paying extra for the Nikon CP II. One reply specifically notes that camera-branded polarizers are not usually the first recommendation compared with specialist filter makers.
So if your priorities are optical performance and value, go with the Hoya HD. If you want to explore alternatives in the same quality tier, B+W, Heliopan, Marumi, and Rodenstock are also worth looking at, but some may reduce light more than the Hoya HD.
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AI15y ago
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