Which filter? B+W or Heliopan

[nilangsu mahanty]

I want to buy a 77 mm circular polarizing filter for my Sigma 10-20/4-5.6

lens. Of these two filters, which one should I go for? Apart from getting what

is optically the best, I want the filter to last a very long time ($150 plus

is a lot of money for me), and I read in a review site

(www.photographyreview.com) that B+W ones aren't built that well. However, I

have seen members here at PN swear by B+W. :-)

 

Also, since I use the UWA lens at its widest focal length for 90% of my needs,

I will need a slim mount filter to avoid vignetting. How would I put a cap on

one? Is it correct that B+W CPLs come with a rubber cap of their own?

 

Any help will be sincerely appreciated.

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[nilangsu mahanty]

After I started this thread, I did some more research here and came across this thread:

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HuIZ

 

That's not a nice experience. Then again, I don't think B+W can help it.

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[kevinteo]

I have a B+W slim polarizer; those do not have a front filter thread, hence the need for the

slip-on rubber cap. And yes, the cap comes with the filter.

[sattler123]

I use the B+W slim filter as well and yes, the cap comes off eaily, but there is a solution. Just take some electrical tape and put 4 strips equal distance on the perimeter of the cap - now it holds on securely and you won't lose it. I do not have problems with my filters getting scratched from the cap - I think that's blown out of proportion.

[nilangsu mahanty]

Thanks, Juergen, for your suggestion. Thanks, Kevin.

 

What about the contruction quality of the B+W? Is it confidence-inspiring?

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[kevinteo]

<p><i>I do not have problems with my filters getting scratched from the cap - I think

that's blown out of proportion.</i></p>

<p>I agree. The rubber cap is more flexible than a plastic snap-in cap, but I store the

polarizer in its case when not it use. It is unlikely to get damaged there.</p>

<p>I like the construction quality of the filter more in the sense of it being

psychologically-reassuring rather than confidence-inspiring. What makes a difference for

me a little notch along where the front thread usually is. I'm not sure if this feature was

deliberate/coincidental, but that little notch indicates the orientation of the the polarizer

foil, with the 6/12 o'clock position giving maximum polarization. This is an added

convenience if you ever use a rangefinder camera. :)</p><div></div>

[nilangsu mahanty]

"Psychologically-reassuring" should be good enough. :)

 

Apparently, Heliopan (also) has convenient-to-use markings to indicate the angle of turn.

 

Thanks, Nilangsu

[ellis_vener_photography]

Assuming you use a APS-C format camera (including all Nikon DSLRs except the D3, most Canon DSLRs except for the 1D MArk 2 & 3 and the 1Ds cameras, and all ofthe 4/3rds format cameras ) with that lens and polarizer just be aware that you'll get an uneven polarization effect at any focal length setting less than 17mm. This has to do with the laws of physics.

[nilangsu mahanty]

Now that you say that, Ellis, I do remember coming across that observation earlier. I'll read up on it. Thanks.

 

Regards,

Nilangsu

[frank uhlig]

Uneven polarization will make this purchase one for the drawer of useless items for you , I

am afraid. Search for wide angle pol problems here, please, before you buy.

[nilangsu mahanty]

Oh, I never thought, Frank, that it's going to be that bad. I had been meaning to use it at focal lengths between 10 and 20 mm, particularly the wide end. I'll have now do a different type of search. Oh !

 

Regards, Nilangsu

[frank uhlig]

Well, one can ruin all of one's Grand Canyon rim shots if taken with a superwide lens and the

polarizer on the front. Just a warning. I did it! Some of the sky will be dark (as intended) but

the other parts will be much lighter, giving all those shots a weird look.

 

Once you are at around 30mm - 35mm film focal length equivalent, this physical

phenomenon becomes unnoticable and pols are ok then. Of course if you want to cut

reflections in one part of the pic only and do not have blue sky in the frame, it will work, even

with a very wide lens.