1.2.2012

After seeing what a polarising filter can do I decided I wanted one and hoya always seem to make good quality kit. Hoya's range of polarisers includes a number of different filters from this standard and relatively cheap one to the expensive pro1, s-HMC, DMC ...ect. I haven't tested the more expensive versions but as far as I can tell, the "polarising-ness" (technical term) is fairly similar for all of them. Where they differ is in the amount of light they let through, the thickness of the filter itself, and the number of special coatings on the glass. These special coatings are supposed to make the filters easier to clean and improve the colour of the photo.I considered the more expensive options but decided that I couldn't justify spending £40+ on what is essentially 2 pieces of glass.In the end I am happy with my decision but there are a few down sides. The thickness of the filter (not including the screw section) is about 8mm which means that when I try to stack this filter on top of my hoya UV filter, I get some vignetting below a focal length of about 30mm. (this is using my Canon EF-S 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens). However, it's not too much trouble to unscrew my uv filter each time I use the polariser. With just the polariser on the lens there is no vignetting even at 18mm (on a 550D so the 35mm equivalent is 29mm).Polarisers, by their nature block out light, and this one blocks out a lot! I've found that to get the same brightness (when keeping aperture & ISO constant)I need to leave the shutter open for 3.2 times as long as I do without the filter. This pretty much rules out using this filter for fast moving subjects but that's not really an issue for me as I will only want to use this for shooting landscapes. On the plus side, this filter acts like an ND filter and polariser all in one which is good for shooting scenes with water. I think the more expensive options allow more light through so if you need to shoot something fast without a tripod then I suggest you get something a bit more expensive.This polariser does everything I need it to do without noticeably affecting image quality. As you can see from the before and after photos I uploaded above, this filter eliminates reflections from non metallic surfaces which has the added bonus of making plants appear greener because of reduced reflections. The main thing that polarisers do is to solve the problem you get when shooting something against a bright sky. Without it, you have to choose between having a detailed subject but a washed out sky, or a deep blue sky but with a dark subject. The polariser enables you to get a deep blue sky whilst keeping the detail of the subject.All polarisers have their limits though. I found I got the most effect when shooting with the sun behind me and slightly to one side. When shooting anywhere towards the sun there was hardly any effect at all. Also, as you can see in the photo of the tree, when shooting at wide angles, the polarising effect on the sky is uneven.In summary, if you want a polarising filter, there's little reason not to try this one. It's a reasonable price and you've got nothing to lose. If you try it and don't like it then you can just use it as an ND filter and purchase one of the more expensive polarising filters.

29.4.2015

NOTE: Due to a mix-up at MY supplier's end (not necessarily the same suppliers that you're currently looking at now!), I was provided with a slimline version. In a way, fortuitously, as it proved to be a more suitable one for purpose - explanatory comment later). My supplier was prepared to exchange it should it not be acceptable as the intended gift. However, that proved unnecessary as the recipient was very happy with it.) So THIS review refers to the slim (thin profile) version and NOT the one depicted. They were similarly priced when I bought it.I bought this item as a gift for a friend who is taking photography more seriously as he gets closer to retirement. He's never used a polariser before,

29.11.2008

Polarising filters are magical things. They can reduce reflections from non metallic surfaces with merely a twist of the ring!Another use of polarising filters is to enhance colour saturation. Have you ever seen a photograph with the deepest blue sky you've ever seen and wondered how the photographer did it? Have you ever looked at your own pale blue, wishy washy skies and thought how on earth do I do this!?!? Look no further.By turning the ring on a circular polariser you can adjust the amount of the effect it will create. They work best when the lens is pointed at 90 degrees to the sun, in other words the sun is on your left or right, not in front or behind.

19.10.2013

It actually works and I can have this nice blue in my photos and contrast between the blue sky and the white clouds.Perfect also for video shooting. Especially through glass as it cuts the reflections pretty easy.I tested this filter next to the pro version of a friend (also from Hoya) and the difference was almost not visible. Only at the edges, were the image was closer to the bright sun (and not 90 degress as you are suppose to be with the CPL filters), the pro version had better performance. This version had different blue between the edge that was close to the sun and the edge that was far away (left - right edge of the photo).

29.6.2012

Having added a new camera body and a couple of extra lenses only recently, I needed to expand the range and sizes of the filters I use.Unlike when shooting on film, and often in black-and-white, the need for filters with digital photography is much less. You do not need colour correction filters as cameras now do that for you, and the various coloured filters once used for B&W that either enhanced or subdued certain colours were only rarely used even then. Photoshop and others can perform the same tasks quite easily. But a UV and Circular Polariser are all that most will need. The polariser can enhance colours, reduce glare and sometimes reflections and will help improve the appearance of clouds.

21.3.2014

I use Hoya CPL filters on my Canon lenses. This is a budget filter when compared to the premium Hoya HD CPL filter which is considerably more expensive, which I reserve for my L or prime lenses.Yet it still is a great performer.In the digital era, the CPL is one of those filters that really make a huge difference in image quality. The filter removes glare and reflections, a feature that cannot be corrected using photoshop or any other software.When used for landscape photos, the difference is radical. Colours are so much deeper, resulting in stunning crisp images. The deep blue skies and rich colours really look professional.Hoya produces great quality filters,

24.4.2011

I couldn't believe how cheap this was for a Hoya, its the first one I have seen or used that was made in the phillipines so I was a bit concerned when I first received it but so far the results have been pretty good. It is a lot more subtle than other polarising filters I have used, certainly than the one I have for my other camera which is a Jessops which is quite 'bold' and has a very strong effect when used.The quality seems fine which is what you would expect from a Hoya. My advice is to test different filters if you get a chance or pay the extra cash for the Pro series. I'm not dissapointed per se with this but I expected better from it than other makes and haven't really seen that yet.Service and delivery where fine,

21.8.2013

Just come back from North Yorkshire. I have used this filter for all my shots on this mini-holiday. The front glass was easy to rotate and was easy to fit on the lens. The circular polariser is the best type of polarising filter to buy, as it gives you a definite quality of polarisation. Car windscreens and double glazing can show undesirable markings when using this filter. Unwanted reflections disappear when the filter is correctly adjusted. All this comes with practise. This make of filter is well renowned in the photographic trade and I have had many filters from this manufacturer. Superb quality and optical correctness. Buy one for your camera today.

10.12.2012

I have used Hoya filters as a preferred brand for many years and found them to be effective and relatively inexpensive. I have owned and used many different cameras in my time including some regarded as the best available of their time as were the accompanying lenses. I did not hesitate to choose Hoya filters than and I don't now.I have never experienced any distortion, unwanted artefacts or any other problems during their use and this is no different.I did once allow myself to be persuaded to purchase a couple of digital filters which together cost as much as another lens but could see no visible difference between them and any standard filter. Consequently, I now stick to these.

28.11.2016

you won't get anything in the glass that cheaper filters don't offer. what you do get here is a low-profile rotation ring ideal for wide angle lenses that would otherwise include the edge of the ring in the photo (vignetting effect). if your lens is of "standard" length or longer (about 50mm upwards) it makes no sense to invest in filters costing several times as much, which offer absolutely no advantage. you can't even parade the brand around as no one will know you have a Hoya and not some generic quarter-of-the-price alternative. Go Apple on your filters? oh hell why not. Get out of my garage.

12.6.2009

A polarising filter is a must in your camera kit. I have a Sigma 10-20mm wide angle for my D60 [that's 15-30mm for full-frame] and shots with this lens including lots of sky benefit enormously.The one thing I'd like to see Hoya do is make the index mark on the outer edge of the rim run over onto the inner edge, so that you can see it if the outer edge is masked by your lens hood. With a lens hood tight on the lens, the index should be visible from the front, not just the side-view of the filter. No probs. A blob of Tipex or similar will do the job.

22.9.2012

Bought to replace a cheap polarizer filter that I wasn't happy with. After comparing results this polarizer is much more superior. Really does bring out the sky even on duller hazy looking days and gives the contrast a nice boost. It does take a bit of getting used to on how to use it correctly as you adjust the polarisation by turning the filter, you can adjust this too much and damage your shot. If you are new to using a polarizer I suggest on reading up on it first in order to help you get stunning looking pictures.

10.4.2015

Excellent value, known brand and delivered promptly. Fitted to an Olympus 12-40 Pro lens. I use a slim UV filter and the CPF fits well. Seems to do the job and I haven't experienced any issues with images although at wide angles on some lenses this is always a risk - general advice is to remove any filter before fitting the CPF although I would hope lens designers would anticipate that photographers will want to add a filter to protect their lens. New camera so may need to update at some point.

4.9.2009

Another good product from Hoya, the polarising filter fits nicely onto any 67mm thread. Whereas many polarising filters there is some noticeable loss of light, the loss from this filter is one of the lowest ive seen. Rotating the filter on the lens is smooth and easy and creates the higher contrast and correction of reflections needed from a polariser. Careful when using wide angles as it is twice as long as most other filters of course. Professional or amateur, this filter does the job well.

14.7.2015

Fantastic filter, I believe I got it at around £13. After browsing Jessops and seeing this exact filter going for around £45 I thought I would try amazon. I saw this and thought it must be some cheap copy of some sort but the quality of the shots are crystal clear unlike the polaroid one I owned before this.Never expected a bargain to be so well off as this, so big thanks to the seller, will be purchasing again for my larger lens before I head to the next car show!

Hoya Pol Circular 82mm - Reviews

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