Polarising Filter

[rasputin]

Would like to get a polarising filter.

The main options seem to be:

1) Unbranded eBay filters - £5
2) Standard Hoya filters - £20
3) Multi-coated Hoya filters - £40

What difference will I see between those?

[SamHH]

Filters can induce flare. The coatings are designed to reduce this. More/more expensive coatings reduce it more.

Cheap filters can have a slight tint to them. I'd also imagine that cheap glass will do more to reduce the overall image quality of the lens than expensive glass will.

There may be other things, but it comes down to 'you get what you pay for'.

[mcflurry]

For a fiver, is it worth trying one anyway?
Worst scenario is a wasted fiver and a bit of time as you practice with it

[paul911]

I have a Hoya and an unbranded filter. The cheaper unbranded one does definitely leave an unusual colour cast, so I would recommend spending a few extra pounds on the Hoya version.

[The Tea Boy]

I have what i think is a fake hoya filter off fleabay for about £6
and i personally think its pretty good (but ive never used a 'decent' one)
colours seem fine to me

Matt

[autoholic]

I bought a cheap ebay one just to see how I got on with it and it's fine. Came from HK with no problems. I might upgrade at some point but at the mo there's no need.

[Atom120]

How about looking into getting a branded Japanese multi-coated filter that isn't a Hoya? I'd recommend a Marumi DHG Circular Polariser - all the features, coatings, and thin-rim design of the top end Hoya filters, but at half the price.