B+W filters: worth paying so much?

[ahbian]

If the poll was to ask if B+W was better ( built, ease of cleaning, scratch resistance etc) than Hoya, then it might be less subjective.

The thing about asking if it is worth it or not is that the responses will be subjective.

 

[FilterFunk]

Yes, it is worth it but since you have no problem with hoya then stick to hoya. BTW, the best filter I have used is Heliopan.

http://www.heliopan.de/produkte/index.shtml

Website is in German.

i 2nd this choice. :thumbsup:
not that B+W is any lousier though.. :bsmilie:

 

[Snoweagle]

I'd say it's definitely worth it. When compared to Hoya Pro 1 digital series, i find the B+Ws having a bit more contrast and not to say, much easier to clean than Hoyas.

 

[chanjyj]

Well... I stopped using filters a darn long time ago :dunno:

 

[LancerCK]

Having used both Hoya and B+W filters, I would definitely go for B+W anytime. The better built and ease of cleaning is worth the extra cost. My Hoya filters always have a layer of dust/dirt that I just can't clean them away, while my B+W can be cleaned off very easily.

Same here. I've since buy only B+W filters

 

[fishbolah]

i 2nd this choice. :thumbsup:
not that B+W is any lousier though.. :bsmilie:

i also up for Heliopan. really like no glass in the filter. and the polarizer is sooooooo neutral. problem is Heliopan's rim is not as solid as B+W.

B+W also very good.

 

[tSkye]

I would really say the choice is dependent on your usage of lenses.

For instance, a casual shooter with a third party walkaround lens would prefer Hoya for the price.
Likewise, a full time photographer would probably prefer B+W for the quality.

Personally, I'd pick B+W filters all the time.
The glass is easier to clean, feels sturdy and is clear.
After all, after forking out thousands for a lens, why stinge on its protection?

 

[machiavellian]

no filter the best

 

[lsisaxon]

ive use mainly hoya filters, which cost around $20 for a 62mm UV, and just above $70-80 for a standard CPL (77mm)

however, a friend of mine uses B+W UV filters, which cost $80 instead for a 62mm UV MRC and $130 for a 77mm UV MRC

i understand that the coating and all does reduce reflections and cause less ghosting, but i havent experienced much problems with the 'cheap' hoya filters from the basic range, except maybe some vignetting from the CPL

is it worth paying that much more to get B+W filters? or r u merely paying for the brand?

Shucks.. I voted based on the title of the thread without reading your actual question... So I voted a no because I didn't see that you were comparing to Hoya basic ones until I voted.. It should have been a yes. But if you ask me whether by themselves B+W filters are worth it, I'd say no because Nikon filters, IMO, are better.

 

[2.8photography]

Shucks.. I voted based on the title of the thread without reading your actual question... So I voted a no because I didn't see that you were comparing to Hoya basic ones until I voted.. It should have been a yes. But if you ask me whether by themselves B+W filters are worth it, I'd say no because Nikon filters, IMO, are better.

i understand that the thread title and the question are a little different cos from wat u said, the u r erm comparing nikon filters instead of hoya basic 1s right?

sry abt that

 

[lsisaxon]

i understand that the thread title and the question are a little different cos from wat u said, the u r erm comparing nikon filters instead of hoya basic 1s right?

sry abt that

I was trying to say that for the price of B+W filters I could get Nikon filters which are slightly better optically. Sure, B+W and Nikon are much more expensive than the Hoya basic filters, but I'd stay away from the basic filters if they are not multicoated. Hoya Digital MC are good value for money but B+W and Nikon are even better.

 

[2.8photography]

I'm tring to say that for the price of B+W filters I could get Nikon filters which are slightly better optically. Sure, B+W and Nikon are much more expensive than the Hoya basic filters, but I'd stay away from the basic filters if they are not multicoated. Hoya Digital MC are good value for money but B+W and Nikon are even better.

ahh i see
heard smth that nikon polarisers have a special feature that prevents vignetting
if i had known i would have gone for that - vignetting is a big prob for me now

 

[Astin]

ahh i see
heard smth that nikon polarisers have a special feature that prevents vignetting
if i had known i would have gone for that - vignetting is a big prob for me now

B+W circular polarizers got normal and thin type, u should try out the thin type to prevent vignetting.

 

[Virgo]

B+W circular polarizers got normal and thin type, u should try out the thin type to prevent vignetting.

The thin type also has its cons. Not able to cover the lens with the lens cover. Have to remove the CP before it can be covered. Pretty troublesome at times.

 

[NE clicks clicks]

Yes, it is worth it but since you have no problem with hoya then stick to hoya. BTW, the best filter I have used is Heliopan.

http://www.heliopan.de/produkte/index.shtml

Website is in German.

Can enlighten me where I can get hold of the heliopan filters that you are refering to in Singapore? How's the price like as compared to B+W ?

 

[dawson]

i get ghost from Hoya uv, after few months going bare i've decided to buy the B+W.

I can clean B+W esp soiled fingerprints easily, but not on Hoya it just get worst.

B+W, definitely worth the dollars. :thumbsup:

On my Hoya box "made by Tokina", that's really puzzled me.

 

[Snoweagle]

i get ghost from Hoya uv, after few months going bare i've decided to buy the B+W.

I can clean B+W esp soiled fingerprints easily, but not on Hoya it just get worst.

B+W, definitely worth the dollars. :thumbsup:

On my Hoya box "made by Tokina", that's really puzzled me.

Agree abt the cleaning part.

Hoya is part of the same company as Tokina.

 

[2.8photography]

Hoya is part of the same company as Tokina.

THK photo company - Tokina, Hoya, Kenko and Silk

 

[2.8photography]

I can clean B+W esp soiled fingerprints easily, but not on Hoya it just get worst.

i mean i really wanna get a set of B+W filters now, after all the convincing posts

im not biased or anyth, but i just dun have this prob on my hoya filter - normally

 

[Snoweagle]

THK photo company - Tokina, Hoya, Kenko and Silk

Yupz, that's it.