The polarizing filter is one of the most important items in any photographer’s tool bag. It is the only filter the effect of which cannot be replicated in post processing. Why? Because it shapes the way light enters the lens and moves on to the sensor. A contrast increase in Photoshop will simply not do the same thing to a clear blue sky, nor will you remove reflections so effectively. It is an instrument that can bring significant improvement to your images, regardless of what type of photography you do. Like with most photography tools, they come in various classes. Normal filters have the same effect, but the glass is usually less scratch resistant and the exposure compensation is a bit more than ideal.

Here are the top 4 polarizing filters available on the market today.

1. B+W 77mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer with Multi-Resistant Coating

One of the surest bets you can make when it comes to optics, is to rely on German optics. The multiple layers allow for extraordinarily effective polarizing and the lens itself is actually harder than glass, which is excellent for scratch and shock protection. It is also water and dust repellent, making maintenance a lot easier than with a regular polarizer. The polarizing foils are neutral in color thus having a higher efficiency than regular foils.

2. Marumi Exus Circular Polarizer with 12-Layer Multi-Coating

The Exus transmits 30% more light than conventional polarizers, making colors more intense and brighter, the image in the viewfinder is easier to see and the shadows appear darker and with better graduation. It also has a unique anti-static, oil and water repellent coating creating a resistance to stains, fingerprints and dust. The rear threads are Teflon coated, making attaching and detaching the filter easier.

Left images without Marumi Exus Circular Polarizer and on the right the same photos with the filter

3. Singh-Ray LB Warming Polarizer

The Singh-Ray polarizer requires only 1-1/3 stops of additional exposure, unlike a lot of other conventional filters where you have to compensate more. The image in the viewfinder is also lighter, something that isn’t very common with this type of filter. The particular thing about the Singh-Ray is that it adds a subtle natural warmth to the otherwise cooling effect of most circular polarizers. The build quality is of course, top of the line.

4. Hoya 77mm HD Hardened Glass 8-layer Multi-Coated Circular Polarizing Filter

This is Hoya’s new generation of dynamic filters. The glass is hardened, with a tensile strength of up to four times more, compared to regular filters. Like most filters of this class, it is especially designed to work with digital cameras, as sensors are more sensitive to reflected light. The special coatings on the glass are designed to reduce these internal reflections and therefore provide a clearer image.

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