B+W Vs Nikon Circular Polariser

[astroboy]

A lot of folks have been asking me about the difference between the B+W and Nikon circular polarizer.

Here is the difference.

On the left is B+W (courtesy of sweeann) and on the right is Nikon.

At first glance, they are almost the same. But if u take a closer look, the Nikon has a slight warm cast in the sky area.

The question is, for the slight difference, is it worth paying the extra $$$? Only u yourself can answer that question.

Price guide (approximate):
Hoya 77mm CPL.......... RM200
Nikon 77mm slim CPL....... RM450
B+W 77mm slim CPL.......... RM564
B+W 77mm Kaeseman MRC Slim CPL.... RM633


http://www.awarna.com/test_images/testing_cpl.jpg

[astroboy]

One other impt thing to note, only the Nikon slim CPL has a front thread. Which means you can stack other filters OR a Cokin holder in front, for eg when u need to add on a ND grad filter.

The slim B+W filter does not have a front thread. B+W believes that one should not stack anything in front of its slim filters as that would cause vignetting.

[NikonF2]

I think the concept of pl is all the same, two types only linear polariser (may be stronger effect but canot work on af camera) and circular polariser. Other differences are coatings, color of the glass used, some warm some cold..

[astroboy]

Yes, I would call it a "characteristic" instead of a flaw. For eg Canon lenses are typically "warmer" while Nikon lenses are "cooler" in terms of colour rendition.


I think the concept of pl is all the same, two types only linear polariser (may be stronger effect but canot work on af camera) and circular polariser. Other differences are coatings, color of the glass used, some warm some cold..

[ckii96]

I think the pic with the B+W CPL looks a bit softer.

[noordin]

I see more details in the pic with Nikon CPL. Do you guys agree?

I think I'll get a Nikon CPL. :D

[qqmeng]

pheeew.... almost going to get tht B+W .... astro thanks!

no..not tht astro in my living room... you pete. thanks! :D

[ShaolinTiger]

Well optically no difference B+W is definitely not softer, I guess it's just this pic.

As for the colour, I prefer cooler for CPL as the main effect is to make the sky bluer, warmer negates the effect somewhat.

And build quality I take the B+W for it's solid brass construction.

[astroboy]

Yes, technically CPL not supposed to affect the sharpness of the images.

I guess the deciding factor should be, do u foresee putting something else, like a ND grad in front of your CPL? If no, and money is not an issue, then go for B+W.

For me, the option to put another filter in front is vital so i opted for Nikon.

[ShaolinTiger]

My B+W has threads at the front :rolleyes:

[astroboy]

I think yours is the regular 6-mm (thickness) mount. The 3-mm slim filters do not have front threads... although I have heard lately that B+W is addressing this issue by coming up with a 4-mm version WITH front threads.


My B+W has threads at the front :rolleyes:

[noordin]

My B+W has threads at the front :rolleyes:

sweeann has the B+W Kaesemann unit. Bought from Keat. :)

So expensive, I can't afford it. :(

[ShaolinTiger]

Yeah mine is normal 6mm thickness.

Doesn't vignette on a 10mm lens though! But I can't stack it on top of the UV filter, I have to remove it first.

Works fine on a 17mm stacked on the UV though.

Thinking of getting the thin one so I can stack it on top of the UV on the 10mm, less hassle. Not sure if it'll vignette or not though, need to get one to test it out.

[skywalker]

My B+W has threads at the front :rolleyes:
My Hoya Pro1 HMC Slim 77mm CPL don't hv threads at the front.

If your CPL has thread and you attach, say a Cokin filter in front, it is so difficult to readjust the CPL.... not practical... which brings to the question, do u still need CPL if you want to use, say... Cokin's ND grad?

[astroboy]

I can't say for cropped cameras but on a FF, 17mm is about as wide as I can go without vignetting using a slim CPL and a Cokin holder. I am using the Z-series holder which is larger than the P-series.

As for stacking, it's quite easy to have a slim CPL and have the Cokin holder stacked in front. U rotate the CPL first to get optimum results. Then rotate the Cokin holder to upright position (w/out moving the CPL), then add on the ND grad.

[KenaTembak]

not sure about other lens.. for my 17-80mm kit lens.. I will get vignette if i stack my Hoya S-HMC CPL (is slim, donno how slim and without front thread) on my normal thickness HMC UV filter.

Stacking filter mite also increase your ghosting possibility....

[bitbytes9]

I see more details in the pic with Nikon CPL. Do you guys agree?

I think I'll get a Nikon CPL. :D

Agree with u, will buy NIKON CPL. :D

[macropixman]

Thanks to you guys for posting a comparison between the B+W and Nikon.
I bought B+W UV's for permanent protection for my lenses but for CPL I have not decided to buy B+W or Nikon or Hoya.
As I do not foresee using the CPL a lot, I may just buy either Hoya Pro1 SHMC or Nikon.
Furthermore its so hard to get hold of the B+W Kaesemann CPL 77mm

[macropixman]

Does anyone here have the Kaesmann 77mm MRC CPL? At the price quoted of RM 633, where can we get it in KL?
Thanks

[ShaolinTiger]

Does anyone here have the Kaesmann 77mm MRC CPL? At the price quoted of RM 633, where can we get it in KL?
Thanks

I believe you can ask Yannick.

[macropixman]

I've pm-ed Yannink already.
Was the comparison in this thread done between Kaesmann or non Kaesmann B+W MRC CPL and the Nikon CPL ?