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Reviews: B+W Kaesemann Polarizing Filter 77mm
Many filter effects can be duplicated in post production such as Photoshop making lens attached filters somewhat obsolete. Personally, I still prefer to use the lens filters in my photography and concentrate on photographic technique as opposed to digital manipulations. As it turns out, the effects achieved by a polarizing filter are pretty much impossible to duplicate in post production. What a polarizer does is to remove non-metallic reflections from surfaces, and to filter the actual wavelengths of light that enter the lens.
A polarizer is typically a two-piece design that has a threaded mounting ring that fits to the front of the lens. The other piece is mounted to the threaded ring and is designed to rotate while leaving the threaded mount in place and secure. The filter itself is usually an element of glass that has laminated surfaces that will provide the polarizing effect. This is achieved in varying degrees depending on how the filter is rotated.
All polarizing filters are not created equally though. There are many that will introduce unwanted color shifts into the exposure, and if the qualities of the materials are not top grade, lens flare, ghosting, among other problems could result. This is one filter that it pays to purchase the best quality you can afford. Furthermore, this is the filter that I would consider a must have for any outdoor photographer, especially one that spends any time photographing water.
I had not originally planned on purchasing the B+W Polarizing Filter. My intent was to purchase the Hoya PRO1 Digital which I had used before with great results on another camera. I was informed by the sales staff at The Filter Connection (www.2filter.com) that this filter was on backorder and they recommended going to B+W for a comparable quality filter. I checked out their choices within that line, and found two polarizing filters that would work for my needs. The first one was within a few dollars of the Hoya and had great reviews. However, I did some reading on the other one…a Kaesemann version which sparked my interest. Kaesemann is a German term indicating that this filter is completely sealed against moisture and the laminates on the glass will resist fogging, and curling. Since I viewed this purchase to be a long term investment, I found the additional cost minor, and went ahead and purchased the sealed filter.
Impressions…
As I mentioned, I have been used to Hoya, which I still regard as a quality filter that is reasonably priced. From the first time I picked up the B+W Kaesemann filter, I noticed it was quite a bit heavier than the Hoyas. The rings were solid, and seemed quite tight. The Hoya’s had always been loose making rotating a breeze, but there was a certain amount of movement between the two rings. There was no movement whatsoever with the B+W, but it was still easy to rotate.
I inspected the actual filter surface very carefully to check for any flaws or optical impurities. I am pleased to share that this is as perfect of a filter surface as I have ever seen. From the distributor, there were no scratches, marks, smudges, or anything out of the way…just optical quality glass. B+W does provide a nice plastic storage case for their filters with foam padding on the bottom to keep everything in place. This box can be ditched in favor of other personal storage for filters, but I have found that it is quite protective, easy to use, and doesn’t take up an inordinate amount of room.
The actual polarizing effects of this filter equal, or beat those that I have observed with the Hoya in the past. The B+W provides rich blue skies, a bit more added contrast to a scene, and will eliminate most reflections, especially those due to water. I have found this filter on the front of each and every lens in my arsenal at one time or another. For the outdoor photographer, this is the most flexible, and most used filter around.
Final Thoughts…
While I still would recommend the Hoya Polarizing Filter, my new personal favorite is the B+W. I recall reading in one of the reviews I found a buyer stating that this was the last polarizing filter he planned on ever buying. I wanted so much to feel that way with my purchase, but had my doubts. However, after nearly three months using this filter, I can say without reservation…This is the last polarizing filter I plan on buying barring damage or loss. This is a five star product for sure!
Recommended:
Yes
Written by Greg A. Kiser
Read the original review at epinions.com
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Thanks for yet another great review - I will definately look into this filter when I start buying them. I don't have any yet, I am afraid I am doing the editing on my computer.
Lisa -
wow, if I didn't already have three polarizers, I would definitely buy this based on your review. Makes me wish one of mine would get damaged or go missing...still, I think I will check this out and give it some thought. I have an idea, in your "spare time" maybe you could do a with/without pair of shots so folks could see what this 5 star filter does. Just a thought.
betsy -
HI ya Greg - all a bit beyond me - but your journal will be really useful when my son studies photography in September I bet! Laine x
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Greg, excellent review. I've heard that B&W are THE filters to purchase, but never did. I have Hoyas and a Canon or two...but this sounds like a definite if and when I need to replace my current circular polarizer. :)
Vicki
3/21/08 9:21 PM
Krissy :)
http://journals.aol.com/fishe