Customer Reviews

Hoya 52mm HMC UV Digital Multi-Coated Slim Frame Glass Filter

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Looking through it with the naked eye reveals no distortions or imperfections. This is a genuine multi-coated UV filter (test this by looking at a reflection of a light source on its surface: a perfect reflection indicates no coating, a dim reflection indicates a single coating, and a green reflection indicates multiple coatings). Multiple coatings yield greater light transmission through the glass, and less glare, but (and this affects all multi-coated filters from all companies) also pick up dust, fingerprints, and condensation very easily (just holding it on the metal ring with your fingers causes condensation from your perspiration).

When I bought this, the product images were of the Hoya regular UV filter and not the HMC filter (I uploaded the product package image just before writing this). So I was a little unsure of which filter I was going to get. After reassuring myself of the Amazon A to Z guarantee, I decided to finally buy this.

My lens (Pentax 18-55mm DAL lens) already comes with anti-glare coating, but with this, it is even harder to get lens flare. I tried intentionally taking pictures of the sun and bright lights to cause lens flare to little avail, this filter really does it's job! And being the worry wart I am, now I have an extra layer of protection on my lens should I happen to bump my lens into something.

This filter is has the slim frame, but my lens cap still fit onto my lens on top of the filter. This filter does not cause vignetting.

With that said, it is exceptionally difficult to clean. After 1 hour of polishing with my lens cloth, 1/8 can of compressed air and 4 drops of lens cleaner later, finally decided that it was 'clean enough' and gave in. You cannot see the fine smudges (slight fogginess) until you go and screw it onto your lens. Depending on how OCD you are, you may never get these clean to your satisfaction.

Fits perfect, is clear as a bell and does not slow down the lens. A great filter.

I have both this filter and a Hoya Super HMC 52mm filter (which costs twice the price). I've swapped the filters between my Nikon 50mm f1.4d and 24mm f2.8 lenses and honestly have to say that I'm hard pressed to find any discernible difference between the two filters. If you're trying to decide between the two, I would forgo the Super HMC and get this filter.

This filter does what any great UV filter should -- it stays 100% out of the way of your shot and protects your lens. I've never experienced any ghosting or flares in my shots. It's solidly built and the threading is clean and smooth allowing easy screwing/unscrewing. At this low price, how much could you really save by taking a chance with a filter from a no-name brand? Is it really worth the risk of having glare or washed out images?

Hoya HMC UV(0) has been replaced with Hoya UV(c), and you will get the (c) unless the seller has older production. The filter is also made in the Philippines. Apparently they have been outsourcing a number of filters. (See my review on the Cir-PL in this size). According to several forums, the (c) is slimmer, but other than that, it is unchanged from the (0). I will be curious to see some reviews on these stacked up against the old ones by people more advanced than me.....Gotta love outsourcing. Product gets four stars for the mislabel on Amazon.

R

I don't have too much experience with lens filters, but what little I do have tells me that this one works just fine. The glass is nice and clear, and haze free as described. Offers good protection for my lenses for a decent price.

I was tempted by the Tiffen 52mm UV filters but found that in low light they would ghost horribly. I learned that multi-coated filters play better with multi-coated lenses in low light. I have purchased this filter for a Nikon 18-55vr and a HOYA SUPER HMC UV filter for my Nikon 35mm F1.8. I have used both in dark conditions with very bright light and all ghosting was gone. These things are a miracle even on the least expensive Nikon lenses. I highly recommend this lens filter for simple worry-free protection.

On my internets journey I found that there is no difference between the Hoya HMC UV(0) and Hoya HMC UV(C) and I have verified that there is a difference between the HMC and SUPER HMC Hoya filters. Optically, the non-SUPER filters perform better but cash is king.

The biggest difference between this filter and uncoated filters is that glare is drastically reduced. I can look straight through, and my eyes are telling my brain that there's nothing there, like that windex commercial with the birds. This is precisely what a UV filter is supposed to do - reduce glare, haze, and UV light, while not getting in the way of your actual picture. And it does this superbly. I use it mostly as a lens cover, but the glare and haze reduction are real benefits, in addition to the protection it offers my lens. Don't let yourself be oversold with more expensive filters, especially DMC ones. You can't tell the difference in the pictures you take. The quality of this filter can't be beat, and the price is great to boot!

Inside of filter container was damaged as though item took a very hard fall (no outside damage stangly), but filter itself appears to be in good condition. Had to really clean it because it does have a film, unlike the HMC circular polarizer I just got (from Adorama) which was smooth and clear. Didn't know seller (APD) was in Brooklyn or I probably wouldn't have made the purchase...that's where all the Ebay crap is too. There was no HAZE written anywhere on the package or the filter, maybe this is a generic term? It only says HMC UV (0).

Very high quality feel, heavy with a great milled edge and fits very snug sandwhiched between my 50mm 1.8d lens and the HMC Circular Polarizer that I got at the same time - in fact they are a little hard to unscrew once together.

No glare, perfect fit, no reflections, no artifacts created. I have one for each of my D80 lenses. Works perfectly with all of them. As far as I can tell, it's the equal of filters costing 5 times as much.