Customer Reviews

Hoya 58mm HMC Multicoated Circular Polarizer Filter

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

Useful information for potential buyers:

If you are reading this, then it is assumed you know what a circular polarizer does and you want some more information to make your purchase.

I see many cheap filters sold on Amazon. I had to sort through them to find an acceptable choice. Therefore, I feel compelled to post a primer for buyers of filters explaining why the large price variance in filters:

- Pay attention to coating on filters. Coatings directly dictate quality of pictures and price.
- Cheap filters are not properly coated - they will cast reflections, excessively darken, or cause visual aberrations in your photographs - thus cheap results
- Proper filters are multi-coated to prevent the problems with cheap filters. Some are better coated than others.
- Filters also come in low profile to prevent vignetting - especially when stacked on top of other filters. This adds to cost.
- Expect to pay $50+, more likely $65+ for a proper polarizer. UV filters are cheaper in most cases.
- Logically, larger filters also cost more.

Hoya sells 3 main levels of filters. The cheap, uncoated/single coated ones are in a green box ("Green"). The multi-coated are denoted as HMC (Hoya Multi-Coated) and comes in a yellow package ("Yellow"). The pro are extensively coated and come in a blue package ("Blue" or "Pro").

The product you are looking at is a Yellow and is therefore HMC coated. The green usually yield unacceptable results and the HMC/Yellow should be the standard. This unit (Yellow) does NOT show reflections or other anomalies in photographs - thus the price point. The filter rotates smoothly and yields an acceptable polarizing effect as expected. No significant issues with threading it on a lens although it sticks a bit on occasion. I do note that the outer ring (the one to adjust the polarizing effect) has a much smoother feel than my more expensive Promaster.

I used this filter on a Canon 1.4, 55-250, and briefly on an 18-55 (kit lens).

I am satisfied with this purchase but note that I've gotten better deals at camera shops when it comes to buying filters.

A polarizer is among the accessories every photographer should have with them when shooting outdoors during the day. While not all digital camera's require a circular polarizer to avoid problems with focusing, some do and most specifically this will be a necessity for dSLR's. Most super zoom digital camera's can get by with a linear polarizer which will cost a little less.

For those of you purchasing a polarizer, the Hoya HMC tends to be very well regarded because of the coatings used to reduce the amount of reflected light while minimizing reflection. For capturing the sky, landscape photography, cutting glass or water reflections, and cutting glare - the Hoya does a pretty good.

Caring for filters with multiple coatings such as the HMC requires that you make sure to follow the manufacturers recommendations, typically suggesting owners stick with no cleaning agents or those specifically designed to lift oils without eroding the coatings. In my experience, a combination of blower, brush, and soft cotton microweave cloth are all you need to keep the filter clean but for tougher issues like salt water spray, a clean and soft cloth that is moistened with tap water will help return the filter back to great condition. My first Hoya HMC was actually ruined because I tried to muscle out salt water spray which had dried on the filter, between the ruined coatings, scratches, and tiny pits this low cost but important accessory was ruined.

I have used this polarizer now for a few months on both my Canon 18-55 mm zomm and 55-250 mm zoom without encountering any issue. It turns the sky really blue and prevents reflection on water and other reflective surfaces without any vignetiing whatever focal length I have used.

The pictured SILVER box HMC polarizer should be what you receive. Crawfords Superstore (fulfilled by Amazon) sent a BLUE box standard polarizer instead (not the high quality HMC multicoated lens). They did place a barcode sticker on the back which states "HMC" but if you look at the edge of the lense, you can clearly see that it is not labeled HMC. Oh, and you get to pay the return postage even though it is their mistake. Great product (4-5 stars), if you get what you order (due to service, I give them 1 star).

I cant give a product review of this Hoya polarizer. The reason being that what is advertized on the website didn't match what I got, and it was returned promptly. The website clearly states that This is a Hoya HMC (multicoated) polarizer. What I got was the lower priced non HMC model thats made in the Philippines and not Japan. That is a huge misrepresentation! I don't blame Amazon. I've been very happy with everything that I've purchased directly from Amazon. I do blame Crawfords Superstore, for slapping on a cheap sticker on the back of the filter case and calling it HMC. Again, this is not a review of the product, but a review of the seller.

When I was shopping for a circular polarizer for my new Canon G12, I printed off the negative reviews regarding Crawfords Superstore advertising one filter, but shipping an inferior/different product. Sure enough, the exact same thing happened to me. Blue box with a filter made in the Philippines, NOT the HMC filter I ordered. +1 on what Tempesst had to say. Amazon, you need to address this problem, this is an unacceptable practice.

Like several other reviewers here, I too was taken in by Crawford's bait and switch tactic - I ordered a Hoya multi-coated, HMC circular polarizer, but was sent the inferior single-coated version. I'm amazed that,even after considerable negative feedback, Crawford continues this deceptive practice. It also appears that Amazon condones this fraudulent behavior since they do nothing to correct it. I suspect the folks at Amazon don't even bother to look at these customer reviews, Amazon's policy seems to be don't bother us with your complaints - you're on your own.

Amazon needs to really specify which level of filter you are receiving. In the picture it shows a HMC level filter, yet when I ordered mine I got one in a blue packaging (which I assume to be standard). So be careful which version you buy because its a real shot in the dark with this filter. That aside, the filter itself is good just like most Hoya products. It does what its advertised to do, which is darken things like the sky and reduce reflections. Before you buy this understand that this is gonna make you lose a couple stops when shooting. The only complaint I have about this filter is that on my canon 18-55 kit lens, every time I want to move the outer ring, it screws up my focus. Its a good filter to have especially if you shoot outdoors a lot just beware of what version you are buying.

This circular polarizer works great with my Digital Rebel T2i. I have a 75-300 lens in addition to the IS lens that comes with it. It screws right onto either one and you can visibly see the changes in reflections on water and glass as you rotate the filter. I will definitely purchase other Hoya filters when the time comes.

Another vendor who switches Product to a lower quality is Amazon Warehouse Deals. Ordered a Hoya 58mm HMC Circular Polarizer Filter and received a Hoya Cir-PL. Make sure you look for the letters HMC on the box and on the actual product. AMAZON SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE THIRD PARTY VENDORS WHO WILLFULLY TRY TO CHEAT THE CUSTOMER!