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Polarizing filters test - supplement

9 October 2009
Szymon Starczewski

4. Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm

Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm
Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm
Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm
Price: 120 PLN


Not so long ago the Fomei company enlarged its offer by adding a new polarizing filter Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer. As it is described by the Polish distributor, the filter was made of high quality glass, covered with multi-layered, anti-reflexive coatings MC (multicoating). The WDG Circular Polarizer is available in diameters ranging from 52 mm to 77mm and the 72 mm specimen, tested by us, costs about 120 PLN.


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Results of the test

Transmission and extinction coefficient
Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm

Red color extinction coefficient: 5.04E-2 - Score: 0/4
Green color extinction coefficient: 1.23E-2 - Score: 0.5/4
Blue color extinction coefficient: 1.51E-2 - Score: 0.5/4
Mean transmission of the whole spectrum: 43.52% - Score: 3/3
Score:
4/15
Flares
Without filter
Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm

With filter
Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm

Score:
3.75/7.5
Scattering
Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm

Luminance: 28.1
Score:
4.51/5
Vignetting
Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm

Edge darkening: 2.75%
Score:
4.03/5
Homogeneity
Polarizing filters test - supplement - Fomei WDG Circular Polarizer 72 mm

Noticeable streaks
Score:
3/5
Final score
Final score:
19.29/37.5 pkt (51.4 %)

Usage

We didn’t experience any problems during the test. The filter is solidly build, the ring moves lightly with even resistance.

Summary

Final result: 19.29/37.5 points. The filter would be almost at the end of the overall ranking (18th place). The transmission curve is flat for most of the visible spectrum range. The extinction coefficient of 1/100 is rather bad. The mean transmission exceeded 40% so the filter doesn’t absorb more light than it is necessary. The C1 and C2 graphs indicate that we’re dealing with a zero-order quarter-wave plate designed for the middle of visible spectrum. The charts’ slopes are rather steep so the polarizer is circular only for a small spectrum range.

By and large, the Fomei filter doesn’t stand out from the others. To justify its purchase the price should be low.

The tested filter was lent courtesy of the Medikon Poland company.