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Polarizing filters test

10 August 2009
Szymon Starczewski

17. Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm

Polarizing filters test - Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm
Polarizing filters test - Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm
Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm
Price: 135 PLN


One of the most famous producers of photographic filters, ocular lenses, contact lenses and other optical components. It was established in Japan in 1941. The fact that it absorbed Pentax at the end of March, 2008, may prove its power. In UV filters test Hoya had three first places in the overall ranking and four in the econo-ranking. Now it’s time for circular polarizers, will Hoya be the dark horse again?

Results of the test

Transmission and extinction coefficient
Polarizing filters test - Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm


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Red color extinction coefficient: 8.14E-5 - Score: 4/4
Green color extinction coefficient: 9.78E-5 - Score: 4/4
Blue color extinction coefficient: 7.98E-3 - Score: 1/4
Mean transmission of the whole spectrum: 28.82% - Score: 0.76/3
Score:
9.76/15
Flares
Without filter
Polarizing filters test - Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm

With filter
Polarizing filters test - Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm

Score:
3/7.5
Scattering
Polarizing filters test - Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm

Luminance: 13.8
Score:
5/5
Vignetting
Edge darkening: 6%
Score:
2.22/5
Homogeneity
Polarizing filters test - Hoya PL-CIR 72 mm

Slight streakiness
Score:
4/5
Final score
Overall ranking: 14th place
Econo-ranking: 16th place
24/37.5 pts (64 %)
-1.19 pts

Usage

The ring turns smoothly. The filter didn’t create any problems. There’s the azimuth of polarization marker on the ring.

Summary

14th place in the overall ranking (24/37.5)
The transmission curve is flat up to 700 nm, at the end of the visible spectrum the transmission’s increase reaches 10%. The extinction coefficient of about 1/10000 is excellent for a foil polarizer. The filter records the best result of all here and may be the example to follow. However, the total transmission is the lowest among the tested filters. C1 and C2 graphs indicate that we’re dealing with a quarter-wave plate of zeroth order designed for the middle of visible spectrum. The final 14th place is a consequence of losing points mainly on flares and vignetting. If it hadn’t been for flares, this filter would be the best choice for working against really bright light.

Filter for tests was lent by Fotozakupy.pl