What circular polarizers are people using? Are you happy with them? Any issues with scratches, color shifts, or reliability?
The magnetic holder ones look convenient, but I worry about them falling off. I've got a set of extremely basic polarizers that I'm looking to replace with something higher quality for the landscape photography. Yep, they'll be going into sandy conditions and will be properly abused.
I use Hoya and NiSi, with water and scratches resistant, on my lenses but they do not last lifetime ! Thank You
I don't use circular polarizers very often (mostly for clouds in the sky). Because almost all my lenses are Nikkors, I bought a couple of Nikon Circular Polarizer II. I am pretty happy with them, but I have never used them in tough situations (sand, dust, water,...), so I am not sure how well they would handle such elements.
I used to use circular screw-on filters mainly from Hoya, which I found to be good. I typically use ND filters (10 stops or so) for long exposures and only occasionally a polarizer. I do think with those filters I loose a little bit of sharpness but I didn't really 'test' this (and even then, you would only see if you'd pixel-peep).
Last year I made the switch to a magnetic filter set by Kase (Kase Revolution). I really like using them - the set I got has this magnetic insert that goes in the 'inner' thread of the lens so it can stay there all the time. The holding force of the magnetic ring is quite high - I never worry that my filter will fall off. They are not cheap though, so I bought a set for the largest filter thread I have and use one or two step-up rings for my other lenses if I need them.
Other reason for using a magnetic set now is that I was tired of screwing them on and off all the time (I know, first world problems ;) - but using them is now much quicker and more convenient.
I mainly use Marumi DHG filters. No problem with them since now.
I use K&F Nano X series. Super slim to help minimize vignetting. In fact it's too thin and have trouble removing it. Need to snap a rubber band around it to get a good grip. So I'm also looking for recommendations. But for now they work very well in cutting the glare coming off the water and I do like the results.
I purchased a circular polarizer from Breakthrough Filters. I was so impressed with the quality of this filter that I also purchased a ND filter. They were for my Nikon 14-24mm f 2.8 S lens 112mm.
I mainly use Marumi DHG filters. No problem with them since now.
The Marumi DHG and Super DHG filters are excellent filters
I have an oder Tiffen circular polarizer I use the most. I typically keep it on a 24-200mm lens and take it off (or put it back on) when out hiking.
The one comment I would make is that they tend to get scratched more and more over time and need to be replaced. I have others with less untilization that normally don't see the wear of the 67mm one on my "walkabout" lens. (I'll be replacing the old Tiffen this year... it's time.)
Something to consider as they seem to get more abuse riding out in the front of the lens.
For high-quality circular polarizers, Breakthrough Photography and B+W are top choices—both offer excellent optics, minimal color shift, and strong scratch resistance. I personally use the Breakthrough X4 CPL, and it's held up well even in harsh conditions. Magnetic systems like Kase or Freewell are convenient, but in sandy or rugged environments, screw-on types are safer and more secure. If you’re shooting landscapes in tough conditions, go for a multi-coated, weather-sealed CPL with solid build quality.