Polarising Filter - Top Brands

A guide to the main polarising filters to consider

B+W

The German flair for making top quality optical glass exceeds even their penalty-taking prowess. Made by Schneider, B+W filters aren't cheap, but feel the weight of that Schott glass (made by Zeiss) and those hefty brass mounts and know you're getting a quality product. Choose from its basic polariser, its MRC multi-coated filter or its premium Kasemann range, in which the filters are polished plane-parallel and sealed against moisture ingress.

Hoya

The world's largest filter manufacturer recommends its Pro 1 Digital series for DSLR users. They feature low-profile, matte black frames housing optical glass which is multi-coated to reduce flare and reflections. There's also a more basic polariser for about half the price.

Lee

Beloved of pro landscape photographers everywhere, most Lee filters are hand-made from optical resin and are designed around Lee's 100mm filter holder. Lee produces two polarisers to fit it: a square 100x100mm filter and a round 105mm diameter one. Lee also produces a clip-on polariser for its smaller 75mm system.

Heliopan

The Heliopan range is very similar to the B+W range: made in Germany using Schott glass, brass mounts and with a Kasemann variant. However, Heliopan filters, which have traditionally been aimed more at the movie industry, are somewhat cheaper. 

Cokin

Cokin's circular polariser is actually circular. It fits into the rear slot of its holder and can be rotated within it. There are four sizes, to fit the A, P, X and Z series holders.

Tiffen

Better known in the US than the UK, Tiffen has been making filters for 60 years, and they are widely used in Hollywood. Tiffen's patented ColorCore technology involves laminating the filter material between sheets of optical glass.

Sigma

The biggest name in independent lenses also produces an EX DG circular polariser. It features a multi-layer coating and a low-profile mount to reduce vignetting. The range extends from 52mm to 105mm.

Other brands to consider:

Jessops

Kood

Formatt