Hoya Ultra-Pro Polariser
Michael Topham tests a pro-spec screw-in polariser
ALTHOUGH the job of all polarising filters is the same, inasmuch as they’re designed to block out stray light rays, suppress reflections from the surface of water and intensify colours, you’ll often find subtle differences between various examples. In the case of the world’s biggest optical glassmaker, Hoya, photographers have three types of screw-in polariser filters to choose from. Hoya’s Ultra- Pro range is the company’s premium offering and sits above the cheaper NX-10 series and mid-range REVO polarising filters. The advantage of choosing Hoya’s Ultra- Pro filters is that they have the toughest glass construction, feature 16 layers of anti- reflective coatings and offer 25% greater light transmission. As well as the above, each filter is designed to repel water and oil while being scratch and stain resistant to give them the durability that’s required when shooting in the great outdoors.
At first glance, this filter doesn’t seem much different from a standard screw-in polariser. Compare it to older examples, though, and you’ll notice its thinner profile that helps to reduce the effects of vignetting at the edges when it’s paired with wideangle lenses. The rear-most part of the filter is ridged to make it easier to tighten. However, as is the case with all screw-in filters, it should never be over-tightened. The front section rotates with a pleasing level of resistance, and users of the filter can expect a three-stop reduction in light when it’s set to its maximum effect, whereas there’s just one-stop of light loss at its minimum effect.
Verdict
Inspecting shots taken with and without the filter clearly reveals that it does its job of overcoming reflections and enhancing colour very effectively. Blue skies and green foliage are considerably richer and more saturated when it’s attached, but like all polarisers it still requires refinement by the user out in the field to achieve the best results. Like all the great things in life, Hoya’s Ultra- Pro filters come at a high price (£230 for 77mm size), but rather than buying cheap and having to buy twice, you get reassurance that this is a product that’s made to last and will provide excellent service. If you want one of the finest examples of screw-in polariser that money can buy, you should look no further.