Heliopan Circular Polarizers Reviews

Rating
Reviewed by:

Lthlwpn1979
( Intermediate)

Review Date
April 21, 2005

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
2 votes

Review 1 of 9

Price Paid: $60.00 from Adorama Camera

Summary:

After using Tiffen and Hoya filters I decided to go for quality and I don't regret it. The Ziess glass and brass rings are top quality and produce fine results. The ring on the CP is numbered to provide a marker for the level of polarization effect the filter has at that point. The construction is very sturdy (I got the filter stuck on a lens with damaged threading, scratched the paint getting it off but the filter still works like new). Now I only buy Heliopan unless I can't find what I'm looking for, then I go with B+W. The padding in the case keeps the filter from shaking around, which is nice when I go hiking.

Strengths:

Solid construction, very nice glass, ring numbered for polarizing level, case is protective.

Weaknesses:

More expensive than most, but you get what you pay for.

Similar Products Used:

Hoya, Tiffen

Customer Service:

Not needed.

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Rating
Reviewed by: Doug Andrews
(Expert)

Review Date
January 16, 2004

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
4 of 5

Used product for
More than 1 year

Review 2 of 9

Price Paid: $100.00 from B&H

Summary:

I'm convinced Heliopan make the best filters in the business. I started out with Tiffen, then tried B+W, and finally settled on Heliopan. Build quality is second to none. The brass ring is great, no binding. Much smoother in operation than B+W. Their coating process is better than B+W, no speckles or swirl marks. Graduated markings on the ring are great for pre-setting the amount of polarization. Flare, what flare. Pricey but worth it.

Strengths:

Build quality Brass ring Graduated markings Excellent coating process Smooth operation when turning

Weaknesses:

A little pricey

Similar Products Used:

Tiffen B+W

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Rating
Reviewed by: rayrobinson
(Expert)

Review Date
August 1, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Review 3 of 9

Price Paid: $150.00 from SE Camera Raleigh, N

Summary:

Finally got around to replacing my big 77mm polarizer with this gem available in slim mount from Heliopan. I am completely convinced that this is the finest circular polarizer available. Sharp as a razor with very true color rendition. did notice a very very slight warm tone that I like for my type of photography. Does not vignette with my 18mm lens!! From now on I will never again consider a filter from another manufacturer. These are truly the best available.

Strengths:

Schott (Carl Zeiss) glass. Brass rings. Rings are marked in numbers to represent amount/degree of polarization.

Weaknesses:

NONE

Similar Products Used:

Nikon, Hoya, Tiffen, Sunpak

Customer Service:

Very Friendly

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Rating
Reviewed by: Lthlwpn1979
(Intermediate)

Review Date
July 21, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5,
1 votes

Review 4 of 9

Price Paid: $80.00 from adorama

Summary:

The Heliopan CP is an extreamly fine piece of gear. It has solid construction and rotates smoothly. The outer ring has markings to indicate the level darkening you want, which is a great bonus because you can tell what the filter's set at by looking at the ring. The filter cases are sturdy and have good padding.

Strengths:

Solid construction Markings on outer ring Solid cases

Weaknesses:

none

Similar Products Used:

Hoya Tiffen

Customer Service:

Not needed

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Rating
Reviewed by: rbuckman
(Intermediate)

Review Date
July 11, 2003

Overall Rating
5 of 5

Value Rating
5 of 5

Used product for
1 to 3 months

Visitors rate this review
4.20 of 5,
1 votes

Review 5 of 9

Price Paid: $60.00 from B&H

Summary:

I bought the Heliopan circular pol for my Nikon N80 and an upcoming trip to Alaska. I shot mainly negative film (prints) and the end result was everything I was hoping for in a polarizer. The contrast and colors of the pictures through Glacier Bay and College fjord turned out perfect and I'm happy that I bought a Heliopan. It's an outstanding filter.

Strengths:

brass threads thin..low profile scale markings Schott Glass (German)

Weaknesses:

none

Customer Service:

not used

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