Review of B+w Xs-pro Htc Kaesemann Circular Polarizer With Multi-resistant Nano Coating

Many unlike lens filters for photography are steadily existence replaced with multiple-exposure camera tricks and post-processing software tools. However, one filter more resistant to this change is the circular polarizer (CPL). This special tool filters the lite entering a lens in means that software has yet to exist able to mimic realistically. The resulting images when using a CPL are more than saturated with color due to cutting down reflections of haze, water, and other surfaces in the world effectually us. In this review, I take a look specifically at the B+W XS-Pro KSM HTC-Politician MRC-Nano Filter.

These B+W XS-Pro CPLs are constructed using Schott glass, Kaesemann polarizing foils, and brass filter rings. Together, these should provide proper optical clarity and accurate, neutral color reproduction. The drinking glass has a number of anti-reflective coatings to reduce internal ghosting and reflections, something that cropped up in certain lighting when I used cheap CPLs. Information technology likewise features a multi-resistant blanket (MRC) with a top "Nano" blanket which equates to easier cleaning and hopefully a longer lasting clean from grit and dirt floating around.

To avoid vignetting while attached to the lens, the CPL'south outer diameter is designed to be wider than the filter thread size. Depending on 1'southward lens, this tin interfere with mounting a lens hood. For me using a Sony lxx–400mm G II lens, this meant I would need to accept the bayonet-style lens hood off, install the CPL, and so refit the lens hood.

In use, I plant the B+West XS-Pro CPL to exist more strong than what I'd prefer for rotating the filter and irresolute polarization forcefulness. This may be a testament to how well it's sealed, simply it tin can all the same be a usability issue when I needed to spin it using only one finger through the lens hood window of my Sony telephoto. Instead of playing a game of "will it movement," I but opted to always become from the front of the lens hood with my fist of fingers (blocking the view) to get it correct quicker.

Another issue with this circular polarizer is that it can be quite difficult to remove from the lens. On more than one occasion I felt like an idiot in public footling with trying to remove the filter for an embarrassingly long amount of time. I swear, people, I know how my camera works! Don't look at me like that! Subsequently a while it tin make i outset to question which fashion it'due south supposed to exist turning, but to kickoff going back and forth a few rotations each while onlookers punch the constabulary. I'one thousand unsure if this is something that volition ameliorate years downwardly the line as the lenses and filter adapt to each others tolerances. I promise so.

The "high transmission" portion of its proper noun refers to the corporeality of light immune through. Depending on what your intentions are with this filter, this may be an extremely important item. If a polarizing filter has outstanding optical clarity, why ever remove information technology? Well, these filters knock out some of the calorie-free as it's being polarized before it reaches the photographic camera sensor. That means lower shutter speeds or higher ISO settings. The B+West XS-Pro CPL'due south product sheet promises 99.5% transmittance for its Kaesemann foils, or up to 1.5 stops of light loss. In my shooting, I saw about a one finish divergence betwixt having the filter on versus off. That'southward peachy at all when it comes to CPLs, and another expanse where the inexpensive filters struggle to keep upwards. None of this actually matters, however, if the programme all forth is to mainly apply the filter for cases such as knocking out reflections in long exposure flowing water images, and may fifty-fifty be seen as a negative.

The optical quality while photographing through this filter was very satisfying. My previous cheap screw-on filter had real issues with ghosting that drove me nuts because it was impossible to detect on the viewfinder and just became apparent at full scale on the computer. With the B+W XS-Pro CPL, everything I was getting from the naked lens was appearing sharp and articulate every bit always with it installed, even on a higher resolution 42-megapixel photographic camera.

The full power of a CPL filter.

At that place was very piddling polarization hither as the sun was backside me rather than at xc-degrees from my scene. Nevertheless, there's still some subtle improvements betwixt the on and off images.

What I Liked

• Doesn't appear to affect image sharpness or clarity.
• MRC-Nano blanket makes it easy to wipe clean.
• Practiced transmission of low-cal; One terminate difference in my use.

What I Didn't Like

• Difficult to remove.
• Rotating the polarization ring is overly stiff to engage.
• Interferes with some lens hoods.

While it suffers from some usability bug, I'g pleased with the final image output this polarizing filter produces. The B+W XS-Pro Kaesemann High Manual Circular Polarizer MRC-Nano Filter is priced at $102.50 and is available at present on B&H Photo.

Revision: A previous version of this article erroneously stated the filter came with a 10-year warranty. B+Westward has informed me this is no longer the case and is at present covered under a 1-year warranty.

hopkinswitheir.blogspot.com

Source: https://fstoppers.com/originals/fstoppers-reviews-bw-xs-pro-kaesemann-high-transmission-circular-polarizer-mrc-197923

Share this post