On Wed, 5 Jun 2002 00:29:03 -0700 (PDT), bigrocketman3@webtv.net (Steve McDonald) wrote:

> Regarding filters, don't confuse price with quality. There seems
>to be less positive correlation with these two factors concerning
>filters, than with any other type of video equipment. I'll take my $12.
>Hoya filters anyday, over $52. ones from B&W. I unloaded my wallet for
>several B&W ND and UV filters once, @$52. to $80. for 52mm to 77mm
>sizes. The multi-coatings on them all wore out in patches, just from
>normal, gentle cleaning, over no more than a year of use. Their
>coatings also seem to be easily scratched. My Hoya NDs and UVs give me
>unflawed images and some I bought 13 years ago are still perfectly good.

I generally recommend the single-coated, metal-rimmed
version of Hoya as the best buy in filters (excellent
quality at low prices). I avoid Tiffen when possible
(they tend to "self fog" in a few months, are often
uncoated, often are multi-layered "sandwiches" instead
of the glass being colored, and have sometimes-awkward
deep rims). I avoid the expensive brands, since there
is rarely a real advantage over Hoya...