The Hoya 55mm HD3 Circular Polarizer Filterhelps to reduce reflections and glare by filtering out light that has become polarized due to reflection from a non-metallic surface. The light from the sun naturally becomes partially polarized due to reflecting off electrons in air molecules, causing the light to scatter into what appears as haze. A polarizing filter arranges, and filters, this directionally polarized light perpendicularly to the reflected light, allowing for the absorption of much of this light. This results in a noticeable reduction of glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces and an increase in the saturation of skies and foliage.

A circular polarizer only differs from a linear polarizer in that it contains a quarter wave plane in addition to the linear polarizing filter. The addition of this quarter wave plane is to circularly polarize the linearly polarized light for the use of auto focus and exposure functions. Due to how the light is broken down and filtered with a linear polarizer, auto focus and exposure accuracy become skewed during use. When the light becomes circularly polarized, it permits the use of these functions.

While providing over 92% light transmission, 8 layers of anti-reflection nano coatings on each side, for a total of 16 layers, are applied to the Hoya 55mm HD3 Circular Polarizer Filter. These coatings offer a high degree of protection to the filter substrate and help it to stay clean for longer than uncoated filters. The nano coating formula associated with HD3 Circular Polarizer filters results in an improved beading effect when in contact with water for greater cleaning efficiency and is also effective with regard to oil and stains while also helping to prevent scratches.

Circular Polarizer Filter    2x Filter Factor, 1.0 Stop    Helps to Eliminate Reflections and Glare    Reduces Haze in Landscapes    Greater Color and Tonal Saturation    16-Layer Nano Multicoating    Optical Glass    Thin, Aluminum-Alloy Filter Ring    55mm Front Filter Threads    Plastic Case

Helps to reduce reflections and glare by filtering out light that has become polarized due to reflection from a non-metallic surface.

Polarizing filters arrange, and filter, directionally polarized light perpendicularly to the reflected light, allowing for the absorption of much of the light.

Clears up haze in distant landscapes and provides more saturated, vivid colors.

Strongest effect when used at a 90° angle from the sun.

Circular polarizers are ideal for use with digital cameras and autofocus lenses where a linear polarizer will often disrupt auto exposure and focus features.

8-layer nano multicoated on each side, for a total of 16 layers, for increased light transmission compared to uncoated glass.

Resistance coating provides an improved beading effect with water, oil, for more easier cleaning smudges and stains. The hard coating is durable enough to help prevent scuffs and scratches.

Approximately 92% average light transmission.

Constructed from optical glass for clarity and color fidelity.

2x filter factor reduces exposure by 1.0 stops.

Thin and durable aluminum-alloy filter ring minimizes the potential for vignetting when used with wide-angle lenses.

Plastic filter case for storage and transport.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Hoya XHD3-72CRPL have a front thread to use for lens cap?

A: Yes, the filter has a front thread for a snap on cap or a screw in cap.

Q: 2. How thick is the frame?

A: The HD3 Cir/Pol filter is 5mm thick.

Q: 3. I've purchased this but when I rotate it I see no difference in the image. I bought this to remove reflections from windows but they remain just as strong as when I don't have the filter on. Am I doing something wrong?

A: The light needs to be at least partially polarized for a polarizer like this to work. If you are looking straight at the window and trying to remove reflections from behind you will see the least effect. You can experiment by putting yourself and the reflection you want to remove at an angle to the glass and you should start seeing more of an effect. You should find it is quite sensitive to the angle of reflection.

Q: 4. Different Hoya Circular Polarizer Filters (NXT, HD2, etc) have different filter factors. Is the polarizing effect independent of that factor? Or to state it a different way, does the filter have two effects - polarizing & neutral density? So would a CP filter with a lower (smaller) filter factor be just as effective at the polarizing effect as one with a larger (bigger) filter factor?

A: That is actually a great question. My main experience is with B&W HTC polarizers and the Hoya HD3's. The Hoya HD3 has become my favorite polarizer because it is so bright and easy to use. I'm not sure if the degree of polarization is the same because of the extra brightness, but it works SO well that it does not seem to matter if there is a small loss in any way. Also, the HD3 goes very nicely from warm to cool as you rotate it which is very useful. When I go back to my B&W polarizer it works well only on bright days when there is a lot of light - so to put it bluntly, the HD3 will spoil you in every way and is worth the money.

Q: 5. Does this have front end filter threads such that a Lee adaptor can be put on?

A: This has front end threads

Q: 6. Would this circular polarizer cause vignetting on the low end of a 15-35mm zoom?

A: Due to its relatively thin profile, it should not cause vignetting on a 15-35mm. However, in the event there is some, it would be very, very minor.

Q: 7. Are the rings brass or aluminum? Are there front threads?

A: The rings are aluminum. Brass rings have a tendency to transfer any impact shock directly to the lens, while aluminum rings ill absorb most of the impact.

Q: 8. Hoya 82mm HD3 Circular Polarizer Filter and Hoya 82mm EVO Antistatic Circular Polarizer Filter. Which one is better and why? Why HD3 so expensive? Is the photos will be different?

A: The HD3 has harder coatings, and uses a higher quality polarization film.

Q: 9. Does this filter work with the normal lens caps, or does it require a slip-on cap?

A: As the Hoya 77mm HD3 Circular Polarizer Filter has 77mm front filter threads, yes, you may use a standard snap-on 77mm lens cap on the front of the filter.

Q: 10. Is this a better polarizing filter than the B+W 77mm XS-Pro Kaesemann High Transmission Circular Polarizer MRC-Nano Filter at half the price?

A: What you are paying for is quality. Hoya is one of the best companies making filters. With this one you getting all the best features Hoya can produce. The quality of the ring, the glass, the foils that make up the Polarizer, the works. The B+W, on the other hand is the finest they make in this size. Honestly, without comparing side by side, it is hard to make a determination. I suspect both will have outstanding performance and build quality and the in the long run, you will not lose with either.