A few years ago I bought a Sigma circular polarizer based on an online review that tested many polarizers at the time. It was around fifty bucks as I recall. Last year I decided to buy a pricey Heliopan since I assumed it would perform better with my L series lenses. It was around two hundred bucks as I recall (though Adorama shows it currently at one hundred seventy five). I own three Canon L lenses and thankfully all three take a 77mm filter. Both of the filters I have are slim mount to prevent vignetting on wide angle lenses. The Sigma case says DG Ultra-Low Reflection Multi-Coating. The Heliopan case says Circular High Transmission SH-PMC. Interestingly, the cheaper Sigma actually has the better case. Though both are square hard plastic cases with hinge mounts, the Sigma has a raised plastic circle inside the bottom that holds the filter in place. The Heliopan lacks this and the filter slides around within the square.
Though I have been using the Heliopan exclusively since I got it, I decided to do a side-by-side comparison this afternoon. These are quick test shots and not artistic shots (nothing I would keep), so please don't use them to judge my photographic ability!
Though I have been using the Heliopan exclusively since I got it, I decided to do a side-by-side comparison this afternoon. These are quick test shots and not artistic shots (nothing I would keep), so please don't use them to judge my photographic ability!