Used CPL / polarising filters

A CPL is one of the few filter effects you can't replicate afterwards in editing, so it deserves a permanent place in your bag. A used one from a good brand gives you practically the same performance as new, for considerably less money — provided the glass and the coating are in good shape.

What to look out for when buying used

The most important thing is the condition of the glass and the coating: check for scratches, marks and fingerprints that have worn into the coating. Give the polarising ring a turn — it should move smoothly but not too loosely. Also pay attention to the thread, so the filter fits on your lens without binding. With us, every filter is professionally inspected and its condition honestly described, so you know what you're getting.

The right size and the right type

Buy a filter that exactly matches your lens's filter size. If you have several lenses with different sizes, you can take the largest filter and work with step-up rings. Popular models at the moment are the B+W 58mm F-Pro Circular Polariser MRC Filter for light all-round use, the Hoya 67mm HD Cir-Pol Filter as a compact travel option and the B+W 77mm F-Pro MRC Circular Polariser Filter for larger wide-angle lenses. Slim (slim/XS-Pro) versions are nice on wide-angle lenses because they counter vignetting. Besides CPL, our filters section also has ND filters for long shutter speeds and UV filters as a protective layer for your front element.

Who it's for

Especially interesting for landscape, travel and architecture photographers, and for anyone who has to deal with bright light and reflections outdoors. Every filter comes with at least 12 months' warranty and a 14-day right of return, so you can take your time to try out whether the effect and the fit are right.