Photoclubalpha

I just noticed, browsing through lists of filters, that some are referred to as 'digital'

eg:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-Digital-Ci ... 507&sr=8-3

as opposed to

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-67mm-Circu ... 07&sr=8-10

Can anyone advise as to wether a DSLR needs the former 'digital' one, and why?

Finally, being a frugal person of limited financial means, why shouldn't I just go with..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/ZE-FLK67-Profes ... 01&sr=8-44

Thanks for any help/advice you can offer.

Ewannawe wrote:Can anyone advise as to wether a DSLR needs the former 'digital' one, and why?

There is no such thing as a 'polarizer for digital.' Or actually, there is---but that's just the same as for analog.

-- Olaf

So does anyone know why they call it that, and why the difference in price if they're ostensibly the same thing?

They're referring to the latest "digital era" lens coatings to reduce reflections and increase contrast. Also, "digital" is a good buzzword.

As Kevin says, the latest filters have addtional coatings that are supposed to help on cameras which have digital sensors rather than using film. Also as Kevin says, some of it is probably just marketing. There are a couple of useful older threads on the topic of polarisers ...

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... =32&t=2611

... and UV filters ...

http://www.photoclubalpha.com/forum/vie ... =27&t=2354

... which may be useful. I think referring to a circular polarizer as "digital" may just be a way of distinguishing from a linear polarizer.

I usually go with Hoya filters and get them on reliable HK suppliers on eBay. I suspect most of the well known brands (see DK's list in the second link) are good. I recently bought a Kenko CPL filter for my slot in filter system (e.g. Cokin) as it was reasonably priced and it seems good to me (no imperical testing though).

Oh thank you very much. That's answered all my questions and then some. You've just made it to the top of my Xmas card list.