Are all UV(0) filters equal

[nito]

I've been look at various sites for UV(0) and cir polarisers for my lens. Noticed that there are essentially two ranges and price point from Hoya which are filters with HMC and super HMC pro.

Question is does it really make much difference if you have a HMC filter vs non HMC. I cant find an comparisions available, so was wondering what are the member's experience with regard to this subject.

Thanks

[birddog114]

They are all difference, Hoya Multicoated and Non multi coated.

[nito]

which would you prefer birddog? And why

[stubbsy]

Nito - the idea is that the multi coating reduces relected light

here's a quote from Ken Rockwell (not my favourite reviewer, but the explanation is good)

Multicoated is better than single coated, which is better than uncoated, but the results are not usually visible at all.

The only time you may see a difference is if you have a bright light or the sun shining directly into the lens. In some of these cases you may get less ghosts and reflections from the filters with the better coatings. Otherwise there is no visible difference.

99.9% of the time there is no difference.

Unlike coated or multicoated filters, you can clean uncoated filters in a sink with any kind of soap and water. You can do this in a filling station rest room, but not if the filters are coated.

I prefer Hoya HMC filters whenever I can get them, although the multicoated filters really show even the smallest amount of crud on them. Remember that the reason the crud stands out on a multicoated filter so much more than on an uncoated filter is because the reflections from the uncoated filter hide the crud. A dirty multicoated is still better than an uncoated filter, even though as the crud gets deeper the difference goes away.

I use 100% Methyl Alcohol, Reagent ACS grade, to clean my lenses and filters.

[poiter86]

I believe another difference is the prescence or lack of front thread that accepts normal lens caps.

I have a couple of Hoya super HMC pro1 filters which have front femail threads which conveniently take normal lens caps. I also have a Hoya 'super quality' CPL that does not have a front thread and therefore will not carry a normal lens cap & only takes a push on cap which i find a little annoying at times.

Cheers,

Pete

[ozonejunkie]

I have used both the HMC and non HMC Hoya filters, and I would strongly reccommend the HMC version. They are not that much more expensive (at least on eBay!), and in my experience have a lot less flare.

Just my $0.02
Tristan

[nito]

Thanks for the replies, esp Tristan's. Basically a HMC filter would suit a lens with flare problems like the 70-200 VR and ebay is the best place to purchase.

[birddog114]

I believe another difference is the prescence or lack of front thread that accepts normal lens caps.

I have a couple of Hoya super HMC pro1 filters which have front femail threads which conveniently take normal lens caps. I also have a Hoya 'super quality' CPL that does not have a front thread and therefore will not carry a normal lens cap & only takes a push on cap which i find a little annoying at times.

Cheers,

Pete

Peter,
We're talking about UV filter not CPL.