The B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter helps 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.
The Multi-Resistant Coating (MRC) is both an anti-reflection coating as well as a protective surface. It helps to increase light transmission by reducing reflections, scattered light, and ghosting. Additionally, it offers greater protection to the filter substrate and stays cleaner for longer than uncoated filters.
B+W filters are constructed from high quality Schott glass for increased optical clarity and color fidelity. They feature a brass filter ring for durability as well as jamming prevention.
| Type | Circular polarizer |
| Size | 77 mm |
| Filter Factor | About 2.5 (1.3 stops) |
| Multi-Coated | Yes, MRC (Multi-Resistant Coating) |
| Rotating | Yes |
| Effect | Eliminates reflections and haze and improves color and tonal saturation |
| Construction | Schott glass |
| Front Filter Thread Size | 77 mm |
| Front Lens Cap Size | 77 mm |
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Most Liked Positive Review
A durable, well-constructed filter
I use polarizer filters for almost every outdoor shot, half of my indoor shots, and a notable amount of my studio still-life shots. Why? Because I value crisp light, deep blues and rich...Read complete review
I use polarizer filters for almost every outdoor shot, half of my indoor shots, and a notable amount of my studio still-life shots. Why? Because I value crisp light, deep blues and rich greens. With a polarizer, you can just “dial” the clouds into crispness, the water into translucence, and make colors more vivid. Of course, you can get some of this back in post processing, but why not capture more of what you want in the RAW file?
B+W make great filters, and their Circular Polarizer Multi-Coated filter is one of the best I’ve used. For sunny, outside shots I highly recommend the multi-coating, which reduces the artifacts caused by the filter itself. (Remember, since you must rotate the filter, you may find it inconvenient to keep your lens shade on--especially when shooting quickly.) Overcast or indoor shots are less likely to produce such ghosting artifacts.
I’ve found the B+W film coating to be more scratch-resistant than the Hoya filter coatings, so they last longer and can be cleaned with less concern about damage. Though not a “Kaesemann” filter, these filters are tight yet dust and moisture resistant for all non-extreme conditions. I find the B+W Circular Polarizer Multi-Coated filter to provide just the right balance between ease of operation and weather resistance.
For those worried about the 1.3 stop loss, consider the payback: color and contrast over haze and glare. The 1.3 stop of light loss is easily compensated for by using a fast lens and/or increasing the ISO.
One last consideration: I prefer the regular threaded filter to the “Slim” version for most lenses because I leave the polarizer on my lens and prefer the lens caps that “snap-in” to this threaded part, rather than the plastic cover that presses over the “thin” filter. I always lose the press-on covers and don’t have ready replacements. However, at the widest angle on wide angle lenses, you may get vignetting from the regular filter. Then a “thin” filter is best.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Kind of Pricey for what you get
The surface stains rather easily and is somewhat difficult to wipe clean. The overall polarizing effect is not as noticeable as I had hoped for compared to other less expensive polarizer filters I have used...Read complete review
The surface stains rather easily and is somewhat difficult to wipe clean. The overall polarizing effect is not as noticeable as I had hoped for compared to other less expensive polarizer filters I have used in the past.
It does feel solid and is a bit heavier than it looks. I'm assuming that it is better constructed than less expensive filters judging solely by its weight.
Major item missing is a small notch making the rotating ring easier to use. It is too easy to touch the front glass while rotating the ring, and wiping the finger print smudges is not easy to do.
I noticed that all of my images have a slight bluish cast to them with this filter attached.
While I checked off that I would recommend this to a friend, I would advise my friend to look for a less expensive filter first, but if he or she wants a slightly better built filter then go for this one.
Reviewed by 104 customers
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
I use this everyday
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
This circular polarizer is awesome! It is optically crisp and polarizes light extremely well. It does cast a bluish tint, especially in bright sunlight. This is ok though since I want my skies blue on sunlit days. I have heard that polarizers from other brands have the same issue. The filter feels solid with the brass ring, and there is a nice amount of tension in the ring. It just feels good. I highly recommend this filter.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
Quality built product, exactly as described.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
This is the first B+W filter I have purchased. Once I received, was very surprised at the quality! I will be purchasing more in the future for my other sized lens.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
This filter will add 'Woah' to your images. Great blues and reflection is dramatically reduced. Can double as neutral density filter too. Be careful not to over saturate your 'Blues'
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
As with every piece of equipment I buy, I researched and tested this filter (as well as several others) for several weeks prior to purchasing. On my Canon lenses (and particularly my L's), the B+W 77mm MRC Circular Polarizer Filter did a LOT more to add zing to my pictures than any other filter. You should get a "Circular" Polarizer Filter if you are shooting with an autofocus camera - "Linear" Polarizing Filters apparently interfere with the autofocus process. This filter is crystal clear, goes on and off easily, and is well-built. I would use nothing less on my lenses as great glass deserves - great glass!
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
It's hard to shoot in glaring haze or see through water streams without sky light reflection. If you've never used a polarizer, this is a great one to have in your gear. Your camera will capture a whole new world you haven't seen before.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
On the surface, I downgraded when I bought this filter. But I didn't want the tough-to-unscrew thinner version that I used to have and this one accepts a standard Canon lens cap. In addition to being less money, it's just more convenient to use. And although it's only been on the 7d a few days, so far I just haven't noticed any difference in photo quality.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
This solidly built brass filter screwed on easily and rotated without binding to find the best angle of polarization. I was surprised to find how dark it was - really had to bump up my exposure to compensate for it.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
Filter is fine, an expensive (in size 77 mm) but necessary accessory. I've bought several products from B & H. Price is at least in line with other first rank web stores and communication and service always excellent. The products always arrive when promised.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
Works as expected, good glass.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
Man, I love this filter. Works and looks great!
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
It is well made n not plastic feeling. Will protect lens well. I like b & w quality.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
A high quality, sturdy, typical B & W product.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
I USE THE POLARIZER TO ELIMINATE GLARE & ENHANCE COLORS.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
great product recommended by the B and H photo customer service rep...explained it very clearly why I should not buy the more expensive ideas (which he said it didn't make any sense). trusted him completely and took his time out for great service.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
I couldn't believe how beautiful the skies looked in my photos while using this filter. It really offers amazing contrast that you can't get without having a filter.
The only negative thing I could say about this filter is that it's really tough to unscrew from the lens.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
About as good as it gets.
Most polarizers degrade an image very slightly, noticeable on fine details at 100% viewing, but the B+W degrades noticeably less than most, including some from camera manufacturers.
It's worth a few bucks more for the best sharpness.
This particular version is not for extremely wide angle lenses, but works fine on most lenses, including my 24-70mm. B+W makes one that is thinner for very wide angle lenses, but this one is a little easier to screw on and take off the lens because it's not so thin.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
Taking photos at the rain forest and the beach with this filter is fantastic. The colors are extremely vivid. There is nothing that I can complain about this filter.
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Comments about B+W 77mm Circular Polarizer MRC Filter:
I bought this filter for my Canon 70-200 mm IS II USM glass. It's worth the price, not so expensive, works perfectly.
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