Top CPL Filter Brands for Stunning Photography: An Essential Guide

Capturing the perfect photograph often requires the right accessories, and a CPL filter can greatly enhance the quality by reducing glare and improving color saturation. With a myriad of brands available, choosing the best CPL filter can be overwhelming. From renowned names like Hoya and B+W to innovative newcomers such as Breakthrough Photography, each brand offers distinct features to match specific needs. To help you make an informed decision, explore our comprehensive list of the best CPL filter brands below.

Illustration of cpl filter

Best brands of cpl filter in 2025

B+W

B+W is renowned as one of the top producers of circular polarizing (CPL) filters, consistently ranking high in tests for their excellent optical quality and durable coatings. In the 2015 polarizing filters test, B+W filters dominated the top places, with the B+W Circular-Pol MRC securing the second position, highlighting their reliability and performance over the years. Their filters are known for high light transmission levels, with some models reaching a higher medium light transmission level, especially in the short-wave end of the spectrum. The brand's reputation for quality is further underscored by their long-standing presence in the market, maintaining good results even after several years. B+W filters are a preferred choice among photographers due to their superior coatings and minimal artifacts.

Hoya

Hoya is renowned as one of the top producers of circular polarizing (CPL) filters, consistently ranking high in tests for their quality and performance. In a 2015 test, the Hoya Fusion Antistatic CIR-PL emerged as the winner, praised for its excellent extinction coefficients and homogeneity, even in the challenging violet spectrum. Hoya's filters have maintained their high standards over the years, reflecting the company's strong quality control and production standards. The brand's dominance in the market is further underscored by its presence in the growing global glass filter market, which is projected to reach USD 9.58 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.24% from 2024 to 2034. Hoya's commitment to high-quality optics is evident in their products, making them a trusted choice among photographers.

Tiffen

Tiffen, a renowned brand with over 80 years of experience, is a significant player in the circular polarizer (CPL) filter market. Although it has faced some criticism regarding the quality of its filters in comparison to other brands like B+W and Marumi, Tiffen remains a popular choice among filmmakers and photographers due to its long history and wide range of products. However, in some tests, Tiffen's CPL filters have shown lower performance in terms of optical quality and extinction coefficient compared to more affordable options like Marumi and Kenko. Despite this, Tiffen's filters are still widely used and respected in the industry. The global CPL market, which includes Tiffen, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2024 to 2030.

Lee Filters

Lee Filters, a renowned brand with over 50 years of experience, is a leading producer of high-quality camera polarizing filters, including circular polarizing (CPL) filters. Known for their precision and durability, Lee Filters' products are favored by professional cinematographers and photographers. Their filters are available in a wide range of applications, from set lighting to outdoor photography, and are recognized for their consistent accuracy and long-lasting performance. As part of the Panavision company, Lee Filters continues to innovate and expand its product line, such as the recent launch of the LEE Elements series. This commitment to quality and innovation solidifies their position as a top choice in the camera polarizing filter market.

Heliopan

Heliopan is renowned as one of the top producers of circular polarizer (CPL) filters, known for their high-quality and durable products. The Heliopan Circular Polarizer Filter, such as the 60mm variant, is highly regarded for its excellent light transmission and minimal color cast, making it a favorite among professional photographers. With a strong focus on environmental sustainability and technological advancements, Heliopan maintains a significant market presence, particularly in Europe where it holds a notable revenue share. For instance, the European market, where Heliopan is prominent, accounted for around 29.4% of the residential filters market revenue in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 4.5% until 2032. Heliopan's commitment to quality and innovation ensures that their CPL filters meet the highest standards in the photography industry.

NiSi

NiSi is renowned as one of the best producers of Circular Polarizing (CPL) filters, particularly with their True Color Pro Nano CPL, which boasts a polarization efficiency of 99.95% and features a nano-coating that is both oleophobic and hydrophobic. This filter eliminates glare and reflections, enhances color and tonal saturation, and maintains true color without any warming cast. The ultra-slim two-color frame design reduces vignetting and allows for easy installation and removal. NiSi's Cine Sealed Technology ensures durability and prevents condensation, making it suitable for various weather conditions. With its high-quality aluminum construction and advanced Pro Nano coating, NiSi's CPL filters are a top choice for landscape and other photography applications.

Marumi

Marumi is renowned as one of the best producers of circular polarizing (CPL) filters, particularly with their DHG Super Circular PL model, which stands out for its color neutrality, enhanced durability, and water-, oil-, and fingerprint-resistant coatings. This filter is available in 16 different sizes, from 37mm to 105mm, and is praised for its smooth rotation action and attractive pricing, such as the 82mm filter available for around £67/$110. Marumi's filters have consistently ranked high in tests, with the DHG Super Circular PL model showcasing a transmittance of 33% and a filter factor of 3.0x, which translates to a 1.6-stop reduction in exposure.

Breakthrough Photography

Breakthrough Photography is renowned as one of the best producers of circular polarizer (CPL) filters, known for their exceptional optical clarity and color neutrality. Their X4 CPL filter, in particular, stands out for its use of SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass and 16 layers of anti-reflective multi-coatings, making it highly resistant to water, finger oils, and scratches. Introduced after a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, Breakthrough filters have made a significant impact on the market with their superior quality and durability. The X4 CPL is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and is backed by a 25-year ironclad warranty, ensuring long-term performance. This filter is especially favored by landscape photographers for its ability to enhance color saturation and reduce glare. For a detailed comparison, check out Breakthrough's X2 vs. X4 filter analysis.

Kenko

Kenko is renowned as one of the top producers of circular polarizing (CPL) filters, known for their high-quality and performance. The Kenko PRO1D Wide Band C-PL(W) 72 mm filter, for instance, scored 28.3 out of 37.5 in a comprehensive test, ranking 4th overall, and demonstrated excellent homogeneity and a mean transmission of 30.37% across the whole spectrum. For a detailed analysis and test results, visit the Kenko filter test page.

Singh-Ray

Singh-Ray is renowned as one of the best producers of circular polarizing (CPL) filters, known for their high-quality optical resolution and color fidelity. Their LB "Lighter, Brighter" Neutral Circular Polarizers are 2/3 of a stop faster than comparable filters, enhancing creative flexibility without sacrificing performance. These filters are ideal for landscape, handheld, sports, and wildlife photography, offering superior control over glare and reflection while boosting shadow detail and local contrast. The Singh-Ray Infused Neutral Polarizer, for instance, provides an 8% color saturation of reds, greens, and neutral tones, ensuring clean and true colors. These filters are highly regarded by top outdoor photographers for their ability to produce dramatic and impactful images.