Review: Tiffen Low Light Polarizer (rotating)

It may seem overkill to write a review on a filter, but the bottom line is, there doesn’t seem to be much valuable information out there concerning these rather expensive accessories. So, today I am reviewing the Tiffen Low Light Polarizer.

Tiffen is probably the first name that comes to mind when considering a filter purchase. Their domestically manufactured products are a good value, if not aways the best performer. However, their innovation in offering unique products keeps them in the game.

The Low Light Polarizer (rotating) is one of those innovations. It’s a mild polarizer combined with Tiffen’s noted 812 warming filter. It’s uncoated, so it’s easy to clean, although susceptible to flaring. It has some useful applications, as long as full-strength polarization isn’t one of them. Tiffen also offers a non-rotating version of this filter, who’s applications seem to be somewhat limited.

Build Quality
It seems to be a step above the average Tiffen build quality. The satin black anodized finish is consistent, and the tampo printing of acceptable but not outstanding quality.

Optical Quality
There’s practically no light loss, giving the filter a similar appearance to a warming filter. The warm tone is quite pleasing, but the affect of the polarizer is subtle at best. It adds very slight contrast and saturation, and helps to reduce, albeit slightly, reflections in glass and shiny surfaces. It’s quite susceptible to flaring though, so a lens hood and avoidance of shooting toward a light source are recommended.

Usability
The rear threads do not bind on installation. However, the shallow front threads may cause a stacked filter to bottom out on the retaining ring that secures the glass even though there’s enough depth for a secure attachment.  The knurled stationary ring is a nice touch making installation and removal easier. The moveable ring is smooth and heavily damped; however, it’s only knurled on the front edge, making rotation a little more difficult than it need be.

Value
This is a useful filter with unique qualities at a reasonable price, making it a good value.

The Bottom Line
I would classify this as a protection or warming filter with polarizing qualities, as polarization is clearly not its forté. As such, its subtle enhancing qualities make this filter quite useful, and at it’s low price point, a good value. You can safely keep it on your lens at all times to protect it and enhance its saturation, contrast and UV resistance with only a minor sacrifice in speed. However, if you’re looking for a full-on polarizer with low-light capabilities, I would suggest the Hoya HRT Circular Polarizer, which transmits approximately 1/3 stop (25%) more light than traditional polarizers. But it will cost you over three times as much as this filter.