Circular polarizers are rarely very newsworthy, but they are a very versatile tool for many photographers. PolarPro’s Arctic CP Filter Benjamin Hardman Series takes everything that we know about polarizer filters and aims to shake things up with a bold look and innovative design. If you’ve been looking for a CP filter that is easier to manage and ultra-thin to boot, read on, as this might be what you’ve been looking for.
PolarPro Arctic CP Filter: Ice Cold Design is Just the Tip of the Iceberg
In the spirit of transparency, when the news hit my inbox, I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. While the striking matte white finish on the rim of the filter absolutely grabbed my attention, circular polarizer filters aren’t exactly new in photography. Additionally, I often overlook many artist-corporation collaborations, as they often serve as an excuse to charge more for an existing product with a new color. However, after digging a little deeper, the new collaboration between PolarPro and polar landscape photographer Benjamin Hardman may make capturing crisp, color-accurate photos easier when using a polarizer filter. According to PolarPro, the Arctic CP filter allows half the light of other CP filters, allowing photographers to use this filter even in situations where other filters might render your scene too dark. Additionally, PolarPro states that their new Arctic CP utilizes a proprietary film layer, Chroma Film, which enables the filter to produce images with almost no color shift in the captured image.
One of the more interesting features for me is the inclusion of a 110-degree, fixed rotation control ring that allows photographers to quickly find the sweet spot for the filter and get on with making their photographs. PolarPro claims this to be the world’s first filter that allows photographers the ability to span the entire polarization range in one fluid motion. I’m all about making my workflow as light and stress-free as possible, and this sounds like it’s right up my alley.
Can’t Deny the Cool Factor
If you made it this far, I hope you have forgiven me (indulged me) for my use of cold puns throughout this article. However, I’m being completely honest, one of the biggest features of the Arctic CP Filter is just how cool it looks. To achieve the black-on-white look of the Arctic CP Filter, PolarPro had to develop a new powder coat process that not only created the desired appearance but also ensured it adhered properly. Its ultra-slim design even allows you to use the filter with your lens’s standard lens hood, all while still being designed for use with gloves. All in all, the Arctic CP Filter aims to be an over-engineered, attractive photography accessory in every way.
Currently the PolarPro Arctic CP Filter Benjamin Harman Series is available for preorder on PolarPro’s website and will be available in 49mm, 67mm, 77mm, 82mm, 86mm, and 92mm sizes. There’s even a “Helix” magnetic-mounted option. Pricing will start at $119.99 USD for the 49mm and top out at $249.00 for the Helix model.