Hoya 77mm NXT HMC UV Filter Review: Clarity & Protection

Introduction

As a hobbyist photographer who has spent countless hours capturing landscapes and portraits, I understand the importance of keeping my lens protected while enhancing image quality. The Hoya 77mm NXT HMC UV Multi Coated Slim Frame Glass Filter caught my attention, and I decided to give it a try based on its impressive features and high ratings. If you’re a photographer or videographer looking for a reliable UV filter, this one is definitely worth considering!

Key Features

• High-Transparency Optical Glass: The Hoya filter boasts high-transparency optical glass that allows maximum light transmission while effectively absorbing UV light, which helps to prevent haziness in images.

• 3-Layer HMC Multi-Coating: With its advanced 3-layer HMC coating, the filter significantly reduces flare and ghosting, resulting in sharper and clearer pictures.

• Low-Profile Aluminum Frame: The slim frame design keeps the filter lightweight and minimizes the risk of vignetting, making it ideal for wide-angle lenses.

• General Protective Filter: Designed to protect your lens from dust, scratches, and moisture while still allowing for beautiful, unaltered images.

• User-Friendly Design: The filter is easy to attach and detach, making it convenient for quick swaps between different lenses.

Benefits

• Improved image quality by reducing UV light haze.

• Enhances lens protection against physical damage.

• Lightweight design minimizes additional lens weight.

• Versatile for various types of photography, including landscapes and portraits.

• Easy setup allows for seamless integration into photography workflow.

Real-World Use Cases

• Landscape photography on sunny days: I used the Hoya UV filter while photographing mountain landscapes to eliminate UV haze, and the images came out crisp and rich in color.

• Travel photography: During my recent trip, I appreciated the filter’s lightweight design and protective features, which helped keep my lens free from scratches while I captured spontaneous moments.

• Portrait sessions in natural light: The multi-coating prevented reflections and ensured my subjects were beautifully highlighted, making my portraits vibrant and clear.

Pros and Cons

Comparison

• B+W 77mm UV Haze Filter: While the B+W filter is also high quality, it lacks the advanced multi-coating features of the Hoya, making the Hoya a better choice for reducing flare.

• Tiffen 77mm UV Protection Filter: The Tiffen offers basic protection but doesn't provide the same level of optical clarity as the Hoya, especially noticeable in bright light.

Conclusion

Overall, the Hoya 77mm NXT HMC UV filter has exceeded my expectations. It combines robust protection with exceptional image quality, making it a valuable addition to any photographer's kit. I highly recommend this filter to those serious about photography and looking to enhance their shooting experience without compromising quality.