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Hoya

Hoya 72mm HD3 - Circular Polarizer Filter

★★★★★4.5 (8 reviews)
100MP

Hoya's HD3 circular polarizer delivers 92% light transmission and a 16-layer nano-coating that resists scratches, oil, and water.

$210.90*
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Hoya 72mm HD3 Circular Polarizer represents the top tier of Hoya's filter lineup, engineered for photographers who demand maximum optical performance alongside real-world durability. At its core is a high-transparency polarizing film that achieves 92% light transmission — a notable improvement over conventional polarizers that typically transmit closer to 85%. This higher transmission means less light is lost to the filter, reducing the need to adjust exposure settings or raise ISO when shooting with the polarizer attached.

Where the HD3 truly distinguishes itself is in its coating technology. The 16-layer Hoya proprietary coating system suppresses internal reflections that cause flare and ghosting, while the outer nano-coating layer is rated at 200% harder than previous Hoya HD coatings. This hardened surface resists scratches and abrasion during everyday use and repels both oil and water, so fingerprints and water droplets wipe away easily without smearing. For photographers working outdoors in dusty, wet, or otherwise demanding environments, this combination of optical clarity and surface durability makes the HD3 a filter that performs consistently without requiring excessive care.

Key Features

Sharper, More Vibrant Images: Minimize glare, reduce or eliminate reflections, pierce through haze, and reveal vibrant, true-to-life colors—no need for post-editing. Enjoy richer skies and glowing landscapes with the HD3 HRT Circular Polarizer.

Maximize Your 72mm Lens Potential: Enhance every shot with a 72mm polarizing filter tailored for your lens, delivering breathtaking clarity and color vibrancy.

Re-Certified for 100MP+ Camera Sensors Without Loss of Resolution: To meet the demands of modern high-resolution photography, the Hoya HD3 Circular HRT Polarizer seamlessly supports 100MP+ cameras, ensuring every pixel of your masterpiece is preserved.

Ultra Hard Nano Coating for Maximum Protection: Built with a 200% harder nano-coated surface, this lens filter polarizer is scratch-resistant and durable, ensuring long-lasting performance while preserving image quality.

Pioneering Optical Technology Since 1941: Hoya was Japan’s first specialty manufacturer of optical glass, setting the standard for innovation in optics and continuing to lead with advanced technologies and superior products in polarized camera lens filter sets, vision care, healthcare, and precision instruments.

Specifications

Filter Size
72mm
Filter Type
Circular Polarizer
Coating
16-layer Hoya proprietary nano-coating
Light Transmission
92%
Filter Material
Plastic
Scratch Resistance
200% harder nano-coating
Oil/Water Repellent
Yes
Water Resistant
Not Water Resistant

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 92% light transmission is among the highest for any circular polarizer, preserving exposure and reducing the need to compensate
  • 92% light transmission minimizes exposure loss compared to standard polarizers
  • 16-layer proprietary coating system effectively reduces flare and ghosting
  • 16-layer nano-coating resists scratches, oil, and water, keeping the filter clean in the field
  • Effectively reduces reflections from water and glass while boosting color saturation and contrast
  • Nano-coating is 200% harder than previous versions, offering strong scratch and abrasion resistance
  • Oil and water repellent surface makes field cleaning quick and straightforward
  • Proprietary coating system minimizes flare and ghosting when shooting toward light sources
  • Easy to clean thanks to the ultra-smooth nano-coated surface
  • Maintains full sharpness while boosting contrast and color saturation

👎 Cons

  • Premium pricing compared to standard Hoya circular polarizers
  • Premium pricing places it above budget and mid-range polarizer options
  • The 72mm size fits only lenses with a matching filter thread without a step-up adapter
  • Plastic filter material rather than optical glass may concern some photographers
  • Listed as not water resistant despite having water-repellent coating, which may cause confusion
  • Plastic filter material rather than optical glass may concern photographers who prefer all-glass construction
  • Not water resistant as a unit, so prolonged wet conditions could affect the filter ring or edges
  • Polarizing effect is less effective on overcast days or with ultra-wide lenses where uneven sky polarization can occur
  • Polarizing effect can cause uneven darkening with ultra-wide-angle lenses

Frequently Asked Questions

The HD3 line features a 16-layer nano-coating that is 200% harder than previous Hoya coatings, offers 92% light transmission (higher than standard polarizers), and is more resistant to scratches, oil, and water.
The HD3 nano-coating is 200% harder than previous Hoya coatings, making the filter significantly more resistant to scratches and abrasion while also repelling oil and water for easier cleaning in the field.
The Hoya HD3 circular polarizer transmits 92% of light, which is higher than many competing polarizers. This means less exposure compensation is needed when the filter is attached.
With 92% light transmission, the HD3 polarizer absorbs less light than most circular polarizers, which typically transmit around 75-85%. You can expect roughly a 1 to 1.5 stop light reduction when the polarizing effect is at maximum.
The 72mm HD3 polarizer has a slim profile designed to minimize vignetting, but some darkening in corners may still occur on ultra-wide lenses below approximately 24mm on full-frame cameras.
No. The HD3 is designed to increase contrast with no loss of sharpness, thanks to its high-quality polarizing film and precision multi-layer coatings.
This is a 72mm filter, so it threads onto any lens with a 72mm front filter thread. Step-up rings can be used to mount it on smaller-diameter lenses.
While its scratch-resistant nano-coating makes it durable enough for extended use, a polarizer alters the look of every image by reducing reflections and boosting saturation. A clear protective filter is better suited for always-on lens protection.
The product listing indicates the filter material is plastic, which keeps the filter lightweight on the lens.
Yes, the circular polarizer reduces reflections from non-metallic surfaces like water, glass, and foliage, which also enhances color saturation in those scenes.

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