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Hoya HOY 46 CIRC POLARIZING 46mm Filter — main product image
Hoya HOY 46 CIRC POLARIZING 46mm Filter
Hoya HOY 46 CIRC POLARIZING 46mm Filter
Hoya HOY 46 CIRC POLARIZING 46mm Filter
Hoya

Hoya HOY 46 CIRC POLARIZING 46mm Filter

★★★★★4.5 (668 reviews)

A 46mm circular polarizing filter that deepens skies, saturates colors, and cuts reflections with a simple twist of the mount.

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Overview

The Hoya 46mm Circular Polarizing Filter is a straightforward tool for photographers who want to manage reflections and enhance color in their images. By rotating the front element, you can control how much polarization is applied — from subtle color saturation to dramatic sky-to-cloud contrast and near-complete elimination of glare on water or glass surfaces. Because it is a circular polarizer rather than a linear one, it works seamlessly with the autofocus and metering systems found in modern DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Built to Hoya's standard filter specifications, this 46mm model threads onto compact prime lenses and smaller zoom lenses commonly found on mirrorless systems. The filter saturates greens, blues, and other colors without shifting the overall color balance of the image, making it one of the few effects that cannot be fully replicated in post-processing. While it lacks the multi-coating and water-repellent treatments found on Hoya's higher-end HD and HD Nano lines, it remains a practical and cost-effective choice for photographers who want dependable polarization without a premium price tag.

Key Features

Creates dramatic sky/cloud contrast.

Saturates colors without changing color balance.

Mount rotates to control amount of effect.

Specifications

Filter Size
46mm
Filter Type
Circular Polarizing
Function
Reduces reflections, saturates colors, increases contrast
Compatibility
Cameras with split-beam metering systems

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Rotating mount gives precise control over polarization strength without removing the filter.
  • Saturates colors and boosts sky contrast without introducing a color cast.
  • Reduces glare and reflections from water, glass, and other non-metallic surfaces.
  • Slim enough at 46mm to avoid vignetting on most standard and moderate wide-angle lenses.

👎 Cons

  • Light loss of approximately 1–2 stops may require exposure compensation in lower light.
  • The polarizing effect is uneven on ultra-wide-angle lenses, causing inconsistent sky darkening.
  • Standard coating rather than multi-coating means it may be more prone to flare in harsh backlight.
  • No water-repellent coating, so water droplets and fingerprints can be harder to clean in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filter fits lenses with a 46mm front filter thread. Check your lens cap or lens barrel for the thread size marking.
Rotate the front ring of the filter while looking through the viewfinder or at your live view screen. The polarizing effect varies as you turn it, letting you dial in the exact amount you want.
No. As a circular polarizer, it is designed to work with modern split-beam metering and autofocus systems without interference.
Yes, circular polarizers typically reduce light transmission by about 1 to 2 stops, which may require you to adjust exposure settings or use a slower shutter speed.

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