B+W 72mm Master High Transmission Kaesemann Circular Polarizer

In this review of the B+W 72mm MASTER High Transmission Kaesemann Circular Polarizer, the bottom line is clear: photographers who want reliable polarization with minimal light loss will appreciate this filter. It targets landscape and outdoor shooters who need better color saturation and reduced reflections while retaining usable exposure, thanks to the High Transmission Coating that reduces the multiplying factor to about 2 to 3. The rotating mount and thin profile make it practical on wide-angle setups, and the included QR code for authenticity is a useful modern touch.

Key Features

• Black knurled thin profile mount: Provides a better grip for precise rotation while minimizing vignetting on wide-angle lenses down to 17mm full frame.
• MRC coating: Controls flare and ghosting to keep highlights cleaner when shooting into bright skies or reflective surfaces.
• High Transmission Kaesemann element: Lets more light through than many polarizers, reducing exposure penalty to roughly 1 to 1.5 f-stops in normal use.
• Rotating circular polarizer design: Works with autofocus lenses and lets the photographer dial reflection reduction and contrast without changing camera settings.
• QR code authenticity check: Offers a quick way to confirm the filter is genuine and not a counterfeit unit.
• ECO-friendly packaging: Reduces waste in shipment and storage without affecting the filter itself.

Who It's For

This filter is aimed at landscape photographers, travel shooters, and anyone who frequently faces reflective non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass, or glossy paint. The slimmer mount and good transmission make it especially useful for wide-angle full frame setups and for photographers who want to preserve usable light while boosting color saturation.

Casual users who rarely shoot outdoors or who need extreme light rejection could look elsewhere; if you require maximum polarization at the cost of several stops of light, alternative polarizers may deliver stronger darkening effects but with greater exposure tradeoffs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent light transmission compared with many polarizers, preserving exposure and dynamic range.
• Secure knurled thin profile mount gives precise control and reduces vignetting on wide lenses.
• MRC coating reduces flare and ghosting for cleaner highlights and better contrast.
• Included QR code helps verify authenticity, useful for professionals who depend on genuine optics.

Cons

• Polarization effect is less aggressive than some filters that sacrifice more light for stronger darkening.
• Higher-end construction and coatings mean a price premium compared with basic polarizers.

Specifications

Filter Type	Circular Polarizer (Kaesemann)
Diameter	72mm
Mount	Black knurled thin profile rotating mount
Coating	MRC coating to control flare and ghosting
Full Frame Coverage	Good for down to 17mm full frame format
Authenticity	New QR code included to verify authenticity
Packaging	ECO-friendly packaging

Our Verdict

The B+W 72mm MASTER High Transmission Kaesemann Circular Polarizer is a strong choice for serious outdoor and landscape photographers who want effective reflection control with minimal exposure loss. Its thin, knurled mount and MRC coatings make it a practical, durable filter that preserves color and contrast, representing solid value for those who prioritize image quality and genuine optical components.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this polarizer affect autofocus?
It is a circular polarizer designed to work with autofocus lenses, so it should not interfere with AF operation.

How much light does it lose?
The filter uses a high transmission element that reduces light loss compared to some polarizers, roughly equivalent to 1 to 1.5 f-stops in typical use.

Will it vignette on wide-angle lenses?
The thin profile mount is designed to minimize vignetting and is specified as suitable down to 17mm on full frame setups.