Hoya 72mm Fusion ONE PL-CIR Camera Filter - Improve Contrast

In this review the Hoya 72mm Fusion ONE PL-CIR is assessed as a workhorse filter for photographers who want cleaner images with stronger colours. The bottom line: this filter is for landscape, travel and portrait shooters who need to reduce reflections from non-metallic surfaces and boost contrast without compromising sharpness. The reviewer found the professional-grade optical glass and the 18-layer Super HMC multi-coating deliver high light transmission and controlled flare, making it a sensible choice for those who value durable, easy-to-clean optics.

Key Features

• Polarising effect: Reduces reflections from water, glass and foliage to reveal deeper colour and detail in scenes.
• Contrast and saturation: Increases perceived contrast and colour saturation to make skies and foliage appear richer in-camera.
• Professional optical glass: Built from Hoya professional-grade glass to match modern high-resolution lenses for minimal impact on sharpness.
• 18-layer Super HMC coating: Multi-coating increases light transmission and resists flare under challenging backlit conditions.
• Stain and water repellent surface: Coatings resist fingerprints and moisture so the front element is easier to clean in the field.

Who It's For

This filter suits outdoor photographers shooting landscapes, travel shooters capturing water and architecture, and portrait photographers who want to reduce distracting reflections on glasses or wet skin. It is particularly useful on lenses where maintaining colour fidelity and contrast is important without the need for digital correction.

It may be less suitable for photographers who routinely shoot at ultra-wide angles where some users reported vignetting at the shortest focal lengths, or for those who prefer variable neutral-density or specialty artistic filters. If you need extreme wide-angle compatibility, check for vignetting on your specific lens first.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-quality optical glass preserves sharpness while reducing reflections for clearer images.
• The 18-layer Super HMC multi-coating improves transmission and reduces flare in backlit scenes.
• Stain-resistant and water-repellent coatings make the filter easier to keep clean during shoots.
• Noticeable boost to colour saturation and contrast straight out of the camera.

Cons

• Some users report vignette at very wide focal lengths such as 24mm on certain lenses, so compatibility checks are advised.

Specifications

Filter type	PL-CIR circular polariser
Diameter	72mm
Glass	Hoya professional-grade optical glass
Coating	18-layer Super HMC multi-coating
Surface treatment	Stain resistant and water repellent
Designed for	High-resolution modern lenses

Our Verdict

The Hoya 72mm Fusion ONE PL-CIR is a reliable, well-built polariser that offers genuine improvements in contrast and colour while protecting lens performance with high-quality glass and advanced coatings. For landscape and travel photographers who want durable optics and easy maintenance, it represents good value; just verify wide-angle compatibility on your lens to avoid potential vignetting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this filter cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses?
It can on some lenses at very wide focal lengths; one user reported vignetting at 24mm, so test it on your lens before critical shoots.

Is the coating effective against fingerprints and water?
Yes, the stain-resistant and water-repellent coatings make the surface easier to clean and help keep smudges and moisture from sticking.

Does it affect sharpness or flare?
The professional-grade glass and 18-layer Super HMC coating are designed to maintain sharpness and reduce flare in backlit situations.