Hoya YYP4172 Circular Polarizing Filter HD Nano MkII 72mm - Improved

In this review the Hoya YYP4172 Circular Polarizing Filter HD Nano MkII 72mm is judged on durability and image quality for landscape and outdoor photographers. The bottom line: this filter is for photographers who want a robust polarizer that resists scratches and stains while preserving brightness. The single biggest reason to buy is its new 16-layer HD nano coating that improves longevity and makes cleaning far less risky, while the higher transmission preserves nearly a half stop of light compared with standard polarizers.

Key Features

• 16-layer HD nano coating: Both sides receive the ultra-smooth, ultra-hard coating to significantly reduce the risk of scratches during normal use and cleaning.
• Ultra-hard surface: Surface coatings are 200% more scratch resistant than older standard optical coatings, extending the usable life of the filter.
• Stain and water repellent: The stain resistant, water and oil repellent finish makes routine maintenance quicker and prevents marks from degrading image quality.
• Thin frame design with front threads: Very thin frame reduces vignetting on wide lenses and includes front threads to attach lens caps or additional filters.
• Higher light transmission: The high transparency polarizing film delivers about 25% greater light transmission, allowing nearly 1/2 stop more light into the lens while keeping polarization performance.

Who It's For

The Hoya HD Nano MkII 72mm is aimed at enthusiasts and pros who frequently shoot landscapes, skies, water surfaces, or reflective subjects and need a reliable polarizer that withstands regular cleaning and handling. Its thin frame and front threads also make it useful for shooters using wide-angle lenses or stacking filters.

Photographers who rarely clean filters or who use only non-polarizing accessories may find less benefit, and anyone needing a different diameter should purchase the matching size rather than this 72mm model. This is not a variable ND or color filter, so buyers seeking exposure reduction should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very durable 16-layer HD nano coatings on both sides reduce scratch risk during cleaning.
• Stain, water and oil repellency keeps the glass clear and reduces maintenance time in the field.
• 25% greater light transmission preserves almost 1/2 stop of brightness while maintaining polarization.
• Thin frame with front threads minimizes vignetting and allows stacking or lens caps on the front.

Cons

• As a dedicated circular polarizer, it does not provide neutral density or color correction functions.
• The benefit is tied to regular use and cleaning; casual users may not observe the full advantage of the ultra-hard coating.

Specifications

Brand	Hoya
Model	YYP4172 HD Nano MkII CIR-PL
Filter Type	Circular Polarizing Filter (CIR-PL)
Coating	16-layer ultra-hard HD nano coating (both sides)
Scratch Resistance	200% more resistant than standard optical coatings
Light Transmission	Approximately 25% greater than standard polarizing film
Diameter	72mm

Our Verdict

The Hoya YYP4172 HD Nano MkII 72mm polarizer is a practical investment for photographers who value durability and optical clarity. Its hard, stain-resistant coatings and improved light transmission make it a versatile tool for outdoor and landscape work, offering long-term value for regular users who want reliable polarization without sacrificing light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HD nano coating reduce cleaning damage?
The 16-layer ultra-hard coating is designed to be 200% more scratch resistant than standard coatings, making cleaning less likely to cause damage.

Will this filter darken my exposure significantly?
It uses high transparency polarizing film with about 25% greater light transmission than standard polarizers, which translates to nearly 1/2 stop more light compared with typical polarizers.

Can I stack other filters on this polarizer?
The very thin frame includes front threads so you can attach lens caps or additional filters to the front of the polarizer.