Camera lens filter Calumet Circular Polarising 55 mm (CALSACPL55) – 55 mm polariser

Calumet Circular Polarising 55 mm (CALSACPL55) is a 55 mm circular polariser designed for landscape, outdoor and general-purpose photography. The filter uses high-transmission Japanese AGC glass and an ultra-slim aircraft-aluminium frame with a serrated polarising ring and tabs for easier handling. Multi-layer coatings on both sides improve image clarity while protecting the optical surface, and the filter is supplied in a protective box for storage and transport.

Advantages

The Calumet CPL SMC Ultra Slim 28 filter reduces reflections and glare from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass and foliage, increases contrast and colour saturation in skies and scenes, and can help restore detail obscured by atmospheric haze. Its 28 multilayer coatings (14 on each side) include hydrophobic and oleophobic layers for easier cleaning, scratch-resistant and anti-reflective treatments for lasting optical quality, and deliver light transmission above 99% through 6H hardness AGC glass. The slim 5.3 mm aluminium frame minimizes vignetting on wide-angle lenses while providing durable, lightweight construction.

Suitable for

• Landscape and nature photography
• Outdoor portrait and street photography where reflections appear on glass or water
• Product photography requiring reduced surface glare
• Travel photography where compact, durable filters are needed
• Studio use when controlling reflected light and improving contrast

Key specifications

• Filter type: Circular polariser
• Thread size: 55 mm
• Glass: Japanese AGC glass with >99% light transmission
• Coatings: 28 multilayer coatings (14 on each side) including hydrophobic, oleophobic, anti-reflective and scratch-resistant layers
• Frame material: Aircraft-grade aluminium, ultra-slim profile (approx. 5.3 mm)
• Surface hardness: 6H
• Finish: Black frame with transparent polarising element
• Packaging: Protective storage box included

How to use

Screw the polarising filter onto a lens with a 55 mm filter thread by aligning the threads and turning clockwise until secure. Rotate the serrated polarising ring to adjust the strength and angle of polarization while observing the viewfinder or live view to see the effect on reflections and sky saturation. Use the filter to reduce glare on water or glass, deepen blue skies, and increase overall contrast. When not in use, store the filter in the supplied protective box to prevent scratches and contamination.

Usage recommendations

For best results, compose the image with the sun at a 90-degree angle to the lens axis when using the polariser to maximise sky darkening and reflection reduction. Avoid stacking thick filters on wide-angle lenses to prevent vignetting; if additional filters are required, use slim-profile accessories. Clean the filter with a soft microfiber cloth and, if necessary, a small amount of lens-safe cleaning fluid to preserve the hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings.