Hoya

Hoya Corporation, founded in Tokyo in 1941 as Japan's first specialist manufacturer of optical glass, is a globally operating company renowned for its innovations in optics. In addition to contact lenses, spectacle lenses, and medical optics, Hoya is one of the world's leading manufacturers of camera lens filters. Through its subsidiary Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd., which handles the worldwide distribution of Hoya filters, the brand offers a wide range of products for amateur and professional photographers. Hoya filters are known for their high optical quality, robust construction, and advanced technologies that enhance image quality and protect lenses.

Product Portfolio

Hoya offers a wide variety of filters for diverse photographic needs, available in round (screw-in) and square formats (e.g., Sq100 system) and in sizes from 37 mm to 105 mm:

UV and Protective Filters: Series such as the HD Mk II Protector and FUSION Antistatic absorb UV light, protect lenses from scratches, and offer water- and oil-repellent properties. The Alpha II Protector is an entry-level model with a simple multi-coating.

Circular Polarizing Filters (CIR-PL): Models such as the HD CIR-PL or Ultra-Pro CIR-PL eliminate reflections from non-metallic surfaces (e.g., water, glass), enhance colors, and increase contrast, especially in landscape photography.
...`` Neutral Density (ND) Filters: Series such as ProND EX, HD Mk II IRND, and PROND (ND8, ND64, ND1000) reduce light by 2 to 10 f-stops, ideal for long exposures (e.g., smoothing water, creating light trails). ACCU-ND technology ensures neutral color balance.

Specialty Filters:

Starscape: Reduces light pollution for clearer astrophotography.

Mist/Diffusion: Series such as Black Mist or CinePRO HD Mist create soft, cinematic effects for portraits or videos.

Infrared (IR): For infrared photography with DSLRs or film, blocks visible light.

Color Filters: For example, portrait filters that enhance pink tones or red filters for black and white photography.

Macro/Close-up: Reduce the working distance for close-up shots.

Star Filters: Create star-shaped light effects, e.g., in night photography.

Filter Kits: Practical sets such as the HD Mk II IRND Kit (ND8, ND64, ND1000) or the PROND EX Kit for long exposures.

Accessories: Instant Action (magnetic filter system), adapter rings for Sq100 filters, filter pouches, and cleaning kits.

Innovation and Technology: Hoya relies on advanced technologies to maximize performance and ease of use:
Multi-coating: Up to 32 layers (e.g., HD nano Mk II) reduce reflections and ghosting and increase light transmission (up to 97% for HMC filters).

Nano-coating: Ultra-hard, scratch-resistant coating on HD nano Mk II filters that repels dirt, water, and oil.

ACCU-ND technology: Ensures neutral color reproduction without color cast, especially with ND filters.

Antistatic Coating: EVO Antistatic and FUSION series filters prevent dust from adhering, making them ideal for outdoor use.

Tempered Glass: HD Mk II filters use UV-resistant tempered glass for added protection.

Instant Action System: Magnetic filter attachment for quick filter changes, compatible with existing lenses.

Design and Ease of Use: Hoya filters feature a robust, modern design. The filter frames are made of lightweight aluminum or magnesium alloys, often with a low profile to minimize vignetting with wide-angle lenses. Precise threads ensure easy attachment, and water- and oil-repellent coatings facilitate cleaning. Series like UX (User eXperience) are designed for intuitive operation, while square systems like Sq100 allow for flexible adjustments. Packaging is compact, with clear information on filter type and size, making selection at the retailer easy.

Applications

Hoya filters are versatile:

Landscape photography: CIR-PL filters for more intense colors and contrasts, ND filters for long exposures (e.g., waterfalls, clouds).

Portrait photography: Mist or portrait filters for softer, cinematic looks.

Astrophotography: Starscape filters reduce light pollution for clearer constellations.

Street and reportage photography: UV or protective filters for lens protection without affecting the image.

Videography: ND filters for smooth motion, mist filters for atmospheric scenes.

Macro and infrared photography: Special filters for close-ups or experimental effects.

Quality and market position
Hoya is known for its first-class workmanship, with rigorous quality controls and production in Japan or the Philippines. Every filter undergoes testing with spectrophotometers and ultrasonic cleaning to ensure the highest standards. The brand has held its own against competitors such as B+W and K&F Concept and enjoys an excellent reputation among photographers worldwide. The resurgence of analog photography and the growing demand for cine effects have strengthened Hoya's position, as evidenced by posts on X praising the clarity of HD nano Mk II filters or the versatility of ND kits. Through partnerships with Kenko Tokina and distributors worldwide, Hoya remains a favorite in the trade.

Hoya combines precision, innovation, and durability to offer photographers and videographers high-quality filters that support creative visions in every shooting situation.