PURE Hybrid circular polarizer (CPL) filter

Hybrid CPL is an STC exclusive product, specially designed with a 70% polarization rate that closely mimics true-to-life human eye perception. It retains high light transmission characteristics, achieving only -0.5EV light reduction—effectively solving the common travel photography frustration of constantly removing traditional CPL filters when moving between indoor and outdoor settings due to extreme light differences (standard CPL filters from other brands typically reduce light by over -2EV). Combined with our pursuit of high-quality nano-coating technology, this has resulted in a high-transmission, low-light-reduction polarizing protective filter suitable for all-day travel use, with thousands of units sold worldwide.

STC has exclusively secured new polarizing material for this first-ever upgrade. Compared to the first generation, it better restores true colors and is more compatible with the new generation of ultra-high-resolution cameras.

We are honored and delighted to introduce the all-new STC 2nd Generation PURE Hybrid CPL - Pure Ultimate High-Transmission Polarizing Filter, now officially launched!

PURE Hybrid CPL features STC's world-leading film material technology, designed to closely mimic human eye perception and faithfully present uniform scenery. It moderately eliminates localized reflections and airborne diffused light, restoring more scenic details without color cast. Its extremely low light reduction makes it an excellent dual-purpose polarizing protective filter for travel photography. However, when stronger reflection elimination is required for specific shooting needs, switching to SHV CPL is necessary to achieve 99% effectiveness.

SHV CPL is a polarizing filter developed specifically for 99% polarization performance. Its advantages include maximum elimination of object reflections (except 100% metallic reflections, which cannot be removed) and airborne diffused light, while increasing overall saturation and contrast (strong sunlight may add a slight yellow tone). The disadvantage is that in clear, cloudless skies, it tends to produce localized color deepening (for example, parts of the sky may turn deep blue to blue-black).

Reflections cannot be corrected through post-processing editing because image sensors cannot record complete information from overexposed areas. To effectively eliminate reflections, filters must be used during the initial shooting phase. Please take note.

Our partner photographer Ricardo traveled to Japan to personally field-test both the 1st and 2nd generation Hybrid CPL filters. The results show that using PURE Hybrid CPL provides superior clarity and transparency in images while maintaining colors closer to their natural state, making it more suitable for the new generation of ultra-high-resolution, ultra-high-color-gamut cameras.

Ricardo:

During my recent trips to Japan, I carried the STC PURE Hybrid CPL filter for testing and captured many stunning photos. Through these images, I'd like to share the characteristics of this filter with everyone.

The STC PURE Hybrid CPL uses an all-new polarizing film that more closely matches what the naked eye sees in the original scene, achieving a color-cast-free effect. This makes post-production color grading more user-friendly, reducing extra color correction steps. Compared to the previous generation, the PURE Hybrid CPL with its new polarizing film restores on-site colors more authentically.

In its manufacturing process, this filter has been specially calibrated for light transmission angle and ratio to achieve a maximum transmission rate of 65%, eliminating color blocking and color cast issues. Its high light transmission characteristic makes this filter a CPL protective filter that doesn't need to be removed all day. Combined with today's improved in-camera image stabilization technology, I continue to use it even when shooting on overcast days or at night.

There are many things to handle during travel. Reducing one task allows you to enjoy the photography experience during your journey even more.

To see more of my works, please visithttps://www.songmatin.com/post/stcpurehybridcpl

STC recently announced the release of a revision of their well known Hybrid CPL (Circular Polarising) Filter.

What is the difference between the ‘New’ Pure CPL Hybrid filter and its predecessor? According to STC the new filter has a more neutral colour balance.

I have used the original STC Hybrid CPL filter for some years now, so was interested to see the difference between the two filters for myself. As a result I obtained a STC Pure Hybrid CPL filter and put it to the test.

As can be seen by the above screen shots the colour rendition between ‘Without filter and Pure Hybrid CPL filter’ are quite evenly matched and more neutral, whereas the original Hybrid CPL filter shows a slight cyan cast. Sharpness with or without  either of the two Hybrid CPL filters is unaffected, nor is there any  evidence of fringing thanks to the ultra slim high quality Schott glass and multi coating used. The Pure filter also makes a very good job of blocking UV light – see the examples below for further proof.

Visit original report https://thephotofixingpeople.com/2023/06/30/stc-pure-hybrid-cpl-filter/

The 1st generation Hybrid CPL's specialized color calibration imparts a serene, calm, and tranquil aesthetic to images, and is particularly well-suited for photographing Asian subjects with warmer skin tones, creating brighter and fairer complexions. In 2023, we fully upgraded to the 2nd generation, securing an exclusive neutral gray polarizing film with extremely low color cast that faithfully restores true colors. This makes it more compatible with next-generation cameras featuring high native color gamut. Through field testing in Japan by our partner photographer using the Sony A7R5 61MP, along with repeated indoor and outdoor shooting evaluations, we achieved beautiful images with no loss in resolution.

Manufactured with double-sided AR (anti-reflective) and AS (anti-smudge) Taiwan nano-coating and ultra-flat glass technology, maintaining the same rigorous manufacturing standards to provide you with a superior high-quality shooting experience!

STC offers two main types of polarizing filters: Super Hi-Vision CPL and PURE Hybrid CPL, along with special polarizing filters with higher light reduction and soft-focus effects.

When considering polarizing filter usage, the primary concern is incomplete imaging caused by object reflections. For example: color distortion in reflected areas on green leaves, inability to display underwater objects or colors due to water surface reflections, or overlapping mixtures of background objects and external scenery when shooting through reflective glass. By rotating the filter to refract light at specific angles, you can achieve photos with complete images and colors. It can also filter out diffused light caused by fine particles in the air, resulting in clearer and more transparent images.

If you're photographing grand landscapes with mountains and water, hoping to eliminate reflections more completely and present images with higher contrast and saturation—transforming light blue skies into deep blue, filtering out water surface reflections as much as possible to reveal red leaves beneath flowing streams, and other specific scenes—we recommend choosing the STC Super Hi-Vision CPL high-resolution polarizer with 99% polarization efficiency.

For urban strolls and leisurely travels, the most important thing is capturing every exciting moment at any time and place. Yet you also want to deflect airborne haze, excessive green leaf reflections, or object glare, and present transparent colors closer to what the human eye sees. We highly recommend the all-new 2nd generation PURE Hybrid CPL ultra-high-transmission polarizer with only 70% polarization that minimally reduces shutter speed. Not only does it provide gentle polarization effects, but manufactured with STC's highest craftsmanship quality, it can also serve as a full-time protective filter. Perfect for travel with one filter throughout your journey—convenient and effortless—it's the best companion for every free-spirited soul who loves both travel and photography!

True Colors with No Color Cast

The all-new 2nd generation PURE Hybrid CPL - Pure Ultimate High-Transmission Polarizer has been tested indoors by our partner photographer using a Datacolor color calibration chart. With standard camera settings and absolutely no editing on the original photos as shown, the colors are extremely natural with no distortion.

Our partner photographer Ricardo traveled to Japan to personally field-test both the 1st and 2nd generation Hybrid CPL filters. With fixed camera settings, the left side of the image shows photos taken without any filter, the top shows the 1st generation, and the bottom shows the 2nd generation PURE.

This demonstrates that the all-new 2nd generation PURE Hybrid CPL delivers true colors with extremely low color cast and more transparent, clearer image quality.

Details are reduced due to platform image compression. For full detail reference, please see the sample photos below.