Camera Labs

I was curious about reports that Kenko and Hoya were the same company as I have noticed other posters were as well. So I emailed the Canadian distributor of Hoya filters today and asked him to clear up the confusion about Kenko and Hoya filters and this was his response (below). Keep in mind I'm not sure if he in fact distributes Kenko as well so there could be some bias but I have asked the same question of the parent company THK but have not yet received a reply. I will post it if I get one..........


In response to your inquiry, yes, there is quite a bit of confusion about these 2 brands.

They are in fact owned by the same parent company in Japan – THK Photo Corporation.

Our information from the factory states that the optical quality of the Hoya branded filters is superior. There are also stronger metals used in the Hoya filter ring, as well as a superior method of securing the actual glass filter within the ring. This information of course as it relates to an equivalent type and family/series of Kenko filter.

Hope that answers your questions.

Regards,

Bill Wood
Vice President
Merchandise
DayMen Photo Marketing LP
55 Valleywood Drive
Markham, ON L3R 5L9

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This is not quite a review.

From experience, there's little difference between these two filter manufacturers. And it's not surprising why.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

Not a review, true enough. Nevertheless, the information will be of interest to those who didn't already know about the connection between Kenco & Hoya (I didn't) and especially to those considering the purchase of quality filters (I am). I don't see a more appropriate section in which to post it. Let me say "thank you" Steveston even if others don't seem to appreciate it.

pip22, this could be better posted in the: "Other cameras and lenses" or "DSLR Tips" section. And I'll gloss over your snide remark.

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Nikonian

http://www.edtangphotography.com
http://journeysintophotography.blogspot.com/

Hi Steveston,

Thanks for the information. This thread doesn't quite qualify as a User Review so I've moved it across to the Off-topic section which is a catch-all for photography related subjects which don't naturally fit in the other sections.

Bob.

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Hey Ed, I'll gloss over your next snide remark as well

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Right, that's it! No more snide remarks from anyone!

Thanks Steveston for the info, and thanks photoj for suggesting the post gets moved.

Thanks a lot "Steveston" for the information.
I am considering a UV filter for my new camera, and looked at Kenko, but now that you mention it, a Hoya might be worth the extra cash!
Will look into this further....

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Flickr

I received a response from THK and have attatched it below, I was a little surprised and in fact forwarded the first attached comment on to them .


Same company, same quality. The difference is that in Japan, Hoya filters are ONLY sold under the Kenko brand name, while elsewhere in the world, Hoya is the name everyone sees.

While some companies here in the US sell Kenko filters, they are identical to Hoya.

Glenn Nash
Technical Service Representative
THK Photo Products[/b]

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Sony A350, Sony 18-70mm, Sony 75-300mm, Minolta AF 35-70mm, Minolta AF 75-300mm, Lowepro Slingshot 200