I bought an 82mm B+W polarizing filter and it has proven difficult to use. Optically it is fine but rotating the outer ring is very stiff. It's so stiff that sometimes I end up pushing my zoom lens extension back in because I have to press so hard. Is there something I can do about this or should I just return it. Are all B+W pol filters like this? The Hoya I havae for another lens is much better in this regard.
There is a defect. However, unlike most people here, I am not a fan boy for B+W filters. I find they bind just as much as Hoya filters and while the glass is great from a distortion perspective, I find they are no more neutral than any other filter except really cheapy ones.
Personally, for my money, the best overall CPL at any cost is the Nikon CPL-II. It has the best effect strength without going over the top and it is easy to clean. If you need water tight, then the B+W (XS?) is the way to go. I like Hoya Filters, but have not used the HD3 CPL which seems to please most users.