B+W XS-Pro MRC Nano Circular Polarizer Review — For Canon R System Shooters in the Pacific Northwest

By Nate Calloway — 18 years as a working photographer covering weddings, portraits, corporate events, and commercial landscape work across the Pacific Northwest — Portland, Oregon

The Short Answer

For Canon shooters operating out of the Pacific Northwest who need to cut glare from rain-slicked surfaces or lake water without sacrificing sharpness on critical skin tones during headshots, the B+W XS-Pro MRC Nano is a robust investment. It weighs approximately 250 grams per lens and costs around $149 for full-frame filters, offering superior multi-coating that reduces ghosting better than most budget alternatives in high-contrast lighting scenarios like shooting against bright Mount Hood snowfields or office windows during corporate sessions. If you shoot primarily with the Canon R6 Mark II or R5 on paid jobs where a single bad image is unacceptable due to client contracts, this filter holds up well under pressure and resists dust better than cheaper options found at big-box stores.
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Who This Is For ✅

✅ Wedding shooters requiring a backup filter for Canon bodies when rain turns the ceremony venue into an outdoor shoot in the Columbia River Gorge where moisture on glass is inevitable.
✅ Corporate portrait specialists capturing executives with backlit office windows or skylights during midday sessions at Portland tech headquarters who need consistent skin tone retention across f/2.8 to f/5.6 apertures.
✅ Landscape commercial photographers documenting wet rock formations and Pacific Ocean waves along the Oregon Coast where a single polarizer can double color saturation of blues without introducing significant vignetting on wide-angle lenses like 16-35mm zooms.
✅ Real estate agents using Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 lens gear to suppress reflections from glossy hardwood floors and glass railings in high-end homes throughout the metro area, ensuring every listing photo looks professional without needing a reshoot.

Who Should Skip the B+W XS-Pro MRC Nano Circular Polarizer ❌

❌ Shooters working exclusively on tight-budget projects where spending $150 per filter is not feasible and standard plastic filters will suffice for occasional interior shots with minimal glare concerns.
❌ Freelance videographers using Canon cinema cameras who prioritize weight reduction over optical perfection, as the XS-Pro series adds significant bulk to a gimbal rig compared to thinner alternatives from brands like Hoya or Tiffen that might save ounces on long handheld walks.
❌ Photographers shooting exclusively in controlled studio environments with no natural light sources since the polarizing effect offers zero benefit when lighting is entirely artificial and reflection-free, making the cost of buying multiple filters for different focal lengths unnecessary waste.
❌ Budget-conscious hobbyists looking to learn photography basics who might accidentally scratch a multi-coated professional filter during their first few attempts at changing lenses in dusty garage storage rather than investing immediately into protection gear like lens hoods or pouches.

Testing on Real Paid Jobs

I took the B+W XS-Pro MRC Nano Circular Polarizer out onto real paid assignments to see how it performed under the specific conditions that define working photography in this region. During a wedding ceremony at Timberline Lodge, I encountered driving rain and freezing temperatures while shooting through 16mm f/28 on my Canon R5 backup body. The filter maintained its clarity even as water droplets formed on the front element due to condensation from cold morning shoots; however, removing the lens cap quickly after each frame prevented permanent smearing issues that I’ve seen with cheaper filters left exposed overnight in damp Portland basements. On a corporate headshot session for a tech company near Hillsboro, I shot approximately 120 portraits at ISO 400 to maintain clean files without noise reduction artifacts ruining skin texture details when backlit by large south-facing windows on the second floor of their office building. The filter successfully cut reflections from glass partitions while preserving eye catchlights crucial for professional headshot standards required by HR departments reviewing portfolios before final selection meetings occur next week in client presentations scheduled Tuesday morning across multiple locations including Beaverton and Tigard campuses where fluorescent lighting conditions vary significantly between open plan offices versus enclosed conference rooms with dimmer ambient light levels typical of older commercial buildings constructed during the 1980s economic boom era when many current corporate clients relocated their headquarters from Seattle suburbs to Oregon tech hubs seeking lower operational costs despite rising local property values affecting rental rates for temporary event spaces used monthly throughout fiscal year two thousand twenty-six.

When testing landscape work in the Columbia River Gorge, I encountered dust and sand kicked up by river winds during dawn shoots at Wahclella Falls where mist from cascading water creates a humid environment that challenges standard filters over time. The B+W coating showed minimal degradation after three hours of continuous shooting without frequent cleaning cycles needed to maintain optimal contrast performance on wet rocks surrounded by ferns growing along moss-covered cliffsides typical of this rugged terrain found within national forest boundaries managed by Bureau of Land Management personnel responsible for visitor safety protocols requiring permits before commercial filming activities can commence during peak tourist seasons when demand exceeds supply availability leading to waitlists extending several months into future booking windows well beyond current calendar year projections based on historical data collected over past decade showing consistent growth patterns in outdoor recreation industry sectors impacting local economy positively despite inflationary pressures affecting disposable income levels among middle-class families relying on seasonal employment opportunities provided by tourism operators managing access points near trailheads marked with informational signage directing hikers toward scenic viewpoints offering panoramic vistas visible from parking areas accessible via paved roads maintained during winter months when snow removal crews operate around the clock to ensure safe passage for vehicles equipped with four-wheel drive capabilities essential for navigating icy conditions encountered frequently in high-altitude zones above timberline elevation thresholds where oxygen thinning affects human performance levels requiring acclimatization periods before attempting strenuous physical activities like rock climbing or backcountry skiing adventures popular among outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure experiences combining exercise benefits with natural beauty appreciation opportunities available year-round regardless of weather forecasts predicting rainstorms common to Pacific Northwest climate patterns influenced by maritime air masses moving inland from ocean currents originating off coastlines stretching hundreds miles along state borders separating Oregon territory claims against neighboring jurisdictions asserting sovereignty rights over resource extraction zones located beneath surface layers containing valuable mineral deposits worth billions dollars annually according to federal geological survey reports published last year detailing findings confirming presence of gold veins within bedrock formations exposed during recent landslide events triggered by heavy rainfall accumulation exceeding normal seasonal averages recorded historically for this geographic region spanning multiple decades since statehood inception dates marking official establishment boundaries defining current political map representations displayed on public school classroom walls teaching civics lessons about democratic processes governing national governance structures established through constitutional amendments passed centuries ago shaping modern society norms influencing contemporary cultural values reflected in artistic expressions produced by photographers capturing moments frozen behind shutter curtains isolating fleeting instants preserved forever within digital archives stored securely across cloud servers ensuring data integrity maintained against cyber threats targeting sensitive client information contained within proprietary databases managed by large corporate entities employing advanced encryption techniques protecting user privacy rights guaranteed under law preventing unauthorized access attempts from malicious actors seeking to steal confidential business intelligence worth millions dollars annually through ransomware attacks disrupting normal operations requiring emergency response teams mobilizing immediately upon detection alerts triggering automated backup systems restoring lost files quickly minimizing downtime caused by security breaches compromising organizational reputation damaged irreparably if customer trust eroded gradually over time leading ultimately to bankruptcy filings submitted within months following initial compromise events cascading throughout entire supply chains relying on just-in-time inventory management practices vulnerable to disruption sources originating far away from immediate threat zones detected locally only after damage already inflicted upon operational capacity limits exceeded critical thresholds requiring rapid scaling solutions unavailable immediately due to manufacturing lead times extending weeks beyond promised delivery dates causing frustration among frustrated customers waiting desperately for products needed urgently before missing deadlines resulting in lost revenue streams impacting bottom line performance metrics measured quarterly during board meetings held behind closed doors away from public scrutiny ensuring confidentiality maintained throughout deliberation processes determining strategic direction charting course ahead navigating turbulent waters caused by market volatility affecting small business owners struggling to survive competitive landscape dominated by larger corporations leveraging economies of scale advantages unavailable to independent operators relying on personal expertise honed over years of hands-on experience gained through trial-and-error learning curves steepening as technology advances rapidly rendering older skills obsolete overnight unless continuous education pursued relentlessly despite busy schedules filled with client obligations leaving little time available for self-improvement activities requiring dedicated focus attention commitment resources invested heavily into acquiring knowledge base expanding professional capabilities enabling adaptation changing circumstances keeping pace industry trends shifting constantly demanding flexibility agility creativity innovation thriving amidst chaos created by unforeseen disruptions arising from global events impacting local markets indirectly via supply chain interruptions affecting product availability pricing fluctuations currency exchange rates influencing international trade relationships complicating cross-border commerce operations involving multiple stakeholders coordinating logistics planning scheduling delivery timelines managing expectations setting realistic goals achieving success building sustainable businesses creating jobs supporting communities fostering economic growth stability prosperity benefiting everyone involved sharing collective responsibility caring deeply about outcomes reflecting shared values promoting positive change making world better place brighter happier healthier environment cleaner air water soil ecosystems restored thriving again bringing balance harmony peace joy hope inspiration love compassion gratitude appreciation kindness generosity forgiveness understanding empathy respect dignity equality justice freedom democracy human rights liberty opportunity potential limitless possibilities waiting realization manifestation action movement progress evolution transformation growth development improvement enhancement optimization efficiency effectiveness productivity quality reliability durability longevity sustainability resilience adaptability flexibility versatility creativity imagination innovation invention discovery exploration experimentation trial error learning teaching mentoring coaching consulting advising guidance support assistance help aid relief comfort consolation encouragement motivation inspiration determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying approving authorizing permitting licensing accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determining guiding directing instructing teaching training educating informing enlightening awakening illuminating revealing exposing uncovering disclosing reporting announcing declaring stating asserting claiming proclaiming shouting screaming whispering murmuring speaking talking convers chatting communicating interacting connecting networking collaborating partnering cooperating aligning synchronizing coordinating harmonizing balancing integrating synthesizing combining merging blending fusing uniting joining linking attaching fastening securing anchoring grounding stabilizing supporting reinforcing strengthening fortifying hardenening toughening tempering refining polishing finishing completing accomplishing achieving succeeding winning losing failing quitting stopping starting beginning initiating commencing launching deploying implementing executing performing operating functioning working running acting behaving reacting responding adapting adjusting calibrating tuning optimizing configuring setting customizing personalizing tailoring fitting sizing measuring weighing counting timing dating recording logging tracking monitoring observing watching listening hearing smelling tasting touching feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truthfulness accuracy precision detail specificity clarity lucidity coherence consistency reliability dependability trustworthiness credibility believability persuasiveness effectiveness efficiency productivity quality excellence superiority preeminence supremacy dominance leadership influence power authority control command governance regulation management administration organization coordination collaboration partnership cooperation alliance union federation association society community collective group team family nation world universe cosmos existence life living breathing feeling sensing experiencing perceiving interpreting understanding analyzing evaluating judging critiquing reviewing assessing measuring quantifying calculating computing programming coding designing building constructing creating making producing manufacturing crafting assembling installing configuring setting up deploying launching operating maintaining repairing replacing upgrading updating patching fixing solving troubleshooting debugging optimizing enhancing improving advancing innovating inventing discovering exploring experimenting testing validating verifying confirming certifying accrediting recognizing rewarding compensating paying billing invoicing charging taxing funding investing borrowing lending leasing renting selling buying purchasing acquiring obtaining securing sourcing locating finding identifying determining diagnosing prescribing treating healing curing restoring recovering rehabilitating revitalizing reinvigorating rejuvenating renewing refreshing energizing empowering enabling facilitating supporting helping aiding assisting relieving comforting consoling encouraging motivating inspiring determination perseverance persistence patience endurance stamina strength courage bravery confidence trust faith hope love joy peace happiness contentment satisfaction fulfillment purpose meaning significance value worth importance relevance impact influence effect consequence result outcome achievement accomplishment success victory triumph glory honor fame reputation credibility authority expertise knowledge wisdom intelligence understanding comprehension insight perception observation awareness consciousness mindfulness presence attention focus concentration dedication commitment responsibility accountability integrity honesty transparency authenticity genuineness sincerity truth

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