77mm Ultra-low Reflection UV Filter with 28 Multi-Layer Coatings Nano-Xcel Series

I’ve been a fan of K&F Filters for sometime now, and have come to appreciate the consistency and the quality of the brand. The majority of my lenses live their lives with K&F UV protective filters on their front element.

I recently purchased a lens known for the special quality it brings to images, but has the disadvantage of being susceptible to flaring when shot wide open, which is how I like to use it. That being the case, my thought was that the coatings on the K&F Concept Ultra-Low Reflectivity Filter might provide at least some reduction in flare; in other words, the anti-reflective coatings on the filter reduce scattered light reaching the lens itself.

Using a spot meter and a neutral grey card, I found that the MCUV filter doe not absorb any light, nor does it degrade the image sharpness; the two provided pictures of type are both enlarged 500%. It does serve the purpose, as is typically the case, of low-cost protection for the front element of the lens. It is very light-weight owing to its aluminum frame, and the thinness of the glass. It has knurls on the frame for grip and the front threads are, at least in the case of the 62mm size I ordered, the same size as the filter size. This is not the case with all K&F Concept filters; I have several where the front threads are larger than the filter size or rear threads.

In the tests I performed to check for its “Low-Reflectivity,” in situations where there is a high degree of flare, for example the sun is in the frame, it did seem to help reduce flare in the lens I was using. And in situations where there is not a high degree of flare, I did sense that it provided slightly more contrast, evidence that it is preventing some scattered light from entering the lens. So, it did seem to do what I had hoped, that is, provide additional effective coatings to reduce flare in a specific lens. And of course, one would expect the same results on any lens to which its attached.

At best, these effects are subtle. On the other hand, they could be imagined; I’m seeing what I want to see. In all things visual, I use my senses rather charts and graphs to decide if an effect is of interest or useful to me. I don’t make comparisons, but judge a lens or filter, for example, for the qualities it has, not by those it doesn’t. Does it provide me a means by which to realize an idea or vision; that is the question for me. Every lens, filter, camera, film, etc., has a quality that needn’t be deemed as “good” or “bad,” but rather, is that the quality that aligns with my vision. Start with a vision, and the means will present itself.

As I noted at the beginning, I’ve come to rely on the quality of K&F filters, and for the reasons that the seller asserts, but most importantly to me, the high quality of their multi-coated, anti-reflective glass. Putting low quality glass in front of a high-quality lens denigrates the lens quality to that of the filter in front of it. That is why I have confidence in K&F filters.

Along with the filter is supplied what appears to be a new version of protective case; it is fabricated in such a way that it will hold a variety of filter sizes securely; I like it. Also included is a high-quality microfiber lens cleaning cloth.

I've been an amateur photographer since high school, buying my first "serious" camera in 1967. I've always been a big believer in filters, if for no other reason than lens protection—but back in my film days, especially black and white, I almost always had a yellow, or green, etc. filter on to get a more correct B and W image. Even though I'm careful with my equipment, I use it, and carry a cameras on hikes, etc.—and have a handful of shattered or deeply scratched filters from mishaps over the years, and each one represents a lens that wasn't damaged. So, I rarely won't have a UV filter on.

I decoded to really test this filter, along with a few others: two from top tier brands, both at least 10 to 15 years old, this K&F, another recent "new brand" and finally, a bare lens. For my test I used a heavy tripod, and had a bright, mid morning sun facing the camera, at about 35º up and 10º to the left of the lens axis. I did not use a lens shade.

I'm including a few screen shots of the images here. Each has a note in it saying what it is. More than anything, I realize I need to redo this test, with additional expiosures of each filter, to select the most vibration free one. (This is a 102 Mega pixel sensor; I've been learning all sorts of things about vibration lately, since getting this camera...) I am also going to fully clean each of the filters. For this test, I did clean them all, so that by eye I couldn't't see any dust, or other residue—but, next time I am going to use Residual Oil Remover ("ROR") which is truly there best way to get a lens surface clean.

In any case, this K+F filter came closest to matching the "no filter" shot, in terms of overall contrast and color saturation. It also rendered the more subtle etching on Washington's forehead about as well as the other top filters.

What I can't answer is how durable the coatings will prove to be. Mechanically, the filter screws on and off easily, without any sticking. The machining on the rim is nicely done. A brass rim would be about the only upgrade I can think of. If you're curious about this line of filters, I encourage you to try one.

I've been a big fan of K&F's product line for years and have to say that once more they have exceeded expectations. Their lenses are multi-coated, waterproof and scratch-resistant resistant which is a major need for camera equipment within filters.

Overall, I needed a filter that could help protect my lenses while also featuring a UV filtered layer. This really helps to prevent glaring within my photos and given my images a bit more of a subtle enhancement. This also helps when shooting videos with a 4k device such as the Sony series of camera. I'm really happy with the product and will be trying more from K&F

Well, anyone with a camera with lens threading for filters, anyway.

Why? Glad you asked! There are two major reasons, while professional photographers may have more.

First - protection! You probably dropped a good chunk of change on your camera, and you want to protect it. Other than water, the exposed lens can be the most susceptible part of your camera for accidental damage. A scratch or chip on your primary lens will make it next to worthless. A UV filter in front of your main glass can absorb any accidental hits without damaging your primary, and is a lot cheaper to replace than your lens (or complete camera, if it has a fixed lens).

Second - picture quality. Excessive UV light can ruin the best planned shot. Indoors under florescent lighting you can get very poor picture quality. A UV filter knocks most of that out of the picture. Outdoors, especially near water or at high-altitude, excessive natural UV will push your pictures into the blue end of the spectrum - and you don't want that either!

This is a reasonably priced, quality, glass UV filter. Threaded on both sides so you can add additional filters if your shot requires. Well packaged in a solid case to protect it when not in use. With care, this should last for quite some time. Comes with a 2-year warranty, so don't forget to register it!

And always carry a spare..... just in case.

I've been dabbling from digital camera into digital photography with phone's built-in camera, and this is a perfect addition to my arsenal of filters.

Wanted something for protection as well as UV light, but without big impact onto the general photo quality and style.

Very much appreciate the lens case, but even more so the grip on the filter, which not every filter/adapter has unfortunately. Not too pricey either!

This is the first K&F Concept filter I've owned, and thus far, it's working really well. I got the 77mm UV version for an 11-16mm wide angle zoom lens, replacing an amazonbasics UV filter. I have no issues with the Amazon product; it also works well to reduce UV and protect the lens, but I like that the K&F is lighter, thinner, and appears to be at least slightly less reflective.

Going back to the ancient days of film SLRs, I've always been a fan of UV or 'skylight' filters to protect the lens and do some UV reduction at the same time. I've carried this practice over to the digital age, too, of course. I seldom notice a difference between these filters by brand, but the K&F seems particularly well made. I'm not exactly sure how to interpret the significance of the claims on the box (8k? Really? Waterproof?) but do appreciate multicoating and anti-scratch features.

I also wanted to note the nice case the filter comes in. It has the capability of holding different-sized filters and closes securely, not always the case with other filter cases. I'm apt to leave the filter on the lens, but still appreciate this attention to detail.

I get the idea that people minimize the need for filters nowadays; I think they should give them their due, and the K&F is a really nice filter to improve photos and, in particular, protect expensive lenses.

Really well machined filter with good quality, crystal clear glass.

The lens filter screws onto my lens (Sigma 24-70mm) easily and still allows for use of the lens hood and the lens cap.

A UV filter will protect your lens from dust and dirt and can help reduce surface reflection and some colour casting in sunlight.

The filter comes with a great protective carry case so when not in use it's well protected (and looks good)

Great addition to my kit bag.

TL;DR - Impressive performance. Honestly, I'm shocked.

I work as a professional photographer. I have a terrible gear addiction. I pixel peep.

These test photos were shot on a GFX100II with the 23mm F4.

I typically use B+W filters (Clear Basics 007), but I needed an 82mm filter and was inclined to try out this K&F filter. I don't consider myself a gear snob, but I certainly did not expect this filter to perform as well as it did.

In my experience, most clear/uv filters are quite good nowadays and will not degrade your image quality. Reasonably priced brands like Urth/Gobe, Neewer, Tiffen, and Hoya all perform really well and I would argue at parity with brands like PolarPro or B+W when it comes to basic image quality.

Higher end filters tend to show their value when it comes to controlling ghosting, flare and hazing. In my experience every filter exacerbates flare and ghosting, no matter the manufacturer, but the higher end brands tend to do it better.

My testing methodology hardly qualifies as rigorously scientific, but I did my best to force my lens to flare. To my surprise, the image with the K&F filter is surprisingly well controlled. I expected much worse, but it is quite good all things considered.

There is definitely a bit more vignette with the filter as can be seen in the second set of photos, but nothing too serious.

Image detail (No flashlight), is indistinguishable between filter and no filter.

Just a few comments on build quality. I do appreciate how thin this K&F filter is, but the machining and material used in the construction of the filter is definitely several steps below B+W or PolarPro, which makes perfect sense; for the price, there had to be compromises. But I think it's a worthwhile trade off given how great the glass itself performs.

One other thing I will mention is my own personal experience dealing with K&F. I highly recommend purchasing directly on Amazon and not on their website, especially if you aren't 100% certain of your purchase. Despite their no hassle return policy, I had a terrible experience attempting to do a return on a product. I'll just say it was a drawn out affair that involved days of e-mail tag and finally a store credit despite there being a clear discrepancy in their product description.

Customer service aside, they do make some quality products, so don't let that deter you from purchasing from them.

I will continue updating this review as I have more time to use the filter out in the field.

For now, I shall tentatively award this filter 5/5 for giving me such a great first impression.

This filter is essential for reducing UV light and removing blue tones from images, greatly improving the quality of your photos and videos. The filter comes with a handy plastic storage case. The filter is made of high-quality optical glass with a 28-layer nano coating, which provides a neutral color balance, reduces lens flare, and prevents ghosting. The ultra-thin aluminum housing makes the filter comfortable to use and does not affect image quality. Personally, I have found this filter particularly helpful in improving the quality of shots in bright sunlight. It effectively removes ghosting and blue casts, making colors more saturated and natural. It also protects the lens from scratches, dust, dirt, and other external influences. I prefer to use a larger filter with step-down rings, as I have many lenses of different sizes and this makes it easier for me to use them together.

The product reviewed here by K&F CONCEPT is certainly a good product that serves its purpose. I would also have loved to see its properties for myself. But that hasn't been possible so far.

I bought the MRC UV filter in size 77 mm for my Sony SEL 24-105 F4 as part of the last Prime Day. The filter was delivered today. What I noticed right away was that the package had visibly been opened before. It must therefore be a returned item. That alone wouldn't be a problem, because I had previously assumed that these returns were checked before being resold. However, the contents did not contain the high-quality K&F filter with a diameter of 77 mm that I had hoped for, but an inferior UV filter from Praktika with a diameter of 72 mm. The "previous owner" had obviously mixed something up before returning the item. It is far from me to judge whether this was done intentionally or not. But I am of the opinion that Amazon should have checked the item afterwards before reselling it. If this was done at all, it was not done with the necessary precision.

I have now returned the item in the hope that the next Amazon customer will not be happy with it. I have reordered the item, unfortunately now at the normal price. If I have been able to convince myself of its properties, I am happy to adjust the rating accordingly.