52mm Black Diffusion 1/4 & 1/8 Filter Kit Dream Cinematic Effect - Nano-Xcel

So I think a lot of folks involved in video product are very familiar with the Tiffen Black Pro Mist filters. This is K&F's version of that filter. I will go into what I think about the filter but you can also judge for yourself in one of the pictures in this review where I show you the same image; the first without the filter then with the filter.

One of the results you get with a filter of this type is blooming of the highlights. This filter does quite a good job of that. Comparing the bloom to the Tiffen line I would say it falls between Tiffen's 1/2 and 1/4 strength with it being closer to the 1/4. The highlight fall of was strong but natural in my opinion. Keep in mind the light in the image fills the frame so you are seeing this particular effect of this filter at it's most extreme. You won't see that much blooming in a more natural setting. Take a look at the highlights on the camera. To me the K&F filter had a great effect on the highlight roll off which was very smooth.

The other effect you get with a black mist filter is the slightly reduced contrast and the slight softening of the shadows. To me I thought this filter did this quite well. If you look at the texture on the handle of the camera in the image you can see how it's just sort of softened that texture. Imagine shooting a person and you can imagine how much you would be able to smooth out the skin.

It also comes in a nice little screw together plastic case. Inside the case are these little rubber stopper than prevent the filter from sliding around in the case. I love the attention to detail here.

So compared to the Tiffen version of this lens at the size I got which was 82mm the K&F Black Mist is about $40 cheaper. I think you are getting a lot of value for your money here. I can't wait to try out this filter on some upcoming shoots.

I think K&F is making a move into higher end filters and if this filter is an example of the kind of quality they can produce, I can't wait to see what filter they release next.

K&F contacted me to test the new Black Mist filter.
It is a filter designed for videos and to give a "vintage" touch to the final result.
In short: beautiful result even for photography. It is a useful filter for portraits or for landscape or storytelling reportage. You do not lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shaded area.
It is a filter to be used in photography with large apertures and which "tells" an atmosphere.

But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging / handling: In addition to the plastic box, the filter is inserted in a very resistant and protective snap-on case. The filter is screw-type (rightly because it was created for videomakers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a cardboard box. But the case that you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is resistant and fits well to all the lenses to which I have mounted it.

Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so it leaves the colors similar to the photo taken without a filter. Great!
It does not lose light, there is no need to increase the ISO when it is mounted. Great!
The sharpness in the details (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You DO NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus even if I would not use it in ultra-defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
Autofocus is unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with fixed lenses.

Usage / Effect: it is a filter that gives a “glow” effect to photos, very particular especially for videos and for portraits in harsh light or backlight.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, moreover the light "enters" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to give a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes clarity from the image in high contrast areas.

In the photos you can see a couple of unfiltered / filtered comparisons, two portrait photos set and what comes to you.

Result in short: it is a filter that you do not think can enter your kit, but when it does it has such a particular result that you would try it in any situation. A must try!

Let's start at the beginning. What does a "crap filter" do? It ensures that lights get a "blurr effect". In German the lights look a bit hazy. This can create a really cool look in film productions, but is also really useful for photos for portraits etc. For example, a chain of lights in the background of the model or similar

Autofocus works perfectly with the Sony A7 Mark 2 and the Kito lens.

What I find absolutely awesome is the "packaging" or where the filter is stored. Nothing wobbles here! This is rock solid and can even be used for other filter sizes.

Oh: Despite the filter, the lens hood and the protective cap for the lens fit without any problems.

Processing as always top! no plastic ;-)

I've used this filter a couple of times for my creative photography and videography in a couple of instances and i can tell you K&F Concept nailed it again.

I can't post images of content i was paid for due to contractual reasons, but this is definitely a professional grade filter.

I noticed no image resolution degradation, no white balance issues, no vignetting or distortion when the filter was on.

It arrived on a rather large protecting case that i discarded right away and it was unwieldy, hard and larger than it needed to be, but i own a K&F filter pouch (shown on pictures, not included with the filter) that i use.

Despite not liking the carrying case, this is a GREAT Black Mist filter, it feels premium on your hands, mounting was smooth, it feels sturdy and while i did NOT test scratch resistance i trust K&F Concept products.

Great value for a premium filter, i would recommend it to anyone who is in the market for one.

I’ll be honest up front, I ordered this mistaking it for an ND filter, I’ve decided to keep this though as I really like the effect it produces.

I’ve been getting into landscape photography and wanted an Nd filter but ordered this by mistake, after having a play and wanting to eventually push into portrait I decided to give it a try.

The results are surprising good, it adds a nice glow to bright light sources that give the images some warmth.

The filter is presented in a lovely case with rubber wedges inside that hold the filter in place so it doesn’t slip around.

I can see me using this for product photography and portraits and so far have really enjoyed it

Pros
- nice glow
- gives images a warmer feel
- excellent storage case

Cons
- none ( although keep in mind you may need to adjust exposure times slightly due to very minimal tint )

Works as advertised. Portraits have a dreamy look to it but it’s subtle compared to the moment cinebloom filter. Construction isn’t as nice as the moment but images still look good.

Pictures are with and without the 1/4 mist!

Very good Mist Filter. I use it for music videos where I want to get a more vintage look and it gets the job done.

I like it. Make sure to clean every so often or you’ll see reflections from the exchange between the lens and the filter in your picture

Instead of getting really harsh highlights, having this on really helps on making it look smoother and making shots look nicer. Great for photos and videos.