Reviews
really works well, very nicely made
As a filter, for both polarizing and variable ND, this is a solid 5 stars! I'll explain 4 stars to get this out of the way—the filter is large in diameter, and those orange grips stick out even farther. This will not allow any of my lenses that use this size filter use their lens shades at the same time. Also, (and this is probably necessary, to avoid vignetting), there are no receptical threads in the front—so you can't use your lens cap when the filter is attached. I have a feeling that this larger diameter is an issue with most variable ND filters though.
Now that those issues are out of the way, I can speak to the positive attributes. I have a number of very good polarizer and Neutral Density filters (none combined) from top manufacturers. I've avoided variable ND filters in the past—pretty much every review I've read mentions an "X" that appears (as a darkening) once the filters are above 3 or 4 stops. But, since I've used several of the higher grade K&F filters (UV and ND) and have seen how good they are, I thought this one was worth a try.
First the polarizer. I've attached two birdbath photos—one without and one with the filter at maximum effectiveness (with the ND set at 1). (Note that without the polarizer, I was focusing on the reflection on the water surface, so the birdbath and surroundings are out of focus. This also affected the overall exposure.) To my eye, this is working very well, without creating undue color casts, and the exposure is even across the image.
Next, the ND The first shot is no ND filter at all, and the second shot is the maximum 5 stops of this filter. There is a very slight color shift between the two; it's possible that if I didn't have color temp. set to auto on my camera, the difference might be more apparent—as it is, the correction needed would be easy in post. The main issue to me, is that the color shift is even across the image. And, the only ND filters that I have (and remember they are fixed ND, not variable) that have less color shift than this cost more than this filter. (And, they are just a single ND and there is no polarizer in them, either.)
The filter comes in a very nice case; I'm undecided if I like this better than the typical top and bottom lock together "caps" or self hinged snap box that all my other filters come in. It doesn't take up more room, and it's fun to pull the orange webbing and watch the filter lift out of the case.
Now that those issues are out of the way, I can speak to the positive attributes. I have a number of very good polarizer and Neutral Density filters (none combined) from top manufacturers. I've avoided variable ND filters in the past—pretty much every review I've read mentions an "X" that appears (as a darkening) once the filters are above 3 or 4 stops. But, since I've used several of the higher grade K&F filters (UV and ND) and have seen how good they are, I thought this one was worth a try.
First the polarizer. I've attached two birdbath photos—one without and one with the filter at maximum effectiveness (with the ND set at 1). (Note that without the polarizer, I was focusing on the reflection on the water surface, so the birdbath and surroundings are out of focus. This also affected the overall exposure.) To my eye, this is working very well, without creating undue color casts, and the exposure is even across the image.
Next, the ND The first shot is no ND filter at all, and the second shot is the maximum 5 stops of this filter. There is a very slight color shift between the two; it's possible that if I didn't have color temp. set to auto on my camera, the difference might be more apparent—as it is, the correction needed would be easy in post. The main issue to me, is that the color shift is even across the image. And, the only ND filters that I have (and remember they are fixed ND, not variable) that have less color shift than this cost more than this filter. (And, they are just a single ND and there is no polarizer in them, either.)
The filter comes in a very nice case; I'm undecided if I like this better than the typical top and bottom lock together "caps" or self hinged snap box that all my other filters come in. It doesn't take up more room, and it's fun to pull the orange webbing and watch the filter lift out of the case.
12/03/2024