K&F contacted me to test the new Black Mist filter.
It's a filter designed for videos that gives a "vintage" touch to the end result.
In short: Nice result for photography too. It's a useful filter for portrait or landscape or storytelling reportage. You don't lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shadowed area.
It is a filter used in large aperture photography that "tells" an atmosphere.
But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging/handling: The filter is placed next to the plastic box in a very resistant and protective slip case. The filter is screwable (rightly so, because it was created for video makers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a box. But the case you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is durable and goes well with all the lenses I've mounted it on.
Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so the colors remain similar to the photo taken without a filter. Optimal!
It doesn't lose light, no need to up the ISO once mounted. Optimal!
The sharpness of detail (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You do NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus, even if I wouldn't use it in ultra defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
The autofocus remains unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with prime lenses.
Use / Effect: It is a filter that gives photos a "glow" effect, especially for videos and for portraits in bright or backlit conditions.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, and the light "penetrates" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to create a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes the clarity of the image in high contrast areas.
On the photos you can see a few unfiltered/filtered comparisons, two portrait photos and what comes to you.
Result in short: it's a filter that you won't believe fits in your kit, but when it does, it has such a special result that you would try it in any situation. Be sure to try it!
It's a filter designed for videos that gives a "vintage" touch to the end result.
In short: Nice result for photography too. It's a useful filter for portrait or landscape or storytelling reportage. You don't lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shadowed area.
It is a filter used in large aperture photography that "tells" an atmosphere.
But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging/handling: The filter is placed next to the plastic box in a very resistant and protective slip case. The filter is screwable (rightly so, because it was created for video makers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a box. But the case you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is durable and goes well with all the lenses I've mounted it on.
Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so the colors remain similar to the photo taken without a filter. Optimal!
It doesn't lose light, no need to up the ISO once mounted. Optimal!
The sharpness of detail (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You do NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus, even if I wouldn't use it in ultra defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
The autofocus remains unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with prime lenses.
Use / Effect: It is a filter that gives photos a "glow" effect, especially for videos and for portraits in bright or backlit conditions.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, and the light "penetrates" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to create a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes the clarity of the image in high contrast areas.
On the photos you can see a few unfiltered/filtered comparisons, two portrait photos and what comes to you.
Result in short: it's a filter that you won't believe fits in your kit, but when it does, it has such a special result that you would try it in any situation. Be sure to try it!
02/04/2022
I'll start by saying that this filter will stay on my Canon 24-70 forever and that I'm pleased and amazed at the effect it gives my photographs.
The filter comes in a hard case, which already distinguishes it from low-end filters: it is convenient to use and has a non-slip part with different notches for multiple filter sizes. The construction is excellent and immediately recognizable by the layer applied to the surface, which is a professional tool.
If you're a photography freak like me, you've already tried things like petroleum jelly on the lens, stockings pulled onto a filter, or different films to get an effect similar to diffusion/glow. Here this filter is anything but. It has a sneaky effect and does NOT degrade the image. The edges remain sharp while the colors inside the photo seem to fade slightly, restoring the quality obtained using film: really nice! I bought it for daytime photography, but certainly one of its best uses is with night lights, where you can better appreciate that spread of color and brightness. Although it is an overused term, this filter gives the digital photo pulp an organic feel. I would like to point out that it does not have an obvious and vulgar broad appeal, but is visible without being noticed. Also highly recommended for videos!
The filter comes in a hard case, which already distinguishes it from low-end filters: it is convenient to use and has a non-slip part with different notches for multiple filter sizes. The construction is excellent and immediately recognizable by the layer applied to the surface, which is a professional tool.
If you're a photography freak like me, you've already tried things like petroleum jelly on the lens, stockings pulled onto a filter, or different films to get an effect similar to diffusion/glow. Here this filter is anything but. It has a sneaky effect and does NOT degrade the image. The edges remain sharp while the colors inside the photo seem to fade slightly, restoring the quality obtained using film: really nice! I bought it for daytime photography, but certainly one of its best uses is with night lights, where you can better appreciate that spread of color and brightness. Although it is an overused term, this filter gives the digital photo pulp an organic feel. I would like to point out that it does not have an obvious and vulgar broad appeal, but is visible without being noticed. Also highly recommended for videos!
15/03/2022
I bought this filter to get rid of the sharpness and overly digital look of today's cameras. The quality of this Black Pro Mist from KeF is excellent, the result is identical to the more expensive filters from Nisi.
The effect it gives is mainly apparent when we frame light sources that create a halo around the main source, be it the sun or an artificial light.
Great for adding a vintage and special touch to your photos/videos
The effect it gives is mainly apparent when we frame light sources that create a halo around the main source, be it the sun or an artificial light.
Great for adding a vintage and special touch to your photos/videos
08/03/2022
Included in delivery: case and filter.
Tested with my Nikon kit lens. (see my sample photos)
Each top photo was taken on a tripod with a 10 second timer.
The Black Mist Pro filter has been added to each bottom photo.
This really works, as the name suggests!
You can see the colors and sharpness side by side in the original without a filter.
Then after you put the filter on the front of the lens,
you get a black fog. This calms the color saturation and the sharpness.
Just a small amount.
The case.
The top twists off the bottom and is made out of a smoke-colored plastic. The edges have a nice set of grooves.
Facilitates opening and closing. Branding above.
The bottom is made of the same plastic and has the same grooves on the side.
The highlight are the 2 gray silicone pads that are glued inside.
(These grooves will hold your filter) You can also use smaller and larger filters.
That's a plus.
The filter.
Is slim and made of aluminum.
The sides have really nice grooves which makes using the filter very smooth.
Great glass. Actually scratch resistant.
Got my keys out and hey, no scratches. Thumbs up.
Waterproof.
Filter weighs only 0.5 ounces. Both the housing and the filter weigh 2.7 ounces.
Overall very happy with the filter.
Great quality.
I took the 52mm version.
Used 2 of my kit lenses and no problems. Very easy to install and remove from the lens.
Easy to clean. Should last a very long time.
I prefer to shoot with filters rather than go into the software and spend extra time trying to get a similar effect.
Hope that was helpful.
Tested with my Nikon kit lens. (see my sample photos)
Each top photo was taken on a tripod with a 10 second timer.
The Black Mist Pro filter has been added to each bottom photo.
This really works, as the name suggests!
You can see the colors and sharpness side by side in the original without a filter.
Then after you put the filter on the front of the lens,
you get a black fog. This calms the color saturation and the sharpness.
Just a small amount.
The case.
The top twists off the bottom and is made out of a smoke-colored plastic. The edges have a nice set of grooves.
Facilitates opening and closing. Branding above.
The bottom is made of the same plastic and has the same grooves on the side.
The highlight are the 2 gray silicone pads that are glued inside.
(These grooves will hold your filter) You can also use smaller and larger filters.
That's a plus.
The filter.
Is slim and made of aluminum.
The sides have really nice grooves which makes using the filter very smooth.
Great glass. Actually scratch resistant.
Got my keys out and hey, no scratches. Thumbs up.
Waterproof.
Filter weighs only 0.5 ounces. Both the housing and the filter weigh 2.7 ounces.
Overall very happy with the filter.
Great quality.
I took the 52mm version.
Used 2 of my kit lenses and no problems. Very easy to install and remove from the lens.
Easy to clean. Should last a very long time.
I prefer to shoot with filters rather than go into the software and spend extra time trying to get a similar effect.
Hope that was helpful.
17/02/2022
As someone who works extensively in video production, I am very familiar with diffusion filters. I've been using them for a while for various projects. What makes this filter from K&F Concept so special, in addition to the great look, is the magnetic filter system. Having recently bought a few more different magnetic filters, I quickly grew fond of this concept and have almost completely switched.
The diffusion filter does exactly what it is supposed to do, no more or less. The filter will add tons of character to your digital images from your DSLR. The magic of the filter is that it literally makes the lights (especially light sources) glow. The effect adds a dreamy halo look to the highlights, a common look of feature film styles. I've attached a screenshot of a music video I recorded with the filter.
In the box you get the diffusion filter, an adapter ring and the lens cap. All of these items are magnetic and snap directly into each other. You simply screw the adapter ring into your lens thread and then snap the diffusion filter into place within seconds. You've got the gorgeous look you've been waiting for.
The diffusion filter does exactly what it is supposed to do, no more or less. The filter will add tons of character to your digital images from your DSLR. The magic of the filter is that it literally makes the lights (especially light sources) glow. The effect adds a dreamy halo look to the highlights, a common look of feature film styles. I've attached a screenshot of a music video I recorded with the filter.
In the box you get the diffusion filter, an adapter ring and the lens cap. All of these items are magnetic and snap directly into each other. You simply screw the adapter ring into your lens thread and then snap the diffusion filter into place within seconds. You've got the gorgeous look you've been waiting for.
06/02/2022
I ordered the 55mm Black Soft Diffusion 1/8 Effect Filter to use with my Nikon D5600. I'm a beginner but I enjoy the effects of this filter, especially in daylight. The effect is subtle but effective. There is a nice bloom and minimal color variation. No loss in image quality observed. Thread on the filter makes it easy to screw onto my camera lens. Came well packaged. Useful filter to have a variety of settings at hand.
17/01/2022
Similar to the expensive Pro-Mist filters, this gives videos and photos a more cinematic glow as it adds a slight haze to the image. The 1/8 is lighter than the 1/4 filter size and always has the 82mm thread size as you can get step up rings to fit the filter. The filter gives the highlights a fog-like effect without sacrificing sharpness and also smooths out skin tones. Overall nice filter that fits and protects the camera and is best to have than use a cheap UV filter. The glass won't stick to oil or fingerprints, so you don't have to keep wiping it down.
10/01/2022
This K&F Black Diffusion Filter is an excellent kit. It reduces the contrast, makes the blacks a bit grayer and provides a soft bloom around the highlights. Four filter strengths are available; from weakest to strongest they are 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 and 1. This 1/8 filter is the weakest, but it still makes a noticeable difference in the look of the pictures you take with it.
20/12/2021
The Black Mist filter is designed to give images, especially videos, a dreamlike look by creating a "glow effect" across the entire image. The hard image edges are softened, but the contrast in the dark areas is largely retained. For best results, you must use this filter, especially near the light source. A subtle halo is added around the point of light.
10/12/2021