55 mm Variable ND Filter ND3-ND1000, Ultra-thin HD, with Double-sided 28-layer Nano-coating, Nano-Xcel Series
SKU: KF01.2006
Oh my god, the putter is such a lifesaver. I've never been a fan of twisting the tiny, super thin surface of any filter. ND filters, CPL filters, diffusion filters, all lack putters! I'm definitely glad that K&F Concept decided to include this in their filters, including this one.
As for the ND functionality itself, I don't have to increase my shutter speed or aperture. It allows me to maintain a shallow depth of field on my subject even in broad daylight. And yes, it works for landscape photography and other purposes as well, but my main use was shooting video of people.
If you're familiar with the exposure triangle, you may know my situation. Decreasing my aperture would decrease my shallow depth of field, and increasing the shutter speed would make the movement of my subject look strange, they would just look very strange. There would be no motion blur, which is why the image looks unnatural to our eyes. So this ND filter was perfect to fill that need.
Overall, I can really recommend this filter if you want to improve the quality of your videos, and of course it depends on what you want to use it for. If you know you need an ND filter, don't go for the cheap glass. Instead, opt for something like this! It will definitely be worth it.
As for the ND functionality itself, I don't have to increase my shutter speed or aperture. It allows me to maintain a shallow depth of field on my subject even in broad daylight. And yes, it works for landscape photography and other purposes as well, but my main use was shooting video of people.
If you're familiar with the exposure triangle, you may know my situation. Decreasing my aperture would decrease my shallow depth of field, and increasing the shutter speed would make the movement of my subject look strange, they would just look very strange. There would be no motion blur, which is why the image looks unnatural to our eyes. So this ND filter was perfect to fill that need.
Overall, I can really recommend this filter if you want to improve the quality of your videos, and of course it depends on what you want to use it for. If you know you need an ND filter, don't go for the cheap glass. Instead, opt for something like this! It will definitely be worth it.
26/06/2022
This K&F Concept 55mm Variable ND filter fits my lens well. It is a well made quality product. The filter worked as well as some of my more expensive filters - very happy with it.
23/06/2022
From the packaging to the actual filter, this screams professionalism and quality. The build quality is A1 and I like the included adjustment knob/slope because it makes navigating the ND intensity much easier. The quality of the ND is incredible. My photos still retain their color and sharpness. I make sure to take a photo from a gray card or white card to adjust the white balance on my camera, as this can create a small tint - as with most ND filters. The friction of doing this as you move through the ND intensity is great. I don't slip when determining where I want to go, and there is no cross-polarization, which is very important. One thing I would like to see is some sort of lens/filter cap. Polar Pro has spoiled me, yes, but it's a small addition that's important to protect your filters when you move. Not unless you plan on taking it off every time you move from one place to another. That being said, this is a really great VND filter.
17/06/2022
I'm used to using standard neutral density filters and having to buy glasses with different levels of darkening. Not so with this one. I was pleasantly surprised to see that by moving the ring on the filter, you can turn it down to very dark for a photo shoot in super bright sunshine, or turn it back up to almost full clear. Or if I just want to reduce the depth of field, I can adjust the density to my lens that way. Great idea!
27/05/2022
I love the adjustment handle on this filter. I use this for a very wide aperture lens that is in a teleprompter. My previous filter didn't rotate as easily and I had to use two fingers, which meant I had to take apart part of the teleprompter to get in there. I also couldn't do it while standing in front of the teleprompter to see if I had the right exposure. Enter this filter. I can just stick my finger in and adjust with the little handle while I'm in front of the camera checking the exposure. It may seem like a small thing, but it saves me a lot of time. What was a back and forth of 15 minutes is now a few seconds.
The optics are fantastic. No aberrations or other optical issues. Very high quality workmanship as well. I highly recommend this filter.
The optics are fantastic. No aberrations or other optical issues. Very high quality workmanship as well. I highly recommend this filter.
24/05/2022
ND filters are essential if you want to shoot with something where it may be bright outside. For example, you can use an ND filter indoors to reduce the exposure of an outdoor window, and then you can add highlights to increase the exposure of your subject again so that both are perfectly exposed.
K&F Concept made the interesting design decision to add a putter, and I'm all for it. This makes the function of changing the ND much easier than the traditional way, mainly because sometimes I tried to rotate part of the filter, but it wasn't the part that actually controlled the ND.
Overall, I really recommend this filter. It's fantastic!
K&F Concept made the interesting design decision to add a putter, and I'm all for it. This makes the function of changing the ND much easier than the traditional way, mainly because sometimes I tried to rotate part of the filter, but it wasn't the part that actually controlled the ND.
Overall, I really recommend this filter. It's fantastic!
19/05/2022
I think all adjustable filters should come with a putter like the one that comes with this variable ND filter. I already have a few ND filters from K&F Concept, but this one is by far my favorite.
As usual, the optical quality of the filter is excellent - there is no color shift and the hue is even and consistent throughout the image, with no hotspots. The entire spectrum offers a very good spread of stops from 1.5 to 1000.
There is a hard stop at both ends of the putter range that prevents you from exceeding the stops. Therefore, there is no "X" or divergent pattern. Just crisp, consistent density.
The filter threaded onto my lens smoothly and effortlessly. Non-binding.
The putter is obviously a major selling point, at least for me.
Comes in a nice little storage box that adequately protects the filter when not in use.
Great filter through and through.
RECOMMENDED>
As usual, the optical quality of the filter is excellent - there is no color shift and the hue is even and consistent throughout the image, with no hotspots. The entire spectrum offers a very good spread of stops from 1.5 to 1000.
There is a hard stop at both ends of the putter range that prevents you from exceeding the stops. Therefore, there is no "X" or divergent pattern. Just crisp, consistent density.
The filter threaded onto my lens smoothly and effortlessly. Non-binding.
The putter is obviously a major selling point, at least for me.
Comes in a nice little storage box that adequately protects the filter when not in use.
Great filter through and through.
RECOMMENDED>
15/05/2022
I have never really liked VND filters. I usually prefer fixed NDs. This K&F VND has changed my mind. It has exceptional build quality. Throughout its range of rotation, it is completely clear. K&F also include a very nice case. Overall, it is fantastic.
07/05/2022