The K&F Concept 82mm ND4-64 (2-6 Stops) ND Lens Filter Variable & CPL Polarizers Filter 2-in-1, 28 Multi-Coated Circular Polarizing and Neutral Density Camera Lens Filter:
This is a super cool idea that was bound to happen sooner or later, and I’m glad K&F was the one to do it. I have come to really like their filters. I have their standard vari ND, super nice with little to no color shift, and their CP, again super well made and little to no color change. This is equally well made and comes in a similar leather filter wallet. Super high quality materials and coatings. Basically how this works is one ring controls the vari ND, and the other ring controls the CP. the CP range is greater than the ND range however, they work together to give you more ND range. It works well, and truly gives you a large range of change. The trade off is a bit of color shift here and there. I have found this to be common with almost every vari ND on the market with only a few exceptions, this rates among the better ones. I was truly impressed at how good the color rendition was on the standard vari ND. This is not a ding, it is a limitation of how they do variable ND. To find one that has no color shift is rare. If this is important to you I recommend their other model. This is a great two for one, and is very effective and well made. If you only want to throw one filter in your bag this is a great option. K&F are doing top quality work and I really like their products. This one is innovative and convenient, with a small trade off, that you may end up with from most other brands anyway. So don’t let that scare you, however it’s gonna bother you, get their other vari ND model, which is truly impressive and I would put against the best in the business. Overall I have become a big fan of this company and their quality and innovation. I recommend trying out this unique filter as well as their other filters. They are not cheap, but why would you put a cheap filter in front of you expensive lens. With glass you get what you pay for and K&F is worth the money.
This is a super cool idea that was bound to happen sooner or later, and I’m glad K&F was the one to do it. I have come to really like their filters. I have their standard vari ND, super nice with little to no color shift, and their CP, again super well made and little to no color change. This is equally well made and comes in a similar leather filter wallet. Super high quality materials and coatings. Basically how this works is one ring controls the vari ND, and the other ring controls the CP. the CP range is greater than the ND range however, they work together to give you more ND range. It works well, and truly gives you a large range of change. The trade off is a bit of color shift here and there. I have found this to be common with almost every vari ND on the market with only a few exceptions, this rates among the better ones. I was truly impressed at how good the color rendition was on the standard vari ND. This is not a ding, it is a limitation of how they do variable ND. To find one that has no color shift is rare. If this is important to you I recommend their other model. This is a great two for one, and is very effective and well made. If you only want to throw one filter in your bag this is a great option. K&F are doing top quality work and I really like their products. This one is innovative and convenient, with a small trade off, that you may end up with from most other brands anyway. So don’t let that scare you, however it’s gonna bother you, get their other vari ND model, which is truly impressive and I would put against the best in the business. Overall I have become a big fan of this company and their quality and innovation. I recommend trying out this unique filter as well as their other filters. They are not cheap, but why would you put a cheap filter in front of you expensive lens. With glass you get what you pay for and K&F is worth the money.
17/05/2023
If you've ever tried to stack an ND filter and a circular polarizer, you know that it is a giant pain and usually results in a dramatic dip in image quality.
A useful workaround is to stack a normal and inverted polarizer on your lens to try to cross polarize the light coming in. It can work well, but can also be more of a pain to deal with than it is worth.
This dual filter is an amazing combo of the two most commonly used filters - the ND and the circular polarizer. Through some sort of witchcraft, they've found a way to combine both filters into one easy to use design. You can do the circular polarize and ND filter to get those beautiful images.
There is no distortion or X pattern. Color shift is minor and is on par with other high end ND filters.
I like the textured rings and heavy knob for adjustments.
I wish there was a way to have no ND filter as an option - so I could leave it on the lens all the time as a circular polarizer and then apply the ND as needed. It's not a huge deal, but would still be an awesome feature.
Great value!
A useful workaround is to stack a normal and inverted polarizer on your lens to try to cross polarize the light coming in. It can work well, but can also be more of a pain to deal with than it is worth.
This dual filter is an amazing combo of the two most commonly used filters - the ND and the circular polarizer. Through some sort of witchcraft, they've found a way to combine both filters into one easy to use design. You can do the circular polarize and ND filter to get those beautiful images.
There is no distortion or X pattern. Color shift is minor and is on par with other high end ND filters.
I like the textured rings and heavy knob for adjustments.
I wish there was a way to have no ND filter as an option - so I could leave it on the lens all the time as a circular polarizer and then apply the ND as needed. It's not a huge deal, but would still be an awesome feature.
Great value!
14/05/2023
I love this variable ND filter. I'm using with a Canon R6 and a Canon RF 35mm F1.8 lens. Fit and finish is impeccable and and it's easy to rotate due to the tabs set at 180 degrees on the filter. Most importantly, I'm not detecting an cross-hatching, which is a common phenomenon on variable ND filters. Also, the lens cap fits securely on the filter, but you can't use a lens hood when using the filter. That isn't a big deal to me, but it's worth noting. This filter has stayed on the lens since I received it. Couldn't be happier - highly recommended. 5 stars.
07/05/2023
I've picked up a number of filters from K&F lately and they have all been great, well machined, easy to adjust and fit well on my lenses. This one is no exception! As others have said, there is very little color shift with this and at all the settings you get a nice clear view with no variations in brightness across the filter.
If you shoot in places that are almost always brightly lit with direct sunlight, you know that even after lowering the ISO sometimes you still can't reduce the shutter speed enough to get a nice stylistic motion blur on flowing water or waves on a beach. It can also be hard to get the iris opened up to where you get a nice depth of field blur. With this filter going all the way up to ND64 you can easily get the light low enough to take these kinds of shots. While everyone likes tack sharp photos you get with high shutter speed and high F-Stop, sometimes you just want a different look and this will let you get it. From a shallow depth of field shot to focus people on the main subject to a more motion blurred shot to give you the sensation of movement. This can also be used for recording videos. In bright light you often have to turn the shutter speed up which makes the video seem to stutter when you pan. With an ND like this you can pull the shutter speed back down again to get that more "cinematic" look to your videos.
Overall a good filter that I'm really happy with. The only thing is I wish K&F was a little more consistent with their cases. Some filters come in a plastic box, others (like this one) in a little leather slip-case. Regardless of which kind of boxes you get, they really aren't marked all that well so if you carry several it's not always that easy to tell which filter is in which case without opening them and looking. But that's a small thing. All their cases are sturdy and protective as they should be.
If you shoot in places that are almost always brightly lit with direct sunlight, you know that even after lowering the ISO sometimes you still can't reduce the shutter speed enough to get a nice stylistic motion blur on flowing water or waves on a beach. It can also be hard to get the iris opened up to where you get a nice depth of field blur. With this filter going all the way up to ND64 you can easily get the light low enough to take these kinds of shots. While everyone likes tack sharp photos you get with high shutter speed and high F-Stop, sometimes you just want a different look and this will let you get it. From a shallow depth of field shot to focus people on the main subject to a more motion blurred shot to give you the sensation of movement. This can also be used for recording videos. In bright light you often have to turn the shutter speed up which makes the video seem to stutter when you pan. With an ND like this you can pull the shutter speed back down again to get that more "cinematic" look to your videos.
Overall a good filter that I'm really happy with. The only thing is I wish K&F was a little more consistent with their cases. Some filters come in a plastic box, others (like this one) in a little leather slip-case. Regardless of which kind of boxes you get, they really aren't marked all that well so if you carry several it's not always that easy to tell which filter is in which case without opening them and looking. But that's a small thing. All their cases are sturdy and protective as they should be.
30/04/2023
having two filters put together in one is absolutely brilliant! and like all the other K&F concept equipment I have, the quality of this filter is also brilliant, and top notch! This is the first "combo" type filter i have ever had and it is so dang nice to use. I tend to shoot Black and White film mostly, and this filter has been extremely useful for mid day bright sunlight shooting. There is one twist ring that dials in the ND filter, and then another ring that you twist for the polarizing. And the filter is still narrow and streamlined, it is not super thick and clunky to use. I have nothing at all negative to say about this filter, it is really well built, and is easy to use and has one of the nicest protective cases i have ever seen.
29/04/2023
Been a big K&F Concept fan, ever since getting my first tripod by them, years ago. And they seem to be stepping it up a notch, over time. For one, their packaging is beautiful, on their filters and accessories, along with the little protective carry bags for them. It's like opening a box of fine jewelry, and enhances the Buyer's Experience. I like to call it, "Power In The Packaging". Very few manufacturers seem to understand that concept, and K&F gets it. Worse still, are those who give you fancy packaging, to dress up a crappy product. But you won't find that here. The quality matches. And, it's magic.
Still trying to figure out how the heck it does that, the adjustment mechanics, how it fades from clear to black. And, the way it knocks off the bright white reflections and smooths everything over, is amazing. Been in the process of rearranging my studio, and putting it all together, so I haven't produced any content with it yet, but I've tested it on some of my cameras and adapters/lens gadgets, and looked at the monitor, sat there mesmerized, adjusting it back and forth, just looking at it, and I'm in love. Can't wait to get it all set up, and put this and my other K&F filters and contraptions to work!
Still trying to figure out how the heck it does that, the adjustment mechanics, how it fades from clear to black. And, the way it knocks off the bright white reflections and smooths everything over, is amazing. Been in the process of rearranging my studio, and putting it all together, so I haven't produced any content with it yet, but I've tested it on some of my cameras and adapters/lens gadgets, and looked at the monitor, sat there mesmerized, adjusting it back and forth, just looking at it, and I'm in love. Can't wait to get it all set up, and put this and my other K&F filters and contraptions to work!
27/04/2023
In short, it works very well and is a good price (currently $86). Highly recommended. It is very versatile and arguably can replace several filters in your bag.
I believe they basically layer two CPL filter over each other. By doing this, you effectively get a CPL and a variable ND4-ND64 (2-6 stops) filter in one.
The operation is smooth, solid, and natural. The CPL is operated as usual by twisting the filter. The ND effect is separately operated using the orange tabs. Very easy to adjust both on the fly. The ND filter has stop markings, which helps with precision. Be sure the filter is securely attached to the lens because the filter operation is quite firm and adjusting the CPL/ND might loosen the filter from the lens if it is not secure. I appreciate the "gear teeth" grip on the filter itself for attaching to a lens. It makes it really easy grip the lens to both get it snug on the lens and also remove from the lens.
The build quality feels very good and solid. It comes in a nice looking pouch, although I would have preferred a more airtight container.
Image quality is very good. Vignetting is within normal and acceptable ranges, and it is much better than stacking two separate CPL filters or using separate CPL/ND filters.
I'm just an enthusiast, not a professional. That said, I think this is a terrific filter to keep in the bag because of the overall quality and versatility.
I believe they basically layer two CPL filter over each other. By doing this, you effectively get a CPL and a variable ND4-ND64 (2-6 stops) filter in one.
The operation is smooth, solid, and natural. The CPL is operated as usual by twisting the filter. The ND effect is separately operated using the orange tabs. Very easy to adjust both on the fly. The ND filter has stop markings, which helps with precision. Be sure the filter is securely attached to the lens because the filter operation is quite firm and adjusting the CPL/ND might loosen the filter from the lens if it is not secure. I appreciate the "gear teeth" grip on the filter itself for attaching to a lens. It makes it really easy grip the lens to both get it snug on the lens and also remove from the lens.
The build quality feels very good and solid. It comes in a nice looking pouch, although I would have preferred a more airtight container.
Image quality is very good. Vignetting is within normal and acceptable ranges, and it is much better than stacking two separate CPL filters or using separate CPL/ND filters.
I'm just an enthusiast, not a professional. That said, I think this is a terrific filter to keep in the bag because of the overall quality and versatility.
22/04/2023
I love that this filter is both an ND and polarizer. This makes it very simple to adjust aperture to the depth of field desired while also adjusting the sky with the polarizer. Having both filters controlled with simple knobs makes the adjustments quick and effortless.
The quality of the glass appears to be excellent. I do not see any odd aberrations with my naked eye. I have had good luck with K&F filters in the past and this one is no exception.
The quality of the glass appears to be excellent. I do not see any odd aberrations with my naked eye. I have had good luck with K&F filters in the past and this one is no exception.
19/04/2023
A very handy variable neutral density filter. I’ve really come to appreciate the quality of K&F‘s filters. They are budget friendly but never sacrifice image or build quality. But I own several dozen of their filters and also some of the other very expensive ones and they have always been able to perform as good or close to the ones that cost several times the amount of money. I wouldn’t put this up against a Hoyer or Schneider-Kreuznach, and that saying somethings since they cost almost $500. Even the cinematic quality ones that professional movie makers use I don’t think outperform this by much of a margin and those things cost thousands.
K&F has really been hitting it out of the park lately with these filters.
The way these filters work with variable neutral density is that they operate using two layers of polarized glass. Then by changing the angle of the polarization you allow more or less lighting. Typically this will create artifacts of a crisscross variety in your photos.
So far this filter has been free of any such artifacts and that’s a pretty amazing to me. My guess is they are using very very small polarizing lenticels. I don’t know. But the filter is not creating any artifacts in the images absolutely sharp and clear.
The build quality of this filter is equal to any that I’ve ever seen. The turning ring is very smooth and there’s enough to get a grip on but it’s still surprisingly narrow so it doesn’t really interfere with your lens. It’s hardly thicker than a single stage filter. The precision machined threads are also smooth and it goes on without any issues whatsoever.
I am definitely impressed that they’re able to produce a filter of this quality at this price. If you’re looking for a variable ND and you don’t have $400 to spend this is a very viable option.
K&F has really been hitting it out of the park lately with these filters.
The way these filters work with variable neutral density is that they operate using two layers of polarized glass. Then by changing the angle of the polarization you allow more or less lighting. Typically this will create artifacts of a crisscross variety in your photos.
So far this filter has been free of any such artifacts and that’s a pretty amazing to me. My guess is they are using very very small polarizing lenticels. I don’t know. But the filter is not creating any artifacts in the images absolutely sharp and clear.
The build quality of this filter is equal to any that I’ve ever seen. The turning ring is very smooth and there’s enough to get a grip on but it’s still surprisingly narrow so it doesn’t really interfere with your lens. It’s hardly thicker than a single stage filter. The precision machined threads are also smooth and it goes on without any issues whatsoever.
I am definitely impressed that they’re able to produce a filter of this quality at this price. If you’re looking for a variable ND and you don’t have $400 to spend this is a very viable option.
13/04/2023