I use the polarizing filter on my Samyang 85mm lens. The filter has excellent workmanship and is supplied in high-quality packaging. It easily screws onto my lens. The alignment adjustment mechanism also has just the right amount of resistance. The polarizing filter makes a clear difference in the photos. In this way, reflective panes can be rendered ineffective if they are correctly aligned. Sure, the price is not cheap, but here you get a really high-quality product. That's why I give it the full 5 stars and a buy recommendation.
22/02/2023
K&F continues to offer amazing quality in both processing and image reproduction. This filter does what it's supposed to do and doesn't distort the image or color. No surprises here. What you see is what you get in an amazing package to carry from place to place. Great CPL here.
22/02/2023
I already have quite a few filters at home, including the K&F Concept Nano-X ND Filter 77mm Variable Gray Filter ND2-32 for 75 euros, which I use on my wide-angle lens, e.g. in bright sunshine (for wide-angle shots) and for long exposures and it's really good.Now I was allowed to test the variable ND filter from the PRO series from K&F, a filter for a whopping 280 euros. Of course, if you are already working with filters, you should also use high-quality glass on a high-quality lens, but a filter for just under 280 euros is not trivial and this investment should be well thought out. What I can say in any case: The filter is not only at the top in terms of price but also in terms of performance and processing. So I can work with my lens in bright sunshine with an open aperture and, if I like, also realize long-term exposures with a slightly closed aperture with the help of the filter. As I said, the image quality is as good for me as if I hadn’t had a filter on the lens at all and that’s how it has to be that is. The pictures I uploaded (undemanding test shots) were taken with the aperture open and against the sun. My conclusion on this filter: Very high-quality workmanship/image quality without errors/haptics excellent. Price very high Everyone must now decide for themselves whether such an investment is possible. The shots I uploaded (undemanding test shots) were taken with the aperture open and against the sun. My conclusion on this filter: Very high-quality workmanship/image quality without errors/haptics excellent. Price very high Everyone must now decide for themselves whether such an investment is possible. The shots I uploaded (undemanding test shots) were taken with the aperture open and against the sun. My conclusion on this filter: Very high-quality workmanship/image quality without errors/haptics excellent. Price very high Everyone must now decide for themselves whether such an investment is possible.
20/02/2023
Love using it for portraits and removing reflections from skin, especially darker melanized skin. I always have polaroid and kate in my bag and the polarizing filter is easy. The best I've ever gotten, doesn't stick like others in my kit, sometimes they stick to my lenses, I don't have a hard time removing them. This one is very easy to remove, and focusing or rendering the polarizing filter is very smooth.
20/02/2023
Note on transparency:
My rating is based solely on my personal assessment and experience of using the product.
Evaluation:
For the quick readers I anticipate my evaluation, below I explain the details of my decision-making, my impressions of the product.
I only take a minimal point deduction and award 5 stars, i.e. 5 stars rounded up.
My only criticism is that the filter is slightly too stiff to turn, i.e. its operation when it is screwed onto the lens, but I hope that will settle down a bit over time. No, the rotation is not difficult, but a bit tough, I expect a somewhat smoother movement here.
Build quality:
The slim frame is of very good quality, precisely finished and painted. I appreciate slim filters, they don't build up as high on the lens and thus don't limit the angle of view, especially at the extreme wide angle.
Slim filters can have the disadvantage of being more difficult to handle because the grip ring is very thin. Here it is helpful if it is handy and that is exactly what the K&F filter is.
I can grasp the filter very well and see no problem even with wet fingers.
The glass in the filter is very high quality, optical glass, very precisely processed and absolutely flat, and also multiply coated.
First take the filter in your hand and see through it, preferably against strong contrasts and straight lines, for example a facade.
Here you can see that you don't see any interference. I don't see any distortion, the image is absolutely flat on the entire surface of the filter, and I don't see any color distortions, I'm very satisfied.
It doesn't look any different when I screw the filter onto my lens, but here there is another aspect, possible reflections, but this is exactly what a polarization filter is supposed to eliminate.
In terms of the image effect, this is absolutely indisputable, be it on the water surface or on panes, reflections are suppressed very well, as expected. But there is another aspect and that is the reflections on and behind the filter towards the lens when backlighting from small point light sources is incident at an acute angle. I don't observe any reflections here, which speaks for a very good coating and glass quality of the filter.
I was pleasantly surprised by the packaging of the filter and that starts with the attractive outer packaging in a high-quality slipcase.
It contains a flap case with a magnetic clasp, it is very decorative and practical, and is of significantly higher quality and classier than the widely used plastic boxes.
Conclusion:
The K&F polarization filter is not a bargain at currently just under €150, but it is inexpensive in the truest sense of the word and is clearly placed in the premium segment. The processing quality itself is just as impeccable as the optical imaging performance on the lens. The case that comes with it is very attractive.
Only the somewhat stiff adjustment of the alignment slightly disturbs the overall impression, so I subtract half a star for this. In the overall impression, this only plays a subordinate role and leads me to an almost unreserved purchase recommendation.
My rating is based solely on my personal assessment and experience of using the product.
Evaluation:
For the quick readers I anticipate my evaluation, below I explain the details of my decision-making, my impressions of the product.
I only take a minimal point deduction and award 5 stars, i.e. 5 stars rounded up.
My only criticism is that the filter is slightly too stiff to turn, i.e. its operation when it is screwed onto the lens, but I hope that will settle down a bit over time. No, the rotation is not difficult, but a bit tough, I expect a somewhat smoother movement here.
Build quality:
The slim frame is of very good quality, precisely finished and painted. I appreciate slim filters, they don't build up as high on the lens and thus don't limit the angle of view, especially at the extreme wide angle.
Slim filters can have the disadvantage of being more difficult to handle because the grip ring is very thin. Here it is helpful if it is handy and that is exactly what the K&F filter is.
I can grasp the filter very well and see no problem even with wet fingers.
The glass in the filter is very high quality, optical glass, very precisely processed and absolutely flat, and also multiply coated.
First take the filter in your hand and see through it, preferably against strong contrasts and straight lines, for example a facade.
Here you can see that you don't see any interference. I don't see any distortion, the image is absolutely flat on the entire surface of the filter, and I don't see any color distortions, I'm very satisfied.
It doesn't look any different when I screw the filter onto my lens, but here there is another aspect, possible reflections, but this is exactly what a polarization filter is supposed to eliminate.
In terms of the image effect, this is absolutely indisputable, be it on the water surface or on panes, reflections are suppressed very well, as expected. But there is another aspect and that is the reflections on and behind the filter towards the lens when backlighting from small point light sources is incident at an acute angle. I don't observe any reflections here, which speaks for a very good coating and glass quality of the filter.
I was pleasantly surprised by the packaging of the filter and that starts with the attractive outer packaging in a high-quality slipcase.
It contains a flap case with a magnetic clasp, it is very decorative and practical, and is of significantly higher quality and classier than the widely used plastic boxes.
Conclusion:
The K&F polarization filter is not a bargain at currently just under €150, but it is inexpensive in the truest sense of the word and is clearly placed in the premium segment. The processing quality itself is just as impeccable as the optical imaging performance on the lens. The case that comes with it is very attractive.
Only the somewhat stiff adjustment of the alignment slightly disturbs the overall impression, so I subtract half a star for this. In the overall impression, this only plays a subordinate role and leads me to an almost unreserved purchase recommendation.
20/02/2023
K&F has always been known as a company that makes relatively inexpensive gear that is "good enough" for most non-professional situations. With this filter, it seems like K&F is attacking the professional shooters.
The optical quality of this filter is fantastic. I haven't had any glaring problems using this outside, which is what I usually encounter with budget filters. There was very little color cast even when used at the higher powers. It comes with just an awesome high quality case.
I hope to see more filters like this from K&F. I'm a big fan of really high quality gear that K&F seems to be producing now.
The optical quality of this filter is fantastic. I haven't had any glaring problems using this outside, which is what I usually encounter with budget filters. There was very little color cast even when used at the higher powers. It comes with just an awesome high quality case.
I hope to see more filters like this from K&F. I'm a big fan of really high quality gear that K&F seems to be producing now.
19/02/2023
The "K&F Concept Nano-X ND Filter 77mm" comes in elegant packaging, which is easy to open and you can carefully remove the filter. The bag that goes with it is well made, everything looks very classy and you can expect that for the price. The filter itself is of very high quality and you can see all the key figures directly. Furthermore, it has two brass noses, which can be easily adjusted. Here you always have a good feeling and you overshoot (turns too fast) or too slow, but you always have the right feeling when adjusting. The resistance here is just fantastic. The image that can be conjured up from the filter is simply overwhelming and is worth its price. Here it makes no difference whether you have sun in the picture or are completely blinded,
18/02/2023
I had already used ND filters from K&F in the past, so I was not surprised by the quality compared to newcomers. The filters enable sharp focusing without limitations. Due to the really extremely thin glass and the thin frame, there are no clouding or dark spots in the edge area.
Small brackets are implemented on the frame so that if you want to readjust, you don't have your fingers in the picture.
The whole thing is rounded off by a nice leather pouch for storage. Overall absolutely great!
Small brackets are implemented on the frame so that if you want to readjust, you don't have your fingers in the picture.
The whole thing is rounded off by a nice leather pouch for storage. Overall absolutely great!
14/02/2023
First of all, I'm a fan of K&F products. I try to use them in photo sessions as much as possible because they just give good, consistent results.
However, the ONE complaint I've always had is that K&F's product line was fairly limited to low-to-mid range products. Don't get me wrong, they are amazing for what they are...and I LOVE having them on site. But as with any product I use in the field, these are often NOT the same products that I will be using in a fully controlled environment. In a perfect world, I could take all my studio gear with me on location and not have to worry about possible damage to my gear.
To that end, the mid-range filters and devices from K&F have worked very well.
However, I've always wondered what if my favorite manufacturers actually produced high-end gear, would the results be just as good? Better? What might I be missing if I pick certain types of gear over others?
When I saw a while ago that K&F was producing some sort of "Nano" lineup I was excited... but also a bit apprehensive... I already had my high-end filters that I would use for special occasions and studio work... would K&F actually be able to fulfill this quality? If so, could I stop buying gear from manufacturers I didn't want to use due to their terrible customer service practices?
When I saw this filter appearing in my recommended feed, my curiosity got the better of me and I had to order it.
I went with the 82mm version since my primary workhorse lenses are 82mm lenses. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, is usually my 'go to', although I've rented and used a Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III a few times now...and have it at my request List.. both use 82mm filters.
Now that I've used it for a few sessions... both in the studio and on location, I have some initial short-term thoughts:
Exposure change is minimal. - This is a big deal since so many "cheap" polarizers often affect exposure drastically. I've seen some filters change the EV by up to a point. At this point a CPL works more like a lightweight ND filter and isn't really optimal if all you want is glare reduction. This one I would say reduced the EV by about 1/8th of a stop when installed.
Color shift also appears to be minimal, if there is any at all - CPLs are also often plagued with the problem of changing the color of a scene when applied, and in the case of variable polarizers you can even experience color shift while you're doing it Adjust the strength of the filtering applied. This isn't ideal as it just means you'll have to do more color adjustments in post. However, remember how a variable CPL works, if you reduce glare from a source that creates a color cast, you will have some color shift. This is simply the nature of light. Similar to using a gold colored reflector for subject lighting. If you remove the gold paint from the reflector there will be a color change.
Distortion doesn't seem to be there - This is another problem that so many filters (in general) have and can often be so minor that it's not seen until you work with your files (RAW or otherwise) in post. I've seen a large number of filters absolutely ruined photos in the past, so I tend to be VERY nervous. This filter appears to have no distortion at all. I am very happy about it.
Quality & Workmanship - This filter consists of 2 parts. When I say that, I don't mean that you need to attach two physical parts...just that there's the static mount that attaches to the end of the lens, and the adjustable part that levitates and rotates at the end. The static mount is actually a bit small, which means that when you attach it to your lens, with a bit of coziness, you might want to use a filter tool on it.
NOTE: This filter DOES NOT have a threaded forward mount. If you use a lens hood that attaches over the filter threads, it WILL NOT WORK with this filter. Additionally, the lack of a forward thread means you can't stack this filter with others OR you'll want to use it as your last filter in the stack.
However, the ONE complaint I've always had is that K&F's product line was fairly limited to low-to-mid range products. Don't get me wrong, they are amazing for what they are...and I LOVE having them on site. But as with any product I use in the field, these are often NOT the same products that I will be using in a fully controlled environment. In a perfect world, I could take all my studio gear with me on location and not have to worry about possible damage to my gear.
To that end, the mid-range filters and devices from K&F have worked very well.
However, I've always wondered what if my favorite manufacturers actually produced high-end gear, would the results be just as good? Better? What might I be missing if I pick certain types of gear over others?
When I saw a while ago that K&F was producing some sort of "Nano" lineup I was excited... but also a bit apprehensive... I already had my high-end filters that I would use for special occasions and studio work... would K&F actually be able to fulfill this quality? If so, could I stop buying gear from manufacturers I didn't want to use due to their terrible customer service practices?
When I saw this filter appearing in my recommended feed, my curiosity got the better of me and I had to order it.
I went with the 82mm version since my primary workhorse lenses are 82mm lenses. Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art, is usually my 'go to', although I've rented and used a Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III a few times now...and have it at my request List.. both use 82mm filters.
Now that I've used it for a few sessions... both in the studio and on location, I have some initial short-term thoughts:
Exposure change is minimal. - This is a big deal since so many "cheap" polarizers often affect exposure drastically. I've seen some filters change the EV by up to a point. At this point a CPL works more like a lightweight ND filter and isn't really optimal if all you want is glare reduction. This one I would say reduced the EV by about 1/8th of a stop when installed.
Color shift also appears to be minimal, if there is any at all - CPLs are also often plagued with the problem of changing the color of a scene when applied, and in the case of variable polarizers you can even experience color shift while you're doing it Adjust the strength of the filtering applied. This isn't ideal as it just means you'll have to do more color adjustments in post. However, remember how a variable CPL works, if you reduce glare from a source that creates a color cast, you will have some color shift. This is simply the nature of light. Similar to using a gold colored reflector for subject lighting. If you remove the gold paint from the reflector there will be a color change.
Distortion doesn't seem to be there - This is another problem that so many filters (in general) have and can often be so minor that it's not seen until you work with your files (RAW or otherwise) in post. I've seen a large number of filters absolutely ruined photos in the past, so I tend to be VERY nervous. This filter appears to have no distortion at all. I am very happy about it.
Quality & Workmanship - This filter consists of 2 parts. When I say that, I don't mean that you need to attach two physical parts...just that there's the static mount that attaches to the end of the lens, and the adjustable part that levitates and rotates at the end. The static mount is actually a bit small, which means that when you attach it to your lens, with a bit of coziness, you might want to use a filter tool on it.
NOTE: This filter DOES NOT have a threaded forward mount. If you use a lens hood that attaches over the filter threads, it WILL NOT WORK with this filter. Additionally, the lack of a forward thread means you can't stack this filter with others OR you'll want to use it as your last filter in the stack.
10/02/2023
I already have a few filters at home, including the K&F Concept Nano-X ND Filter 77mm Variable Gray Filter ND2-32 for 75 euros, which I use on my wide angle, for example in bright sunshine (for shots with an open aperture) and for Long exposures and that's really good.
Now I was allowed to test the variable ND filter from the PRO series from K&F, a filter for a whopping 280 euros. Anyone who already works with filters should of course also use high-quality glass on a high-quality lens, but a filter for just under 280 euros is not a pittance and this investment should be well considered. What I can say in any case: The filter is not only great in terms of price but also in terms of performance and processing.
It starts with the presentation (packaging) of this filter, neatly finished bag with magnetic cover, suede applications, soft and lint-free lining on the inside, a side strap with which the filter can be transported by pulling it upwards.
The filter itself is very well made and easy to use with the two brass tabs.
It has a very nice resistance when adjusting, not too heavy and not too light.
The glass shows no defects and the threads are cut absolutely clean.
I can only say about the image quality/image performance: TOP!
There are no color errors / color casts or anything else negative. So I can work with my lens in bright sunshine even with an open aperture and, if I like, also realize long-term exposures with a slightly closed aperture with the help of the filter.
As I said, image quality is as good as if I had no filter on the lens at all and that's how it should be.
The pictures I uploaded (modest test shots) were taken wide open and against the sun.
My conclusion about this filter:
Very high-quality processing / image quality impeccable / feel excellent. Price very high
Now everyone has to decide for themselves whether such an investment is worth considering.
Now I was allowed to test the variable ND filter from the PRO series from K&F, a filter for a whopping 280 euros. Anyone who already works with filters should of course also use high-quality glass on a high-quality lens, but a filter for just under 280 euros is not a pittance and this investment should be well considered. What I can say in any case: The filter is not only great in terms of price but also in terms of performance and processing.
It starts with the presentation (packaging) of this filter, neatly finished bag with magnetic cover, suede applications, soft and lint-free lining on the inside, a side strap with which the filter can be transported by pulling it upwards.
The filter itself is very well made and easy to use with the two brass tabs.
It has a very nice resistance when adjusting, not too heavy and not too light.
The glass shows no defects and the threads are cut absolutely clean.
I can only say about the image quality/image performance: TOP!
There are no color errors / color casts or anything else negative. So I can work with my lens in bright sunshine even with an open aperture and, if I like, also realize long-term exposures with a slightly closed aperture with the help of the filter.
As I said, image quality is as good as if I had no filter on the lens at all and that's how it should be.
The pictures I uploaded (modest test shots) were taken wide open and against the sun.
My conclusion about this filter:
Very high-quality processing / image quality impeccable / feel excellent. Price very high
Now everyone has to decide for themselves whether such an investment is worth considering.
26/01/2023