55mm Black Mist Filter 1/8 Special Effects Filter Ultra-Clear Multi-layer Coated With Waterproof Scratch-Resistant and Anti-Reflection Nano-Xcel Series
SKU: KF01.1487
So I think a lot of folks involved in video product are very familiar with the Tiffen Black Pro Mist filters. This is K&F's version of that filter. I will go into what I think about the filter but you can also judge for yourself in one of the pictures in this review where I show you the same image; the first without the filter then with the filter.
One of the results you get with a filter of this type is blooming of the highlights. This filter does quite a good job of that. Comparing the bloom to the Tiffen line I would say it falls between Tiffen's 1/2 and 1/4 strength with it being closer to the 1/4. The highlight fall of was strong but natural in my opinion. Keep in mind the light in the image fills the frame so you are seeing this particular effect of this filter at it's most extreme. You won't see that much blooming in a more natural setting. Take a look at the highlights on the camera. To me the K&F filter had a great effect on the highlight roll off which was very smooth.
The other effect you get with a black mist filter is the slightly reduced contrast and the slight softening of the shadows. To me I thought this filter did this quite well. If you look at the texture on the handle of the camera in the image you can see how it's just sort of softened that texture. Imagine shooting a person and you can imagine how much you would be able to smooth out the skin.
It also comes in a nice little screw together plastic case. Inside the case are these little rubber stopper than prevent the filter from sliding around in the case. I love the attention to detail here.
So compared to the Tiffen version of this lens at the size I got which was 82mm the K&F Black Mist is about $40 cheaper. I think you are getting a lot of value for your money here. I can't wait to try out this filter on some upcoming shoots.
I think K&F is making a move into higher end filters and if this filter is an example of the kind of quality they can produce, I can't wait to see what filter they release next.
One of the results you get with a filter of this type is blooming of the highlights. This filter does quite a good job of that. Comparing the bloom to the Tiffen line I would say it falls between Tiffen's 1/2 and 1/4 strength with it being closer to the 1/4. The highlight fall of was strong but natural in my opinion. Keep in mind the light in the image fills the frame so you are seeing this particular effect of this filter at it's most extreme. You won't see that much blooming in a more natural setting. Take a look at the highlights on the camera. To me the K&F filter had a great effect on the highlight roll off which was very smooth.
The other effect you get with a black mist filter is the slightly reduced contrast and the slight softening of the shadows. To me I thought this filter did this quite well. If you look at the texture on the handle of the camera in the image you can see how it's just sort of softened that texture. Imagine shooting a person and you can imagine how much you would be able to smooth out the skin.
It also comes in a nice little screw together plastic case. Inside the case are these little rubber stopper than prevent the filter from sliding around in the case. I love the attention to detail here.
So compared to the Tiffen version of this lens at the size I got which was 82mm the K&F Black Mist is about $40 cheaper. I think you are getting a lot of value for your money here. I can't wait to try out this filter on some upcoming shoots.
I think K&F is making a move into higher end filters and if this filter is an example of the kind of quality they can produce, I can't wait to see what filter they release next.
07/07/2024
Great filter with nice features at a decent price. About 3mm thick. Screws on fine. Hard case.
29/06/2024
Nice filter. Definitely comes handy in certain situations. Great for sharp lenses especially with no character. This adds some mood to it. It’s nice to have, looks well made and o love that I can apply to a lens and still be able to use the lens cover over the filter when not in use. I use it on my Sony 18-105 f/4 and the sigma 18-35 f/1.8 and am quite happy with the result. In my images the last image is the one without the filter, hopefully you can get an idea what it does.
25/06/2024
I really like the soft light that it produce in videos. It's especially noticeable in "color lights". Made everything more dreamy and cinematic, especially at night.
21/06/2024
I always get filters w/ non-slip design when it's available. It makes a huge difference. I compared it w/ Hoya HD2. I shot these w/ Canon M50 w/ Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 AF ZOOM-NIKKOR.
1) No filter. 2) K&F. 3) Hoya HD2.
Sure, it's not a great test but I can't tell any difference between all 3 of them. The Hoya was optically as good as K&F except it was very staticky that I had to return it. I didn't like it's not non-slip either. The K&F is not staticky at all and very easy to clean. When there's no reflection, it looks like there's no glass inside the ring. Kind of like magic. It's very well made.
I use it on my Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar T* ZM. There's no play and it fits perfectly. Very happy about the purchase.
1) No filter. 2) K&F. 3) Hoya HD2.
Sure, it's not a great test but I can't tell any difference between all 3 of them. The Hoya was optically as good as K&F except it was very staticky that I had to return it. I didn't like it's not non-slip either. The K&F is not staticky at all and very easy to clean. When there's no reflection, it looks like there's no glass inside the ring. Kind of like magic. It's very well made.
I use it on my Zeiss 50mm f/1.5 Sonnar T* ZM. There's no play and it fits perfectly. Very happy about the purchase.
10/06/2024
K&F contacted me to test the new Black Mist filter.
It is a filter designed for videos and to give a "vintage" touch to the final result.
In short: beautiful result even for photography. It is a useful filter for portraits or for landscape or storytelling reportage. You do not lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shaded area.
It is a filter to be used in photography with large apertures and which "tells" an atmosphere.
But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging / handling: In addition to the plastic box, the filter is inserted in a very resistant and protective snap-on case. The filter is screw-type (rightly because it was created for videomakers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a cardboard box. But the case that you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is resistant and fits well to all the lenses to which I have mounted it.
Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so it leaves the colors similar to the photo taken without a filter. Great!
It does not lose light, there is no need to increase the ISO when it is mounted. Great!
The sharpness in the details (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You DO NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus even if I would not use it in ultra-defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
Autofocus is unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with fixed lenses.
Usage / Effect: it is a filter that gives a “glow” effect to photos, very particular especially for videos and for portraits in harsh light or backlight.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, moreover the light "enters" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to give a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes clarity from the image in high contrast areas.
In the photos you can see a couple of unfiltered / filtered comparisons, two portrait photos set and what comes to you.
Result in short: it is a filter that you do not think can enter your kit, but when it does it has such a particular result that you would try it in any situation. A must try!
It is a filter designed for videos and to give a "vintage" touch to the final result.
In short: beautiful result even for photography. It is a useful filter for portraits or for landscape or storytelling reportage. You do not lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shaded area.
It is a filter to be used in photography with large apertures and which "tells" an atmosphere.
But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging / handling: In addition to the plastic box, the filter is inserted in a very resistant and protective snap-on case. The filter is screw-type (rightly because it was created for videomakers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a cardboard box. But the case that you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is resistant and fits well to all the lenses to which I have mounted it.
Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so it leaves the colors similar to the photo taken without a filter. Great!
It does not lose light, there is no need to increase the ISO when it is mounted. Great!
The sharpness in the details (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You DO NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus even if I would not use it in ultra-defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
Autofocus is unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with fixed lenses.
Usage / Effect: it is a filter that gives a “glow” effect to photos, very particular especially for videos and for portraits in harsh light or backlight.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, moreover the light "enters" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to give a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes clarity from the image in high contrast areas.
In the photos you can see a couple of unfiltered / filtered comparisons, two portrait photos set and what comes to you.
Result in short: it is a filter that you do not think can enter your kit, but when it does it has such a particular result that you would try it in any situation. A must try!
06/06/2024
I’ll be honest up front, I ordered this mistaking it for an ND filter, I’ve decided to keep this though as I really like the effect it produces.
I’ve been getting into landscape photography and wanted an Nd filter but ordered this by mistake, after having a play and wanting to eventually push into portrait I decided to give it a try.
The results are surprising good, it adds a nice glow to bright light sources that give the images some warmth.
The filter is presented in a lovely case with rubber wedges inside that hold the filter in place so it doesn’t slip around.
I can see me using this for product photography and portraits and so far have really enjoyed it
Pros
- nice glow
- gives images a warmer feel
- excellent storage case
Cons
- none ( although keep in mind you may need to adjust exposure times slightly due to very minimal tint )
I’ve been getting into landscape photography and wanted an Nd filter but ordered this by mistake, after having a play and wanting to eventually push into portrait I decided to give it a try.
The results are surprising good, it adds a nice glow to bright light sources that give the images some warmth.
The filter is presented in a lovely case with rubber wedges inside that hold the filter in place so it doesn’t slip around.
I can see me using this for product photography and portraits and so far have really enjoyed it
Pros
- nice glow
- gives images a warmer feel
- excellent storage case
Cons
- none ( although keep in mind you may need to adjust exposure times slightly due to very minimal tint )
02/06/2024
Ich habe ein paar Artikel von dieser Firma gekauft und sie waren alle von guter Qualität. Sie sind noch nicht in der Spitzengruppe, aber vielleicht eines Tages.
28/05/2024
Favoring shooting to post-processing, I tried this filter with the only lighting of an electric garland and the rendering was good, the light from the garland is diffuse and softer.
Can't wait to use it for night video when the restrictions are lifted.
Can't wait to use it for night video when the restrictions are lifted.
25/05/2024