• 35.99
Overall Rating 4.9   141
5
This filter is not one that I used to regularly carry in my bag, as I assumed it functioned primarily as a mix between an ND filter and a soft filter. But, given the chance to use it for a few days, I realized I was wrong! The 1/4 black diffusion filter (there's also a stronger 1/2 filter) is mostly used for its softening effect on faces, where it can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes. In that role, it works, although perhaps a bit too much for some photos. I shoot outside landscapes and architectural shots more than portraits, where the filter reduces glare and reflections. It's also good for throwing backgrounds out of focus more than the camera itself manages. The effect, at first glance, are subtle but they are visible in a side-by-side comparison. Mostly, there's a "glow" effect to shots that is quite appealing. The quality of the filter is high, and I use it now almost as a default on my primary 85mm and 105mm lenses. Nice filter.
08/02/2023
4
This K&F Concept black diffusion filter creates a very, very cool dreamy effect while still keeping the picture in sharp focus. I'm using it with my Fuji X-T100, and I am super happy with the results. The filter screws on perfect (no issues with the body of it filter) and doesn't create any vignette-ing even when used over my UV filter.

The images I'm taking with the filter are nice and clear, but with the dreamy, slightly grainy film-like effect that mist filters like this are supposed to give. I love that I can get the effect without applying filters when editing. The filter also sort of gives a softer effect to faces, so it is great for portraits. I'm using the 1/4 filter, so the effect is gentle. The greater the number of the filter the greater the effect produced.
03/02/2023
5
I have only started buying K&F filters in the last 3 years, but there is absolutely nothing negative to say about them. I love the filters from K&F.

This type of specialty filter is a bit pricey so I usually buy the size that fits my largest lens. That jacks the price up even more, but I use adapters to enable using them on smaller lenses.
03/02/2023
5
I got this to use with my Fuji xf 35mmf1.4 (55mm thread) I love the vintage look I can achieve with it. Think smoky barroom, portraits behind a candle, any photo where you might want a little extra glow from the lights. I have a much more expensive 72mm pro mist filter, but this one gives me just the look I want when combined with the magic of the xf 35 1.4. Recommended
03/02/2023
5
Though the suggested use for this filter seems to be softening portraits, I have been exclusively using it on my macro lens for flower photography. And, for that purpose, it's great!

Essentially the class looks like it's been dotted subtly with specks of dark paint (imagine what it would look like if you lightly spraypainted a glass surface). The result is a subtle softening of any photos you take.

Note that the softening effect of this filter can be obtained through photo editing software. So, there is an argument for not using a filter like this at all. Without this filter, you could decide whether or not you wish to soften the image later. But if you use the filter, you will have lost potential detail that you might later wish you had.

But if you know that your goal is softening this filter does it optically, rather than your needing to do it digitally. As for me, I'm happy to have it, especially because spring flowers have started blooming!
02/02/2023
5
I have the 1 and it looks amazing. The filter is well made, the thread is the same on both sides, so that ND filters fit well. it could be cheaper to buy, but it made my work a little more interesting.
31/01/2023
4
As most K&F products, the build quality of this filter is quite nice. The threads are smooth, filter ring is powder coated and then optics... well, hard to say they're clear or anything since they're a diffusion/soft filter, but the picture quality is still quite good. More on that later.

The filter comes in a circular filter case that is one of the neatest filter cases I've seen! If they don't sell those as products yet, they honestly could! There are raised partial circles that allow you to place all sized filters in the case, unlike most with a foam cutout (which, admittedly offers more padding). It would be nice for the filter case to have a small sticker on it to indicate what is basically on the box--"NANO series 52mm MRC Black Diffusion 1/4" in my case. In fact the outer box has that listed a few different times, including twice on the sticker label... one on the case would be even better.

The optics look like a clear glass with a bunch of small grey dirt specks. That is the intended design. The effect it creates is a soft diffuse glow; a bloom effect. The contrast is lowered when using this black diffusion filter and overall it looks like a similar effect to a soft filter. The sharpness at the point of focus isn't too affected though, so it can still be used in portraiture as well as in other creative photography. Light sources will bloom when looking through this filter. I find the 1/4 strength to still be quite useful while the 1/2 an 1 may be more niche.
30/01/2023
5
Shot a couple of cars and I love the finished product! I haven't had the pleasure of shooting portraits with it, but wow, I'm blown away.
24/01/2023
5
Very subtle through the viewfinder, but there is a noticeable affect on exposure time. For achieving a vintage portrait look, this thing is fantastic, especially when coupled with a manual focus legacy lens - I have mine on a Rikenon 50mm. Sharpness is greatly reduces, but not in a "cheap lens" way, just a subtle and even softening. This brings to mind the famous Pentax "soft focus" portrait lenses of the 70s, but is a far less blurred image. Handy to have in the kit bag, but not really good for much other than portraiture. I have yet to try a K&F product that I am not absolutely impressed by.
18/01/2023
5
It works well for creating a blur effect that is difficult to create in video post-production. I would also recommend the 1/4 or 1/2 power version as the effect is sometimes too strong.
17/01/2023