I have used filters for the SLR lens in the past for two demanding ones: high-altitude photos in summer with explosive sun and photos of water flowing in streams to create the “scrolling” effect.
However, both lenses and filters were cheap, but now I have switched to a 100mm macro lens with a very high cost, so even the filters must be of quality to support the lens itself.
This K&F filter struck me because it integrates into a single product, what I previously obtained with two separate filters, and since as simple as it is, changing filters when changing subjects is always inconvenient.
The product comes super protected in its leather packaging, already a sign of the importance placed by the manufacturer in preventing it from being damaged when stored with other photographic equipment.
The construction quality is immediately noticeable in comparison with the previous filters: we are on another planet!
In addition, the filter has two handles to be able to adjust the two internal rings, which are very convenient because it avoids adjusting the wrong one if it were necessary to do it using the edge.
Let's say right away that for the test, due to rainy weather, I couldn't extend it properly, due to very dilute natural light.
However, I chose to photograph live sphagnum, because it has an intense green color that often escapes the normal lens, looking for the patch of sky where the brightness was highest.
As can be seen from the photo, on the left is the unfiltered sphagnum with the 1:1 macro lens and on the right the same shot with the filter inserted (obviously used at maximum brightness in this case).
The colors are now much better.
5-star rating: except for any future updates when there is a time that will allow a better outdoor test, I am currently fully satisfied with the filter, whose price is adequate for a goal that costs 10 times more.
However, both lenses and filters were cheap, but now I have switched to a 100mm macro lens with a very high cost, so even the filters must be of quality to support the lens itself.
This K&F filter struck me because it integrates into a single product, what I previously obtained with two separate filters, and since as simple as it is, changing filters when changing subjects is always inconvenient.
The product comes super protected in its leather packaging, already a sign of the importance placed by the manufacturer in preventing it from being damaged when stored with other photographic equipment.
The construction quality is immediately noticeable in comparison with the previous filters: we are on another planet!
In addition, the filter has two handles to be able to adjust the two internal rings, which are very convenient because it avoids adjusting the wrong one if it were necessary to do it using the edge.
Let's say right away that for the test, due to rainy weather, I couldn't extend it properly, due to very dilute natural light.
However, I chose to photograph live sphagnum, because it has an intense green color that often escapes the normal lens, looking for the patch of sky where the brightness was highest.
As can be seen from the photo, on the left is the unfiltered sphagnum with the 1:1 macro lens and on the right the same shot with the filter inserted (obviously used at maximum brightness in this case).
The colors are now much better.
5-star rating: except for any future updates when there is a time that will allow a better outdoor test, I am currently fully satisfied with the filter, whose price is adequate for a goal that costs 10 times more.
27/05/2024
This review is for the 2-in-1 True Color ND variable and CPL polarizing filter from K&F Concept's X series (Nano-X).
The advantage of combining dual functions of ND and CPL is the ability to quickly adjust both amount of light and polarization, usually a challenging situation faced outdoors near lakes, pools, or reflecting glass surfaces like high rise windows. The variable ND has 5 stops (ND 32, 16, 8, 4, 2) and rotates infinitely. K&F promises no "X" cross on images. The construction is AGC optical glass with 28 multi-layer plus titanium coating to reduce glare but produce true color with no yellowing.
The 77mm circular filter is lightweight and machined extremely well with an interesting orange tab on each side of the circle for fast adjustments. You grab either tab that is convenient, they both adjust the ND stops.
I was able to easily twist this onto the front of a step-up ring that I have on my Sony alpha 5100.
It's an older camera but the pictures have always been great when using the right combinations of lens and filter. I can confirm that this truly delivers the easiest experience for quickly getting a high quality image by adjusting for light and polarization in one filter.
With the proper assortment of step-up rings, your investment in this filter can pay off by using it on multiple devices you may own. To protect your investment, it comes in a nice faux leather case. This is an outstanding ND + CPL combo for quality images in many outdoor situations and the sliding tab makes adjustment so easy.
The advantage of combining dual functions of ND and CPL is the ability to quickly adjust both amount of light and polarization, usually a challenging situation faced outdoors near lakes, pools, or reflecting glass surfaces like high rise windows. The variable ND has 5 stops (ND 32, 16, 8, 4, 2) and rotates infinitely. K&F promises no "X" cross on images. The construction is AGC optical glass with 28 multi-layer plus titanium coating to reduce glare but produce true color with no yellowing.
The 77mm circular filter is lightweight and machined extremely well with an interesting orange tab on each side of the circle for fast adjustments. You grab either tab that is convenient, they both adjust the ND stops.
I was able to easily twist this onto the front of a step-up ring that I have on my Sony alpha 5100.
It's an older camera but the pictures have always been great when using the right combinations of lens and filter. I can confirm that this truly delivers the easiest experience for quickly getting a high quality image by adjusting for light and polarization in one filter.
With the proper assortment of step-up rings, your investment in this filter can pay off by using it on multiple devices you may own. To protect your investment, it comes in a nice faux leather case. This is an outstanding ND + CPL combo for quality images in many outdoor situations and the sliding tab makes adjustment so easy.
23/05/2024
Nice filter. Tested on a Canon 24-105 L lens. Lens cap fits fine, but the hood is a no go-either before or after applying the filter. Easy to use, good damping on the adjustments, stay where you put them, threaded on as good or better than any filter I've used. Biggest issue for me is having this with me when I need it. I expect this was designed by a waterfall guy. Can’t wait to try it when the weather breaks and I can finally get out to one. I had the best experience using a CPL when I was at Yosemite. Don't go there without one. This combo will be just the ticket when I return.
22/05/2024
Great combination of my most used filters. I do a lot of automotive works, and having a good circular polarizer is a must for cutting down on paint glare, and the ND is great for getting the shutter to slow down for panning shots.
This filter is well made with clean optics, and it screws on and off nicely.
Easy to adjust and has a good range of ND.
I take this filter everywhere now, and it's my new favorite!
This filter is well made with clean optics, and it screws on and off nicely.
Easy to adjust and has a good range of ND.
I take this filter everywhere now, and it's my new favorite!
21/05/2024
Complete in its own two-tone faux-leather case with locking magnetic lid, K&F are stepping up their game with their Nano-X line of filters.
This circular polarizer combined with a variable density filter (up to five stops) is built to the highest optical and mechanical standards. It's a first class filter with 28 layers of multi-coating to reduce flare and protect the surface. You won't be disappointed.
This circular polarizer combined with a variable density filter (up to five stops) is built to the highest optical and mechanical standards. It's a first class filter with 28 layers of multi-coating to reduce flare and protect the surface. You won't be disappointed.
20/05/2024
I originally ordered a different filter that wasn't this "True Color" version, and it really threw the overall white balance off on my camera. I found myself trying to change a lot of colors to get it to look just right, but THIS true color ND filter was PERFECT! It was crystal clear and made my colors pop. I took it on a trip to Costa Rica for the last few weeks and the 1-5 stops were absolutely perfect. Whether I was filming our hikes in the jungle and experienced lower-light conditions, or whether I was filming surfing at the beach, I never needed to go any darker. I can't think of a better word than "Perfect" to describe this filter. I also love the little orange dials, they make it so easy to control. Sure, if you're constantly adjusting the outer ring for the normal ND adjustment, the polarizing ring also moves a little with it, but it's not really an issue I had any problem with. Love this.
19/05/2024
The ideal of combining these two commonly used filters into one is genius. I really like all of their filters, but the convenience of this is fantastic. Works great on my 24-70. I don't see any color shift or image degradation. Adjustments operate very smoothly. This one is always in my bag now when I go out to do landscape photography.
19/05/2024
I own many K&F filters. Every single one of them is well made and fit my lens like a glove. They are all made of quality materials. The optics on this lens are premium and worth every penny. Another great filter to add to my collection. If you don't have a ND/CPL, I highly recommend trying this one out. It does not disappoint.
18/05/2024
Very useful as a CPL and variable nd. Comes in extremely handy for video work and I will continue to use it in the future. The ability to adjust both the nd and CPL in the matter of one small swipe is so useful. K&F continues to deliver an amazing product. Will absolutely be buying more from K&F in the future.
18/05/2024
As a rule, I do not write reviews that simply repeat the product page verbiage. That’s for you to read before you decide to buy. I am also getting away from what, where, when, who, and how of gizmos. I assume that if you are buying a gizmo, you know what it does and then decide if you can use it – for whatever.
For me, ND and CPL filters are mandatory for landscape photography in so far as they can accomplish what post-processing cannot. This pairing offers the best of both worlds in a single filter without introducing aberrations or vignetting except with wide-angle lenses. With my Nikkor AF-S FX lenses, I will get very slight vignetting with this combo or other stacked filters at f/4, 16mm; it disappears at 21mm. The vignetting is so slight that, if desired, post-processing readily eliminates it so there is no need to stop down.
I have used filters with film photography for decades without experiencing any of the alleged deleterious aberrations/effects. For me, digital photography is no exception. In fact, most photographers and authors agree that there is no data to suggest that filters introduce aberrations except for, possibly, ghosting. I have a few K&F filters and have never been disappointed. In other words, relax and have fun creating with this combo.
To some conflicting reviews.
Cannot use lens shade/cap – or – the lens cap fits fine. (Depends on . . ..)
Color shift – or no color shift. (Looks like one instance of underexposure to me.)
No stops between ND options – or – nice that there are no stops between ND options. (Food vs. poison)
So, a filter combo to afford one the ability to adjust/correct exposure in a variety of situations - for me, landscape photography. If you are a regular user of ND and CPL filters, then this combo might make your efforts a bit easier.
For me, ND and CPL filters are mandatory for landscape photography in so far as they can accomplish what post-processing cannot. This pairing offers the best of both worlds in a single filter without introducing aberrations or vignetting except with wide-angle lenses. With my Nikkor AF-S FX lenses, I will get very slight vignetting with this combo or other stacked filters at f/4, 16mm; it disappears at 21mm. The vignetting is so slight that, if desired, post-processing readily eliminates it so there is no need to stop down.
I have used filters with film photography for decades without experiencing any of the alleged deleterious aberrations/effects. For me, digital photography is no exception. In fact, most photographers and authors agree that there is no data to suggest that filters introduce aberrations except for, possibly, ghosting. I have a few K&F filters and have never been disappointed. In other words, relax and have fun creating with this combo.
To some conflicting reviews.
Cannot use lens shade/cap – or – the lens cap fits fine. (Depends on . . ..)
Color shift – or no color shift. (Looks like one instance of underexposure to me.)
No stops between ND options – or – nice that there are no stops between ND options. (Food vs. poison)
So, a filter combo to afford one the ability to adjust/correct exposure in a variety of situations - for me, landscape photography. If you are a regular user of ND and CPL filters, then this combo might make your efforts a bit easier.
17/05/2024