77mm ND2-ND400 (9 Stops) Variable ND Filter Neutral Density Adjustable Filter for Canon Nikon DSLR Cameras + Lens Cleaning Cloth
SKU: SKU0129
I have been taking photographs since the mid 1970s and over the years have gone through my fair share of filters, square, round and even homemade.This K&F filter comes well packaged in a sturdy plastic box which a foam insert designed to securely hold the filter whilst being transported. The insert has recessed finger holes for very easy removal of the filter even with cold fingers. On picking up the filter the first thing you notice is how sturdy it is and how velvety smooth the movement when you twist the outer ring. I have purchased lower-priced filters before and sometimes been very disappointed in the mechanical construction but not this time as it is on a par with many more expensive filters in my collection.I purchased this to use on my Nikon lenses when shooting video. My normal choice of filter is the square system but at present for video use these screw-in ND faders are by far the best option for my money. One of the first acid tests for any filter is how well it attaches to the front of the lens and this one did not disappoint. Straight on, first time with no fuss or fumble.The filter rim sits proud on a Nikkor 24-70 f2.8 making the outer ring very easy to grip when adjusting the strength of the ND filter. This is a relatively slimline filter and as with other slimline filters I have used the lens cap does not feel very secure attached to the front but this is not an issue with this type of lens as I only have it attached whilst I’m actually using the camera.Whilst I have not had the chance yet to try the filter in all conditions my early conclusions are very positive. Physically using the filter is very pleasant because of the smoothness of operation and there are handy markings around the rim of the filter showing maximum and minimum positions.On a dull day like today, shooting with a Neutral picture style I found the images taken with the filter lacked just a little contrast compared to those with no filter. I doubt that it would be as noticeable on a bright, sunny day (when to be fair an ND fader is more likely to be needed) but in the event it was not a major issue as I simply tweaked the contrast up a notch or two and created a custom picture style which worked a treat. As soon as we do get a bright, sunny day I will test the filters again and if my assumption regarding contrast proves wrong I will post an update below. However, with a 1,500 mile wide storm due to batter the Uk over the weekend don’t hold your breath!I have other K&F products in my kit bag, including lens adapters, and would not hesitate to purchase this brand in the future. On my personal experience to date they are well constructed and represent very good value for money.This filter represents incredible value for money and the small niggle with reduced contrast in dull conditions does not give me a reason to reduce the star rating. Had I paid around the £100 mark for the filter then all other things being equal I would certainly be dropping one star but at this price point that is just being curmudgeonly.Please note that whilst I have reviewed the 77mm version here I have also purchased a 67mm version too for use with a Samyang 12mm lens on a Fuji X-T10.
19/08/2016
I have only used a free times as I don't use the lens I bought it for all that much. .seems to work great so far. No complaints. .great value
01/08/2016
This review is for the product and not the seller.This product has a different inner (77mm - seats on camera lens) and outer (82mm - lens cover) thread size.The inner thread seats properly into my camera lens at 77mm. However, it requires a bigger 82mm lens cover.The optics are made of glass and with the wide selection of ND settings, this is a good filter to use on a daily basis.Furthermore, this is very reasonably priced. I am satisfied with this product.
20/07/2016
the product was exactly as described. When its too bright, it produces a flare in the images but otherwise works amazing! makes the color pop and gives an amazing quality.
26/05/2016
Works surprisingly well. I use it for shooting video with the aperture wide open. It works great for a wide angle lens, but gets a little soft when you use a telephoto lens. I don't see any problems with vignetting.
12/03/2016
Let me be clear, I would have rated this a 5 star but from one shoot to the next this filter just seemed to have "Went out"I've been shooting for years, its not "user error". The photos were sharp with the filter even close to the max setting, I didn't get any "X" or crazy vignetting but I was using this filter on my 70-200 so that wouldn't have happened either way. But the filter started to cause the photos to come out horribly soft from one shoot to the next. I went into live view, zoomed in to 10x and tried to focus manually but the lens was still causing some major issues with it being soft as well as chromatic aberrations. I noticed even the boken in some of the photos looked to be scared and "torn" - even though the filter was always kept in the case when not being used, was never dropped, was never cleaned wrong, etc. Again it could be something I haven't thought about - but just putting this out there in case it happens to anyone else.
17/02/2016
High optical quality filter, just like all their other products. I highly recommend this to all landscape photographers or anyone interested in experimenting with day long exposure as this is a convenient single piece which is affordable as well. It is easy to slide and the gradient change is noticeable yet subtle. It does not leave a colour cast nor does it affect optical quality. The filter may not be the thinnest but it does not leave any colour cast even with wideangle lenses. The luxorious little case and box that it comes in leaves little more to be desired for. This is indeed a top product for its price. I will be purchasing more of their products and will be recommending this to everyone at my workshop. This single piece saves you the trouble of having to keep changing filters which may cause damage or scratch your other filters or even worse, missing the perfect light of the moment.
31/01/2016
There's a fair bit of the 'black X' effect when it's at a low ND, but a lot of variable ND's have this unless you're balling out on one. I used this every day on my trip to Australia and it worked a charm at allowing me to film at a wider aperture (or a narrow one on really sunny days) and also served as a lens protector
08/01/2016