Buyers’ guide Filters
Cokin › cokin.com
We can easily cook up some creative ideas with Cokin, via one of the brand’s most recent additions in its NX series filter system. This is a 100mm filter holder kit, optimised for wide-angle lenses 16-35mm in size. Compatible optics include: the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L IS III USM and RF 15-35mm f/2.8, the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8, Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 and Tokina atx-I 11-16mm f/2.8. Cokin promises that a combination of ultra-thin design and metallic frames for installing filters drastically reduces the risk of vignetting at short focal lengths. The system is further compatible with Cokin’s Nuances Extreme Clearsky (an anti light pollution filter which reduces the colour shift from urban street lights) and IR720 filters (one of the few 100mm infrared filters on the market made from mineral glass).
Lee Filters › leefiltersdirect.com
Nisi › nisioptics.co.uk
Like most manufacturers since the rise of the content creator, Lee Filters targets its products at photographers and videographers. Popular examples include its recent Elements circular filter range, available in 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm sizes and comprising five filter types. These include a Little Stopper offering six stops of light reduction, a Big Stopper offering ten, a circular polariser, plus two densities of variable ND (VND) filter, offering two to five stops or six to nine stops of light reduction. Ideal for those practising long-exposure, they feature stackable housings, allowing combinations to be utilised. For example, the circular polariser and VND filters could be stacked in front of one of its stoppers. Made from a tactile and robust black anodised aluminium, an outer grip aids use in all weathers. As well as individual filters and filter holders, Lee has a range of kits with cherry- picked components. Prices vary depending on complexity and filter size, but it was offering 20% reductions across its site at the time of writing.
Known for its quality square or circular filters and holders for almost every lens you can imagine, Nisi has also recently branched out into lenses for mirrorless cameras, compatible with the likes of Fujifilm X, Canon RF, Nikon Z and Sony E mounts. However, it’s the company’s filters we’re focusing on here (no pun intended). It’s likewise bang up to date with the latest mirrorless lenses and systems in offering adapter rings and filter holders for the likes of Nikon Z mount. When fitted, these can accept a maximum of two 100mm filters and, in being constructed from lightweight aluminium, manage to be both portable and durable. We don’t just have to use Nisi filters in their own-brand holders, as their size opens them up to other popular names on these pages. While its 100mm filter holders suit lenses with threads up to 82mm, Nisi also offers 150mm for those with protruding front elements. Filter holders aside, this specialist offers neutral density filters such as its recent circular Nisi True Color ND-Vario in various thread sizes, boasting between one and five stops of light reduction. This enables not only photographers but also videographers to achieve sufficiently slow shutter speeds for the effect they want. Square ND filters, meanwhile, come in 100x100mm and 150x150mm sizes, while graduated ND filters are available in 100x150mm and 150x170mm. It claims the optical glass used in its filters is Nisi exclusive.
Kase › kasefilters.com
features include Wolverine glass, boasting clarity, toughness and claiming excellent colour control, while an inlaid adapter ring fits inside the lens thread to enable filters to sit that much closer to the lens element and, ultimately, reduce vignetting. Kase Revolution filters are backwards-compatible with its existing magnetic circular filters, its magnetic circular adapters, step-up rings and magnetic lens hoods. Not only does the company offer circular and square lens filters and holders, but Kase also provides rather nifty, yet affordable carry bags to transport such accessories in – which are available separately via the above URL.
Like alternatives on these pages, specialist UK photo brand Kase offers a broad range of ND filters, including the dramatically named Revolution magnetic circular camera filter. A year in the planning, this is now available in a choice of 77mm, 82mm, 88mm or 95mm thread sizes and – for power users – in either entry-level or pro kits. These include a selection of colour-coded ND and polariser filter options to make it easier to correctly select the one we want. The pro kits include a ten-stop ND, while both entry and pro bundles feature a lens case, native adapter, end cap, circular polariser, plus three-stop and six-stop ND. Key
32 Photography News | Issue 108
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