GEAR GROUP TEST
SCHNEIDER FILTERS From£421/$373 for True Streak www.schneideroptics.com
Photo-style filters that drop into regular filter holders are fine for many DSLR or mirrorless cameras if you just want the basics like ND, grads or a polariser. But there is a whole other world out there of truly professional cinema filters that are ideal for bigger cameras. The sort that are used all the time on big- money TV and film productions. These filters are typically 4mm thick superwhite optical glass – so won’t fit into regular stills-style holders. Instead, they are designed to be held in proper filter holders inside pro-quality matte boxes. The standard size for these is 4x5.65in, a typical old-school filter size that has been around in filmmaking for decades. Apart from the optical quality, the real benefit of filters from a professional supplier like Schneider is the sheer quantity of options available, and in filters designed to do a specific job that suppliers of photo filters can’t match. One example is the latest True- Streak filter, which starts from around £421/$373 but is available in lots of subtly different options so the DOP can choose the precise look they want for each shot. For example, the True-Streak range features 136 different variations, including subtly different colours and effects. And many of the filters are available in 1mm, 2mm, 3mm and 4mm thicknesses to suit different uses.
The True-Streak filters aim to recreate the classic anamorphic streak effect without the use of eye-wateringly expensive anamorphic lenses. Traditionally the blue True-Streak filters are used to create this effect, so beloved of sci-fi filmmakers, but Schneider offers eight other colour options to choose from, as well as clear. Schneider also has rainbow, confetti and the star True-Streak to really give a whole different look. And of course, that’s just one filter type out of a catalogue of hundreds. We tried the traditional True- Streak blue for the traditional sci-fi streak look on specular highlights. It’s imperative you use a relatively wide aperture when using the filter, or else you can actually see some of the lines engraved on the filter. With a wide aperture, highlights took on the lovely anamorphic flare look that can give a great look to a shot for creative effect. OK, it’s not a real anamorphic flare but it comes pretty close. We had a whole set of different effects and correction filters from Schneider, including polarisers in circular and linear varieties, and lots of softening filters too.
BELOW Add the True- Streak blue filter to your shots and highlights show the classic anamorphic streak.
These come in different versions like black or white frost, all of which change how the image is softened. Plus IR cut filters, haze filters and lots more. The choice is massive, the quality is incredible and it proves why Schneider filters are at the top of their game for professional filmmakers. PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 9/10 Amazing image quality and a stunning range that covers everything Pros: The best you can get for creative filmmakers Cons: Pricey and a bewildering choice!
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PRO MOVIEMAKER AUTUMN 2018
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