MAGIC CIRCLE
Many image makers started their careers using screw-in filters on stills cameras. And they are still going strong, especially for lighter cameras and lenses with front filter threads – simply buy the size you need and screw them on. If you have lots of lenses of different sizes, you need to buy repeats of those filters in various fits – or buy something to fit your largest lens then a set of step-down rings. One of the biggest benefits of round filters is for polarisers and variable ND filters on cameras without them built-in. You could use a pro matte box with a selection of NDs in particular strengths, but many shooters prefer a variable ND that changes stop just by turning it. However, it pays to invest in a quality filter since cheap versions cause colour shifts and interference patterns. One of the best is the PolarPro Variable ND, named after famous YouTuber/blogger/coffee enthusiast Peter McKinnon. VND filters work by using two circular polarising filters, so as you turn one the scene gets lighter or darker. Most filters don’t have a set ND range, and you often find cross- polarisation at the end of the range. The PolarPro VND has a limited range, so you buy either a 2-5 or 6-9 stop. That means there’s no horrible cross-polarisation patterns. PolarPro claims this is because fused quartz glass gives superior optical quality. The filter works incredibly well, with no obvious colour shift or degradation in the image at all. And the nice gold-coloured outer of the filter has marks so you can see how many stops of ND you have dialled in, too.
comes in 82mm and 77mm in four strengths. Many manufacturers like Lee, Schneider-Kreuznach and Cokin also have their own range of circular filters. While many filmmakers are happy with step-down rings, there’s now the H&Y Revoring, which expands to fit a whole variety of lenses so you only need to carry one size around. It uses tough, retractable blades and comes in sizes to fit any lens with filter thread sizes between 37-49mm, 46-62mm or 67-82mm, accommodating either 52mm,
It’s a slim enough filter to not cause vignetting on lenses up to 16mm wide. We’ve tried the 82mm version, and it also comes in 77mm and 67mm sizes. Filter giant Hoya has a series of screw-in, graduated ND filters to help retain sky detail while leaving foregrounds unaffected. Unlike most ND grad filters which are
PRO MODEL Formatt Hitech Clear Supermist
Circles soften fine detail (above). H&Y’s Revoring is a novel solution (below right)
square and require filter holders, Hoya’s ProND Grad filters are the
round, screw-in type, use high- quality optical glass and are nice and compact. They are claimed to offer
67mm or 82mm screw-in filters. A second type
completely neutral colour-balance, and have anti-reflection and water-repellent coatings. With a slim rotating frame for precise positioning of the graduated ND area and a marker on the rim showing the point of deepest density, there’s a choice of ND16 and ND32, in 77 and 82mm sizes. If it’s something smaller you need, Tiffen is introducing filters as small as 39mm for the growing number of lenses from Fujifilm. First in line is Tiffen’s Black Pro- Mist, which gives delicate control of highlight flares for a soft, light pastel effect.
of Revoring comes with a combination of variable neutral
density and circular
polariser combination filters. This offers a range of ND3 to ND1000, which equates to 1.5-10 stops of control. It’s a modern take on old-school circular filters – and one that makes a ton of sense for filmmakers with a bagful of lenses all with different filter sizes.
OLD SCHOOL Well-known photo specialist Hoya has a range of affordable screw-in filters
More information formatt-hitech.com
hoyafilter.com ibe-optics.com
It comes in strengths of 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 1 and 2, as well as a round 39mm UV protector filter and circular polariser. For a more cinematic look,
leefilters.com phototeq.com polarprofilters.com schneiderkreuznach.com smallrig.com tiffen.com
the Formatt Hitech Black Supermist Circle filter kit
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