6:16 I'd much rather get the regular ND and have the flexibility and control to stack the mist filter whenever needed. K&F mist filter is also cheaper and more subtle than Tiffen's.
Realize that a VND is made from two CPL filters which rotate against each other. One is fixed to the camera lens and the other rotates. If you have every rotated a CPL filter, you will notice that it changes the color of the sky, plant leaves, and lots of other things. With a normal VND filter, one of the polarizers is in sort of a random position, depending on where the thread ends up when its tightened onto the lens. Here's an idea: after you set your VND to the desired exposure, now slightly loosed the whole filter on your lens so you can rotate both polarizers and get the most pleasing polarization. K&F actually makes a VND + CPL which allows you to do this without loosening the lens threads. It has a lever which rotates one polarizer against the other to control brightness, just like a normal VND, but it has a ring which allows you to rotate both polarizers simultaneously. Regardless of whether you get a VND + CPL, which allows you to make the adjustment without loosening the filter threads, or you use a normal VND and loosen the filter threads to set polarization, you should always first adjust brightness, then adjust for the most pleasing polarization. If you don't adjust the polarization, then you camera sees the random CPL effect that you get from the polarizer which is fixed to the lens. I'm surprised your test gave as good of results as it did...
My problem with combined filters is that you can't use just one of them. And usually i wouldn't want to have a 2 stop nd filter on there just to use the polarizer...
@@Csongor_Radai A polarizing filter will give some ND effect anyway. The point I'm trying to make is that VND *is* a polarizer. They may use quarter wave plates to minimize the polarizing effect. but id you are going to use both VND and PL together, why put the unnecessary quarter wave plates in the optical path?
Turns out for me, I liked the KF in close ups a lot more, I liked the Polar on the wide shots a lot more (didn't know which was which prior to my choices).
ND128 is 7 stops. ND8 is 3 stops. just so we're speaking the same language between the filters. The K&F is also warmer for sure. Did you white balance after putting the filters on. Always best practice.
I think the color looks more natural with the K&F Concepts vs Polar Pro seems a little oversaturated color. I have the K&F Concepts 1 - 9 stops and I like it. If you follow instructions, you will not see the dreaded X. I have never experienced that. I also have other single ND filters. I don't see an advantage to paying $200 plus for the Polar Pro filter. Just my opinion. I am sure Peter McKinnon, like many photographers, promote their accessories, like LR Presets, Filters and other gadgets to make extra income. Nothing wrong with that. Just not for me.
I use K&F myself but looking at these side by side there’s a lot more color shift in the K&F that I could notice. I do like the mist more though. Mainly for the haptics, ND+Diffusion, and overall look
By the way, I am traveling to Bolivia in a couple of weeks to travel around the altitudes, especially to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats at 4,000 meters above sea level and higher. The brightness and energy coming from the sun at this altitude are much higher than what you usually see at sea level. Moreover, the sun will fall on nearly a flat surface of salt (white), so it will be similar to being in a snowy location, with the sun bouncing/reflecting from the surface. So, ND1000+ will definitely be welcomed in this situation.
I have PM Polar pro when it came out and I see some green tint when you get closer to the end which is very annoying. It's all about results to me rather than expensive packages or branding. I might go with the K&F thank you for the comparison.
Hi, thanks for sharing the amazing video. I would like to ask you a question, but maybe you are too professional and you will laugh. ;) I use my Lumix GH6 only for video and I make documentaries in remote areas of Africa in 4K 4:2.2. I have to use it in semi-AUTO because I don't have time to play with anything. I would like to leave the shutter speed fixed for the 180° rule, so then the GH6 chooses everything else, both with the aperture and with the ISO in Auto. I would like to buy a fixed ND filter instead of a VND of about 3 stops and always keep it mounted on the lens on days of full sun. Then when the light decreases, I remove it. Up to now I have used a VND but it bothers me to turn it to find the right position. Do you think what I would like to do with the fixed ND is stupid? Thanks for your advice.
Damn I wonder if they have a competitor to PMnd filter cuz that filter made a game changer and created such a better lense but gotta watch some move vids
I’m surprised most comments are saying they look similar. Picked out the k&f each time because there is a huge difference (even after all the TH-cam compression), pretty much night and day. If you don’t notice the big difference in colors look at the sky. The sky is nice and blue on the expensive one, on the k&f it looks awe filling. You get what you pay for I guess
I just did the same test because I was curious and ordered both. The sky is the exact same on my filters. I don’t know if something was different in his settings or that his particular KF filter was jank but there’s no difference with the two of mine with the colors. Just posting as a heads up to others weighing their options.
Excellent comparisons. Have you thought about making a video about other brands of ND and ND-CPLs that provide good quality but won't cost you your house, car, and all of your retirement savings?
That KnF filter really vignettes a lot. These cheaper filters are ok on the low range but once you start turning them to higher stops you’ll start seeing the sky becoming unnaturally dark while the middle looks just OK. This is because the two piece of glass start to intersect at higher stops eventually giving you the dreaded X. High quality VND’s like for example B+W never give you that the entire image throughout the range of the filter is consistent edge to edge and that’s worth it in my opinion. Why in the world would you buy $2000 piece of glass like a G master and put $50 glass in front of it?! This is the question I asked myself and is the reason I spent $250 on a VND.
This actually not correct for the current K&F nano-x VND with hard stops. They produce no X-pattern and vignetting (or at least no more vignetting than any other brands) and in my comparisons turned out to be better considering color shift than most competitors. The filter coating also repels dust and fluids very effectively. I'm not advertising for K&F here, I was simply surprised to see the performaned better for me than most other brands I ordered.
@@apocryphal_man I have to see it to believe it. I used KnF filters and they were very unusable to me. The B+W I now own work throughout the entire spectrum as advertised with no color shift. You get what you pay for.
That $50 piece of glass is identical to the $250 piece of glass with the exception of a hard stop keeping you from turning until you see the “X”. Glass isn’t expensive to manufacture optically perfect nowadays when it’s just flat, and the coatings are amazing now as well. K&F has an 8-2000ND, and you’ll never need to go anywhere near the max where you see any vignetting. That being said there are $15 NDs out there that are going to make a mess of your work.
I don't have much use for a mist edition, but do want to get the Mckinnon 2-5stop VND II. I almost never see enough sunlight to have to justify higher stops that the K&F can cover. I understand that I would have to buy the 6-9 stop separately but to avoid ever getting an X over my lens thats not a deal breaker. expensive glass to cover expensive glass. Mist is a very particular look that I don't need in photography but I can see its appeal for video.
The Peter lens is cooler which I don't like but it gives the more authentic film look. The movement looks nostalgic but the feel of the K&F is nicer to me. I'd just try to get the Peter filter warmer it seems like a great filter. Shoutout Peter
I am new videography and I will shoot an indoor event I’m trying to decide between these two. Will VK & F work OK for me for my first few shoots? I will be shooting a bodybuilding competition and need to see great detail in the musculature with indoor artificial lighting on the stage
What’s Up Ben, Im Not Educated At All On Filters… However, All My Video Content I Record Outdoords… I’m Looking For A Good VIR- ND Filter And A Polarized Lens Filter … I’m Working With A Sony A6600 My Lenses Are: Sony E16-55mm 2.8 And Sony E15mm F1.4.. Thank You…
A bit of constructing critique 😅: maybe its my screen, but i can barely see you propperly and its worse in the products shots. I know, u think of style, which i get it but still, wanted to see the product 😅
Thanks for review! Have you used the K&F Concept 72mm Variable ND Filter ND2-ND400 (1-9 Stops) ? Curious how they compare other than obvious stop difference
The VND is actually 2 CPLs which rotate against each other to vary the brightness. You should first adjust the ring set the brightness with your VND, then loosen the lens threads and rotate the whole VND, rotating both polarizers simultaneously, to get the most pleasing polarization. Fortunately various manufacturers make a VND+CPL, which has a lever to adjust the brightness and a ring to adjust the polarization so you can do it easily without loosening the lens threads. Do not stack a VND and a CPL, because a VND is made from two stacked CPLs, so you would end up with 3 CPLs in a stack, and they would interact in undesired ways. You can stack a CPL onto solid, fixed NDs, because the fixed NDs are not made from CPLs.
I'm pretty sure I have the same passport as this chap but we don't speak the same language. What's the gibberish word 'dub' mean and what kind of floppy-fringed headbanger do you need to be to actually use it in public?
8-128 is about 8 stops of light. I was just looking at their black mist 1/4 nd2-400. Can be used as a black mist filter or 9 stops if nd. Mildew and water proof.
Overpriced is a euphemism when it comes to the peter McKinnon version of the Polar pro. You see very little difference between the two and use the K&F 70% of the times. Why would anybody buy the Polar pro! I guess some people don't have to work for their money.
First, comparing the images you included in the video is nearly impossible. They will look very much the same unless you open the raw files on a large 4k monitor and get close. Second, Peter McKinnon is using his name to add to the price, much like TAG Heuer does to watches. I prefer a product that is fairly priced and capable of performing above my expectations. If you have money to throw away - the PolarPro option is a waste of money. Other products at much better price ranges perform the same or better. I use the K&F Concept filters for videos and photos - and paid much less than the cost of the McKinnon products. Thanks for the video.
Peter just can't stop his greed. He already makes enough from his channel and photography work.....not sure why some people are never content with their income.
take Peters name off it and it would be $100 cheaper..
Yep
@georgerady9706 that's how the rich get Richer and the poor get poorer
6:16 I'd much rather get the regular ND and have the flexibility and control to stack the mist filter whenever needed. K&F mist filter is also cheaper and more subtle than Tiffen's.
The Peter McKinnon is quartz glass. Plus, the fit and finish blows away K&F. That said, I bought the K&F Concept.
Lol
Realize that a VND is made from two CPL filters which rotate against each other. One is fixed to the camera lens and the other rotates. If you have every rotated a CPL filter, you will notice that it changes the color of the sky, plant leaves, and lots of other things. With a normal VND filter, one of the polarizers is in sort of a random position, depending on where the thread ends up when its tightened onto the lens. Here's an idea: after you set your VND to the desired exposure, now slightly loosed the whole filter on your lens so you can rotate both polarizers and get the most pleasing polarization. K&F actually makes a VND + CPL which allows you to do this without loosening the lens threads. It has a lever which rotates one polarizer against the other to control brightness, just like a normal VND, but it has a ring which allows you to rotate both polarizers simultaneously. Regardless of whether you get a VND + CPL, which allows you to make the adjustment without loosening the filter threads, or you use a normal VND and loosen the filter threads to set polarization, you should always first adjust brightness, then adjust for the most pleasing polarization. If you don't adjust the polarization, then you camera sees the random CPL effect that you get from the polarizer which is fixed to the lens. I'm surprised your test gave as good of results as it did...
Your are spot on with you comment. VNDs ate only for run and gun shootings
My problem with combined filters is that you can't use just one of them. And usually i wouldn't want to have a 2 stop nd filter on there just to use the polarizer...
@@Csongor_Radai A polarizing filter will give some ND effect anyway. The point I'm trying to make is that VND *is* a polarizer. They may use quarter wave plates to minimize the polarizing effect. but id you are going to use both VND and PL together, why put the unnecessary quarter wave plates in the optical path?
Turns out for me, I liked the KF in close ups a lot more, I liked the Polar on the wide shots a lot more (didn't know which was which prior to my choices).
ND128 is 7 stops. ND8 is 3 stops. just so we're speaking the same language between the filters. The K&F is also warmer for sure. Did you white balance after putting the filters on. Always best practice.
Yeah it is all about budget and what you need to use em for. For me, hobby photographer and getting an ND just for experimenting, K&F all the way.
I think the color looks more natural with the K&F Concepts vs Polar Pro seems a little oversaturated color. I have the K&F Concepts 1 - 9 stops and I like it. If you follow instructions, you will not see the dreaded X. I have never experienced that. I also have other single ND filters. I don't see an advantage to paying $200 plus for the Polar Pro filter. Just my opinion. I am sure Peter McKinnon, like many photographers, promote their accessories, like LR Presets, Filters and other gadgets to make extra income. Nothing wrong with that. Just not for me.
Which kF model do you have?
I use K&F myself but looking at these side by side there’s a lot more color shift in the K&F that I could notice. I do like the mist more though. Mainly for the haptics, ND+Diffusion, and overall look
I was thinking to buy one set of ND. Literally was watching that tonight on Amazon , thanks for sharing
having variable nd filter at the first place is a huge step up for me at least, f1.4 in high noon, it's so satisfying
By the way, I am traveling to Bolivia in a couple of weeks to travel around the altitudes, especially to visit the Uyuni Salt Flats at 4,000 meters above sea level and higher. The brightness and energy coming from the sun at this altitude are much higher than what you usually see at sea level. Moreover, the sun will fall on nearly a flat surface of salt (white), so it will be similar to being in a snowy location, with the sun bouncing/reflecting from the surface. So, ND1000+ will definitely be welcomed in this situation.
Don't excuse yourself for being honest, there is people here that we appreciate content like yours! Keep it true!!!
Been waiting weeks for this!
Thanks for the review. I’ve got the K&F and based on your comparison, can’t see any reason to spend more.
I have PM Polar pro when it came out and I see some green tint when you get closer to the end which is very annoying. It's all about results to me rather than expensive packages or branding. I might go with the K&F thank you for the comparison.
Hi, thanks for sharing the amazing video. I would like to ask you a question, but maybe you are too professional and you will laugh. ;)
I use my Lumix GH6 only for video and I make documentaries in remote areas of Africa in 4K 4:2.2.
I have to use it in semi-AUTO because I don't have time to play with anything. I would like to leave the shutter speed fixed for the 180° rule, so then the GH6 chooses everything else, both with the aperture and with the ISO in Auto.
I would like to buy a fixed ND filter instead of a VND of about 3 stops and always keep it mounted on the lens on days of full sun. Then when the light decreases, I remove it.
Up to now I have used a VND but it bothers me to turn it to find the right position.
Do you think what I would like to do with the fixed ND is stupid?
Thanks for your advice.
Damn I wonder if they have a competitor to PMnd filter cuz that filter made a game changer and created such a better lense but gotta watch some move vids
Great vid dude very informative. Which k&f concept series do you recommend I’ve come across b, k, x. I’m a beginner using a canon R50?
I’m surprised most comments are saying they look similar. Picked out the k&f each time because there is a huge difference (even after all the TH-cam compression), pretty much night and day. If you don’t notice the big difference in colors look at the sky. The sky is nice and blue on the expensive one, on the k&f it looks awe filling.
You get what you pay for I guess
looks like a yellow shift
I just did the same test because I was curious and ordered both. The sky is the exact same on my filters. I don’t know if something was different in his settings or that his particular KF filter was jank but there’s no difference with the two of mine with the colors.
Just posting as a heads up to others weighing their options.
Clears up so many questions, thanks!
Excellent comparisons. Have you thought about making a video about other brands of ND and ND-CPLs that provide good quality but won't cost you your house, car, and all of your retirement savings?
That KnF filter really vignettes a lot. These cheaper filters are ok on the low range but once you start turning them to higher stops you’ll start seeing the sky becoming unnaturally dark while the middle looks just OK. This is because the two piece of glass start to intersect at higher stops eventually giving you the dreaded X. High quality VND’s like for example B+W never give you that the entire image throughout the range of the filter is consistent edge to edge and that’s worth it in my opinion. Why in the world would you buy $2000 piece of glass like a G master and put $50 glass in front of it?! This is the question I asked myself and is the reason I spent $250 on a VND.
Would you recommend if only used for flash photography portraitas outside?
@@bobbyjackson5172 no I would not honestly.
This actually not correct for the current K&F nano-x VND with hard stops. They produce no X-pattern and vignetting (or at least no more vignetting than any other brands) and in my comparisons turned out to be better considering color shift than most competitors. The filter coating also repels dust and fluids very effectively. I'm not advertising for K&F here, I was simply surprised to see the performaned better for me than most other brands I ordered.
@@apocryphal_man I have to see it to believe it. I used KnF filters and they were very unusable to me. The B+W I now own work throughout the entire spectrum as advertised with no color shift. You get what you pay for.
That $50 piece of glass is identical to the $250 piece of glass with the exception of a hard stop keeping you from turning until you see the “X”. Glass isn’t expensive to manufacture optically perfect nowadays when it’s just flat, and the coatings are amazing now as well. K&F has an 8-2000ND, and you’ll never need to go anywhere near the max where you see any vignetting. That being said there are $15 NDs out there that are going to make a mess of your work.
Cheers !! mate for the honesty !!
I don't have much use for a mist edition, but do want to get the Mckinnon 2-5stop VND II. I almost never see enough sunlight to have to justify higher stops that the K&F can cover. I understand that I would have to buy the 6-9 stop separately but to avoid ever getting an X over my lens thats not a deal breaker.
expensive glass to cover expensive glass. Mist is a very particular look that I don't need in photography but I can see its appeal for video.
I do the polar pro the sky looks way more blue, huge difference the other one looks grey..
The Peter lens is cooler which I don't like but it gives the more authentic film look. The movement looks nostalgic but the feel of the K&F is nicer to me. I'd just try to get the Peter filter warmer it seems like a great filter. Shoutout Peter
This just helped, I was about to spend so much on that PolarPro lol, it's too oversaturated. As a BRAW shooter I like the less saturation.
Love my k&f and Lee filters
needed to know this too, sick video bro the little text animations are peng too👏🏼👏🏼
thanks for the honest review m8!
Love the background and video
I'm sure many have pointed this out already, but yeah, it's not 128 stops... 128 is 7 stops (2 to the power 7).
Which K&F is this? That's important
I use K&F CONCEPT filter (ND2-ND32) , and I have problem with X pattern
Can you put a lensprotector apart on the Peter Mccinnon edition aswel? To protect the ND?
Hey Ben, Awesome review i was just searching for. K&F it is then.
Are you still using the K&F filter ?
Great review; thanks for sharing!
I've noticed that the lense cap on my k&f polar filter doesn't sit (58mm canon)
Still very helpfull, thank you for an honest review!
Awesome video. Well explained.
Why won't you compare the mist ii with the K&F VND + Polarizer???
Hey Ben, I'm from Germany just wanted to know if you do anything like training or workshops where ppl can come over and collaborate or learn from you.
I’m new here but I was looking at the kf on Amazon and came here
I am new videography and I will shoot an indoor event I’m trying to decide between these two.
Will VK & F work OK for me for my first few shoots? I will be shooting a bodybuilding competition and need to see great detail in the musculature with indoor artificial lighting on the stage
You don't need ND filters indoor, because there is not a lot of light to begin with. And ND filters will not make the muscles pop better.
Is it enough for bright sunlight
Did you link these models in the description?
I have just purchased K&F VND. For my level of skills that will be more than enough 🙂
Can we use this on lenses with different filter threads ?
The popular Nisi true color ND is the best!
The skins tones and blue sky looked noticeably better on the PolarPro BUT Nisi filters are great for true color and half the price of PolarPro.
Thanks for the review!
On a side note, (I'm sorry I had to ask) is that the Peter McKinnon clocks and colors ring???
No it’s from a store in Germany called outlaws 🤙🏽
@@BenMaclean can't ignore the uncanny resemblance
Enjoyed that… cheers matey
I want to buy kase filters, do you also have test video?
wait many reviews said it had a X shaped vignetting .
especially when in high aperture (for long exxposure.).is that problem there for u?
Isn't an ND8 to ND128 a 3 to 7 stop ND filter?
This helped me a lot to make a decision😍👊🏼💥
What’s Up Ben,
Im Not Educated At All On Filters… However, All My Video Content I Record Outdoords… I’m Looking For A Good VIR- ND Filter And A Polarized Lens Filter … I’m Working With A Sony A6600 My Lenses Are:
Sony E16-55mm 2.8 And Sony E15mm F1.4..
Thank You…
Another awesome video :)
But what about the X mark fully closed?
Very helpful ❤
I have sigma 35mm 1.4 art whats lens filter is good?
0:21 song?
A bit of constructing critique 😅: maybe its my screen, but i can barely see you propperly and its worse in the products shots. I know, u think of style, which i get it but still, wanted to see the product 😅
Which color profile did u use for that test ? Slog II ?
I love NISI 82MM ND filter
what are the interior filters called?
Would you recommend the ND2-32 or ND8-128? Ideally would like the flexibility for both indoor and outdoor
What is the focal length in this video?))
Where can I buy the k&f 8-100?
Thanks for review! Have you used the K&F Concept 72mm Variable ND Filter ND2-ND400 (1-9 Stops) ? Curious how they compare other than obvious stop difference
Did you try it??
2-5 or 6-9 Stop ND?
.. I have not used ND filters for the last years.. but I think it's time.
Great Video
Nice video Ben! Thanks.
But how do you use vnd and cpl at same moment? Do you stack cpl on vnd? is this possible?
The VND is actually 2 CPLs which rotate against each other to vary the brightness. You should first adjust the ring set the brightness with your VND, then loosen the lens threads and rotate the whole VND, rotating both polarizers simultaneously, to get the most pleasing polarization. Fortunately various manufacturers make a VND+CPL, which has a lever to adjust the brightness and a ring to adjust the polarization so you can do it easily without loosening the lens threads. Do not stack a VND and a CPL, because a VND is made from two stacked CPLs, so you would end up with 3 CPLs in a stack, and they would interact in undesired ways. You can stack a CPL onto solid, fixed NDs, because the fixed NDs are not made from CPLs.
I'm pretty sure I have the same passport as this chap but we don't speak the same language. What's the gibberish word 'dub' mean and what kind of floppy-fringed headbanger do you need to be to actually use it in public?
8-128 is about 8 stops of light. I was just looking at their black mist 1/4 nd2-400. Can be used as a black mist filter or 9 stops if nd. Mildew and water proof.
It's 4 stops of range. 128/8 = 16 = 2^4. And 128 density ratio is only 7 stops.
You used the safety word “cinematic”
Timestamps would be nice. I don't really care about packaging
Lol watching this literally 2 days after getting the K&F. But only got it for experimenting different shots
Same 😂
So Is it good I’m confused to buy polar pro 🤔
@@Malloki100 don't. The cheaper one does the work.
@@john_prasamsh do u recommend cpl and Nd filter 2 in 1 K&F ?
@@Malloki100 sorry bro I've no idea about polarisers
Who is Peter McKinnon?
if it did not have the PM brandig it might be half the price, so for me it's still the K&F
the video is more about the package 😂😂
link to nd??
The KnF is actually more warm.
The thumbnail reminded me of @peter McKinnon
His whole channel and videos reminds me of peter mckinnon lol
what is the ND filter recommend for me If I want to shoot bulb mode long exposure at sunny day 🙄?!!!
nd1000
B+w nisi k&f tiffen the best 👌 👍
K&F CONCEPT looks a lot more better !!
Takes the dump?
Overpriced is a euphemism when it comes to the peter McKinnon version of the Polar pro. You see very little difference between the two and use the K&F 70% of the times. Why would anybody buy the Polar pro! I guess some people don't have to work for their money.
Massive difference in the sky. The polar pro is way more natural.
I'm sorry, but whenever I see expensive packaging, I am convinced that I will be throwing away money that is not spent on the gear.
Another one.
Almost an exact copy of Peter Lindgren’s video..
I’m not paying $200 more for a nicer box.
Hoya glass slapped McKinnon name on it, bam. Rip off!
First, comparing the images you included in the video is nearly impossible. They will look very much the same unless you open the raw files on a large 4k monitor and get close. Second, Peter McKinnon is using his name to add to the price, much like TAG Heuer does to watches. I prefer a product that is fairly priced and capable of performing above my expectations. If you have money to throw away - the PolarPro option is a waste of money. Other products at much better price ranges perform the same or better. I use the K&F Concept filters for videos and photos - and paid much less than the cost of the McKinnon products. Thanks for the video.
Peter just can't stop his greed. He already makes enough from his channel and photography work.....not sure why some people are never content with their income.
If you're color grading, you can match them equally. No matter which one you get.