Hi David, initially I was tempted but reflected carefully and concluded they were too big, heavy, expensive and generally 'clunky' to have real utility for me. Also one 82mm size was also limiting. Finally VNDs in some orientetions (relative to sun angle) give an uneven tone across the frame, especially evident with wide angle lenses. Then there is the problem of colour cast vs fixed NDs which, by comparison, are just 'neutral!! So I kept my existing PolarPro series 2 VNDs in both 67mm and 82mm sizes (for run 'n' gun convenience) and agmented by an arguably better (smaller lighter, fast or faster, colour coded) Maven filter system. Maven don't use VNDs just fixed (ie properly neutral) NDs in 3, 6 and 10 stops with 2 and 4 stops coming soon. So one can get any ND light reduction from 2 to 10 stops with either one or two fast switch fixed NDs. So in practice one can get properly neutral NDs that are smaller, lighter and as fast or faster than PP's Helix MagLock system. When I have more time, need complete flexibility, hood protection etc then I have an option to use a matte box and a full suite of cine 4x5.65 filters - now that really is heavy, bulky, slow and even more expensive.... but a case of the best tool for the job in hand. Arguably no one size suits all. I nearly bought into the MagLock Helix buzz until I stopped to really think through the real world use cases.
Hi David, thanks for your perspectives and one new insight. I have one Edition II PM PolarPro 82mm 2-5 stop ND. It's OK, but now a tad better as I hadn't realised I could attach the rear cap to the front of the rubber grip holder, for storage after mounting the VND. Neat! So I subscribed. Yet my search for the near-perfect compact ND system continues. Ideally I want a hood and ND capability. Ideas welcome!? Probably I'm looking for a a dual approach: (a) light, quick, easy to use (run & gun) low fuss set-up, but one where I can also fit a lens hood - any ideas? (b) a more considered 'pro-like' approach, probably using a matte box, where one has time to set up up, compose, adjust lighting etc. I'm struggling to solve (a) but (b) can be sorted OK, albeit at relatively high cost (using a range of cine filters 4x5.65). I like the look of this Helix Maglock approach - it looks to have two key advantages - speed and reliability. The twist-lock looks as if it may overcome a reported weakness (i.e. just dropping off) of some other brands. Is that generally an issue with magnet attachment, or just 'bad-mouthing' by a few clumsy individuals? But the Helix Maglock still seems a bit flawed to me, but then again is anything ever really perfect? First it's pretty darned expensive. Next pretty bulky - more so as step up rings are needed for smaller thread lenses (most of my Sony primes use 67mm). Third, I wonder just how good VNDs are vs fixed NDs (clearly a lot more convenient, but what about the X effect and colour shift vs fixed)? Finally a really big concern for me is not being able to use a hood - unless using a full blown matte box - which is really bulky. Does anyone know of any approach that adds a good hood? Searching for a great ND system for video use has proved inconclusive so far. I first invested in a Haida VDN but had to sell as it was impossible to use with a hood of any kind. I tried a SmallRig Mini Pro matte box (takes 4x5.65 cine filters, so OK, but these are pretty expensive and make even PolarPro filters look affordable). I was informed a PM Edition II VND in 82mm would fit onto the front, so I bought one. It does fit (just about) but so tight as to be unusable in real-world practical ways. So, I then bought a Tilta Mirage matte box. That's conceptually better, has a motorised (i.e. remote drive) 2-9 stop VND. But risks vignetting if I go too wide and there is a slight X effect at higher densities and requires a white colour balance (ideally) before use - so not that quick in practice. I can use a series of ND and SFX 4x5.65 cine filters but these, as previously mentioned, are expensive so I only add one now and again to my growing kit of questionable benefit. But at least they work OK. However unless I have a full range of every ND going then stacking cine filters is required. Yet the Tilta hood only takes one front 4x5.65 cine filter so stacking is impossible without buying additional tray-holders (and an interface). I did that only to discover the holders are tight (also quite expensive) and won't easily take a standard 4x5.65 cine filter. Tilta weren't very helpful (pretty *hit really, considering the cost). But with a little DIY engineering I was able to file circa 0.5mm off the retaining catch, so they now fit OK. I like using a hood for several reasons - (i) flare protection, (ii) fingerprint and front element protection from dirt etc, (iii) helps minimise rain on front element in light showers (I live in UK), (iv) physical protection from bumps and bangs - on 3 occasions in 20 years, I accidently destroyed a 'replaceable' lens hood, which saved my lens from severe damage when a camera + lens combo fell onto concrete. It's a great shame that no filter system bar the original thread size seems compatible with the original lens hood(s) which typically bayonet to the lens front. Currently I have an old K&F fixed ND screw system in 82 mm for my Sony GM zooms 16-35mm and 24-70mm. Also a Polar Pro VND 2-5 stop. I would use a step up ring for other sizes 77mm for a 70-200 Sony zoom but little used for video so less need for extensive NDs. I can fit either my SR or Tilta matte box to any lens with existing adaptors. It's really my smaller Sony primes (all 67mm threads at 20, 24, 35, 50 and 85mm) ideal for small/discrete/low-light operation that I think would feel dwarfed (and possibly spoiled) by a 'relatively huge' 82mm Helix Maglock approach that won't give me a hood either. Am I alone in wanting a compact 67mm ND solution that is hood compliant?
You are not alone, I’m exactly in the same boat - bunch of primes with 67mm, need ND, and want to avoid flaring. Since I cannot fit lens hood, ended up with same Smallrig matte box :) Barely fit 82 mm VND in it, which is quite low quality. I’m now stuck as I neither want to invest in cine filter. I wonder if you figured out any good solution in the meantime?
I wish I saw this before I ordered the Helix system. They are not for everybody! Just like you said they are really heavy and big and for someone who like to keep a minimal setup they can really mess that up.
Can we add the base plate on top of the UV filter. Or if we do not need, I don't feel safe to leave the front element exposed to air / dust etc. Will there be vignetting if we retain the UV filter?
Is the Helix VND only produced as an 82 MM filter? There are no 67 MM or 77 MM sizes? It kinda looks ridiculous on a 50 1.4GM 67MM lens with the step up magnetic base ring.
Great video. I have been thinking about buying one of these filters systems, but I was wondering if it is better to buy the 77 mm because most of my lenes are 77 mm or is it better to buy a step up ring and buy the 82 mm ?
Solid review of the new PolarPro Helix Maglocks. The comments on the front / back plates not sticking together and the larger lip are both valid points. That said, in cold weather, I'll take the magnetic mount over screw-in filters any day of the week. 😃 Thanks for the excellent content delivered in an entertaining manner!
Such a solid point! We're in San Diego, so we rarely need to think of that, but filming up in Tahoe in the past, screw on filters were a nightmare. Magnets for the win!
Are you going to Greece in early October? There is some type of thing where photographers go there and your pictures could end up on National Geographic or other magazines.
This is trash lol. 1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality. 2. Takes more time 😂 with all the polar pro pieces. The system flawed. You think u save much time but realized you just got conned 😂😂Total gimmick. 3. Moment cinebloom is universally agreed as the best defusion filters besides tiffen pro mist/prism fx dream filter. In 6th place, are these poor quality polar pro mist. There's been comparison videos to prove this. 5. Even the blue and gold anamorphic style filters has already been made by moment / prism lens fx and it had proven to have shown a more natural beautiful result. The polar pro version lacks sharpness and often would not even show what is advertised.
I wish this video came out 2 months ago. I invested half of that price into a K&F Concepts magnetic fillers system, and it sucks. The magnets are so weak that I almost lost a filter twice already. The locking system is such a good idea.
Damn, sorry brother! I think that's the main sell on these over other magnetic filter systems. I've tried some of the cheaper options and like you said, the magnets just weren't strong enough to use confidently
@@DavidManningvlogYes some magnetic systems are weak/rubbish. But Maven filters have really good magnets and just work. I read that Kase may be good too, but haven't tried them. I nearly bought into the Helix concept until I discovered Maven. Both systems are expensive but for me it was about overall performance- my decisions were based on quality and performance rather than cost (having learnt the hard way that often as not buying cheap means buying twice).
Great and informative review! Since I’m already using a -82mm step up ring on all my lenses so I can use one set of VND’s I’m not to worried about the "lip". Seems like a quick and easy solution! 😊❤
The speed here is for sure the game changer! And I think the lip will only matter on tighter slots in backpacks where the lens width is the same as the slot it's going into
Turn the pro tip at the end into a short because I literally have wanted to blow my brains out for 2 months trying to seperate a step ring from a filter to the point I bought a new filter. This unstuck it in 3 secs.....
One of the biggest overlooks of your reviews is that, you need multiple filters for the Gen2 and only need 1 filter for the new one. That is the biggest improvement. Should not be the cons compare with the gen 2. I love your reviews but this one is off.
I just got them and there is a little bit of a color cast. The color cast leans on the yellow side. Do you get vignetting at focal lengths wider than 35, so that’s important to know. The magnetic system is nice though and it feels good quality
The cast is super minimal and on par with what we saw out of the Edition II filters. I see a bit of a green shift, but I would say it's less than a point or two
Just compared my first edition PM VND to the maglock VND and the maglock actually has more of a green shift which surprised me. Fine tuning color in the white balance section of the camera is a pretty quick fix though.
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Design doesn't save time for Hybrid shooters who prefer to mount the lens hood after removing the magnetic ND. Great video and thorough review though!
Agreed. This is the biggest thing that annoys me about using filters, is not being able to keep the lens hood on for protection.
Hi David, initially I was tempted but reflected carefully and concluded they were too big, heavy, expensive and generally 'clunky' to have real utility for me. Also one 82mm size was also limiting. Finally VNDs in some orientetions (relative to sun angle) give an uneven tone across the frame, especially evident with wide angle lenses. Then there is the problem of colour cast vs fixed NDs which, by comparison, are just 'neutral!!
So I kept my existing PolarPro series 2 VNDs in both 67mm and 82mm sizes (for run 'n' gun convenience) and agmented by an arguably better (smaller lighter, fast or faster, colour coded) Maven filter system. Maven don't use VNDs just fixed (ie properly neutral) NDs in 3, 6 and 10 stops with 2 and 4 stops coming soon. So one can get any ND light reduction from 2 to 10 stops with either one or two fast switch fixed NDs. So in practice one can get properly neutral NDs that are smaller, lighter and as fast or faster than PP's Helix MagLock system.
When I have more time, need complete flexibility, hood protection etc then I have an option to use a matte box and a full suite of cine 4x5.65 filters - now that really is heavy, bulky, slow and even more expensive.... but a case of the best tool for the job in hand. Arguably no one size suits all. I nearly bought into the MagLock Helix buzz until I stopped to really think through the real world use cases.
This video did not suck.
Hahaha! Well that's a bar that I aspire to get over👍
Hi David, thanks for your perspectives and one new insight. I have one Edition II PM PolarPro 82mm 2-5 stop ND. It's OK, but now a tad better as I hadn't realised I could attach the rear cap to the front of the rubber grip holder, for storage after mounting the VND. Neat! So I subscribed. Yet my search for the near-perfect compact ND system continues. Ideally I want a hood and ND capability. Ideas welcome!?
Probably I'm looking for a a dual approach:
(a) light, quick, easy to use (run & gun) low fuss set-up, but one where I can also fit a lens hood - any ideas?
(b) a more considered 'pro-like' approach, probably using a matte box, where one has time to set up up, compose, adjust lighting etc.
I'm struggling to solve (a) but (b) can be sorted OK, albeit at relatively high cost (using a range of cine filters 4x5.65).
I like the look of this Helix Maglock approach - it looks to have two key advantages - speed and reliability. The twist-lock looks as if it may overcome a reported weakness (i.e. just dropping off) of some other brands. Is that generally an issue with magnet attachment, or just 'bad-mouthing' by a few clumsy individuals?
But the Helix Maglock still seems a bit flawed to me, but then again is anything ever really perfect? First it's pretty darned expensive. Next pretty bulky - more so as step up rings are needed for smaller thread lenses (most of my Sony primes use 67mm). Third, I wonder just how good VNDs are vs fixed NDs (clearly a lot more convenient, but what about the X effect and colour shift vs fixed)? Finally a really big concern for me is not being able to use a hood - unless using a full blown matte box - which is really bulky. Does anyone know of any approach that adds a good hood?
Searching for a great ND system for video use has proved inconclusive so far. I first invested in a Haida VDN but had to sell as it was impossible to use with a hood of any kind. I tried a SmallRig Mini Pro matte box (takes 4x5.65 cine filters, so OK, but these are pretty expensive and make even PolarPro filters look affordable). I was informed a PM Edition II VND in 82mm would fit onto the front, so I bought one. It does fit (just about) but so tight as to be unusable in real-world practical ways. So, I then bought a Tilta Mirage matte box. That's conceptually better, has a motorised (i.e. remote drive) 2-9 stop VND. But risks vignetting if I go too wide and there is a slight X effect at higher densities and requires a white colour balance (ideally) before use - so not that quick in practice. I can use a series of ND and SFX 4x5.65 cine filters but these, as previously mentioned, are expensive so I only add one now and again to my growing kit of questionable benefit. But at least they work OK. However unless I have a full range of every ND going then stacking cine filters is required. Yet the Tilta hood only takes one front 4x5.65 cine filter so stacking is impossible without buying additional tray-holders (and an interface). I did that only to discover the holders are tight (also quite expensive) and won't easily take a standard 4x5.65 cine filter. Tilta weren't very helpful (pretty *hit really, considering the cost). But with a little DIY engineering I was able to file circa 0.5mm off the retaining catch, so they now fit OK.
I like using a hood for several reasons - (i) flare protection, (ii) fingerprint and front element protection from dirt etc, (iii) helps minimise rain on front element in light showers (I live in UK), (iv) physical protection from bumps and bangs - on 3 occasions in 20 years, I accidently destroyed a 'replaceable' lens hood, which saved my lens from severe damage when a camera + lens combo fell onto concrete. It's a great shame that no filter system bar the original thread size seems compatible with the original lens hood(s) which typically bayonet to the lens front.
Currently I have an old K&F fixed ND screw system in 82 mm for my Sony GM zooms 16-35mm and 24-70mm. Also a Polar Pro VND 2-5 stop. I would use a step up ring for other sizes 77mm for a 70-200 Sony zoom but little used for video so less need for extensive NDs. I can fit either my SR or Tilta matte box to any lens with existing adaptors. It's really my smaller Sony primes (all 67mm threads at 20, 24, 35, 50 and 85mm) ideal for small/discrete/low-light operation that I think would feel dwarfed (and possibly spoiled) by a 'relatively huge' 82mm Helix Maglock approach that won't give me a hood either.
Am I alone in wanting a compact 67mm ND solution that is hood compliant?
An ND filter that could be used with a hood would be AMAZING!
You are not alone, I’m exactly in the same boat - bunch of primes with 67mm, need ND, and want to avoid flaring. Since I cannot fit lens hood, ended up with same Smallrig matte box :) Barely fit 82 mm VND in it, which is quite low quality. I’m now stuck as I neither want to invest in cine filter. I wonder if you figured out any good solution in the meantime?
I wish I saw this before I ordered the Helix system. They are not for everybody! Just like you said they are really heavy and big and for someone who like to keep a minimal setup they can really mess that up.
Which is your daily camera bag and which bag is on 9:03 ???
Can we add the base plate on top of the UV filter. Or if we do not need, I don't feel safe to leave the front element exposed to air / dust etc. Will there be vignetting if we retain the UV filter?
Question: So the filter is fixed in size? There is one size filter to be stepped-up to with adapter rings?
Is the Helix VND only produced as an 82 MM filter? There are no 67 MM or 77 MM sizes? It kinda looks ridiculous on a 50 1.4GM 67MM lens with the step up magnetic base ring.
Great video. I have been thinking about buying one of these filters systems, but I was wondering if it is better to buy the 77 mm because most of my lenes are 77 mm or is it better to buy a step up ring and buy the 82 mm ?
Solid review of the new PolarPro Helix Maglocks. The comments on the front / back plates not sticking together and the larger lip are both valid points. That said, in cold weather, I'll take the magnetic mount over screw-in filters any day of the week. 😃 Thanks for the excellent content delivered in an entertaining manner!
Such a solid point! We're in San Diego, so we rarely need to think of that, but filming up in Tahoe in the past, screw on filters were a nightmare. Magnets for the win!
Are you going to Greece in early October? There is some type of thing where photographers go there and your pictures could end up on National Geographic or other magazines.
@@teamsaunz What?! I haven't heard of that, but I'll for sure look it up!
This is trash lol.
1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality.
2. Takes more time 😂 with all the polar pro pieces. The system flawed. You think u save much time but realized you just got conned 😂😂Total gimmick.
3. Moment cinebloom is universally agreed as the best defusion filters besides tiffen pro mist/prism fx dream filter. In 6th place, are these poor quality polar pro mist. There's been comparison videos to prove this.
5. Even the blue and gold anamorphic style filters has already been made by moment / prism lens fx and it had proven to have shown a more natural beautiful result. The polar pro version lacks sharpness and often would not even show what is advertised.
What would you do with a really wide angle lens? Is there an adapter to fit around the lens so I could still use that filter?
I wish this video came out 2 months ago. I invested half of that price into a K&F Concepts magnetic fillers system, and it sucks. The magnets are so weak that I almost lost a filter twice already. The locking system is such a good idea.
Damn, sorry brother! I think that's the main sell on these over other magnetic filter systems. I've tried some of the cheaper options and like you said, the magnets just weren't strong enough to use confidently
@@DavidManningvlogYes some magnetic systems are weak/rubbish. But Maven filters have really good magnets and just work. I read that Kase may be good too, but haven't tried them. I nearly bought into the Helix concept until I discovered Maven. Both systems are expensive but for me it was about overall performance- my decisions were based on quality and performance rather than cost (having learnt the hard way that often as not buying cheap means buying twice).
I have a lens with a 55mm threading size. How do I get the helix filter on that?
Great and informative review! Since I’m already using a -82mm step up ring on all my lenses so I can use one set of VND’s I’m not to worried about the "lip". Seems like a quick and easy solution! 😊❤
The speed here is for sure the game changer! And I think the lip will only matter on tighter slots in backpacks where the lens width is the same as the slot it's going into
Since I always use a lens hood, it would appear that this would be awkward at best.
Most VND filters won't work with lens hoods. Usually you can get away with a single screw on CPL or ND, but most VNDs stick out a bit
Same
So you cant use a lens hood?
Turn the pro tip at the end into a short because I literally have wanted to blow my brains out for 2 months trying to seperate a step ring from a filter to the point I bought a new filter. This unstuck it in 3 secs.....
So are you supposed to buy the kit for 330$ and then buy the filters separate? Another 200?
One of the biggest overlooks of your reviews is that, you need multiple filters for the Gen2 and only need 1 filter for the new one. That is the biggest improvement. Should not be the cons compare with the gen 2. I love your reviews but this one is off.
Loved the pro tip with the gloves... Simple is the best
Much better than a filter wrench!
Hi Dave 👋
Abhijeet!!! You legend!!!
I NEED THIS - Love PM stuff, but these are MONEY! Gotta get them
I also love lips 👄 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Nice hack with the gloves
Is there a color cast?
I just got them and there is a little bit of a color cast. The color cast leans on the yellow side. Do you get vignetting at focal lengths wider than 35, so that’s important to know. The magnetic system is nice though and it feels good quality
The cast is super minimal and on par with what we saw out of the Edition II filters. I see a bit of a green shift, but I would say it's less than a point or two
Just compared my first edition PM VND to the maglock VND and the maglock actually has more of a green shift which surprised me. Fine tuning color in the white balance section of the camera is a pretty quick fix though.