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Contrary to regular polarizers, the CPL has no moving parts. It rotates simply by moving on the adapter. This does generate a small friction noise. Today we are taking a look at K&F Concept’s line of magnetic filters. Called the Nano-Series, this system currently sells as a kit including a lens adapter, a UV filter (doubling as an extra lens adapter), a CPL and an ND 1000 filter. Description of The System Like other manufacturers, Freewell claims that their variable ND filters are very color-accurate. However, VND filters are always critical to color shifts and therefore we should take the marketing announcements with a grain of salt. To truly know, we would have to test how accurate the VND filters are in the real world. Magnetic Filter System K2 – Source: Freewell Futureproof One other thing I wish they'd add is the filter details listed on the front of the filter. The details of the filter are listed on the side which is great but it would be nice to also include them near the thread size is. For example, if I have each filter in the case they come in, I can't tell which filter is which from a top-down view as you can see in the photo above. Not a deal-breaker but certainly something that could be easily changed. Magnetic System Thus far in my experience, I have not had any issues with the filters falling off in standard use. That can be walking on a trail with my camera above my shoulder, moving with my camera in hand filming a shot, or even running around a bit. The filters are quite secure because they are machined well to fit within the ring that's attached to the lens. Thus not only are the magnets holding the filter in but the friction caused by the precision of the manufacturer helps keep them secure. They are also light so it would require a large impact for them to detach. I haven't been able to get them to come off in the field or in testing.
Threaded VNDs are constructed using two panes of polarized glass. For this system, Freewell separated these panes into two filters. One half is the filter mounted inside the base ring, the other half is mounted in front. Once mounted and aligned, there are two panes of polarized glass, just like a traditional, threaded VND. Working with these magnetic filters was really a nice change from fiddling with fine filter threads, and I didn’t encounter any major problems with them. Of course, you do need to be careful when you’re detaching a filter so that you don’t fling it anywhere when you overcome the magnet’s grip on it. Non-magnetized, threaded lenses, however, are not compatible. This is because neither the magnetic filters nor the base ring offer outward facing threads. Color accuracy and sharpness A big issue with circular gradient filters is that users can’t adjust where the gradient is in the frame — it’s fixed. With the K2 Island Slot, users can adjust a filter’s height to change its effect on their photos and videos, and even rotate the entire assembly. The K2 also includes an integrated spirit level, or “gradienter tool,” to ensure level gradient filters. Simply put, I loved my time with the magnetic Nano filters from K&F Concept. Their optical quality is excellent, indeed better than some of the competition. The craftsmanship is also superb, with no complaints.That being said, it’s near impossible to accidentally bump this filter off. The magnets are quite strong and definitely require a firm hold to come apart. Since this polarizer is magnetic, it’s perfect to rotate in either direction with no worries of the filter unscrewing. Taken with the Freewell Magnetic Circular Polarizer (CPL) The red circle shows where the above climbing photo was taken. Remove the base ring filter, and there’s now one pane of polarized glass (which is effectively a circular polarizer is). Looking at the 2-5 stop filter, I can get a range of 2 stops (a little before the 2 stop position on the ring) all the way up to 5 and 1/3 stops (at “5” on the ring), so the filter covers a range greater than the claimed 3 stops.
The filter is basically a stationary magnet - like a bunch of bar magnets sitting on a table. I don't expect there is much impact on the magnetic actuators (which are magnetic motors) used in IBIS to move the sensor. Some of Fuji's best lenses use linear magnetic motors in AF - for example the Fuji X 50-140 f2.8 and the 90 f2. There is no evidence of any interference with IBIS and those two lenses so I doubt if small would cause any issues.So, let’s dive into what this Freewell magnetic filter system review, and discover if they are actually worth your money. Video Review + Unboxing A polarizer is a great filter to help cut glare and enhance colours. By rotating the filter you are able to target different areas of glare in your frame. A polarizing filter is also extremely useful when shooting in an area with lots of highlight since it helps to get a more balanced exposure.
Alongside the distinct Island Slot for gradient filters like a graduated neutral density (ND) filter, snow mist, glow mist, and streak, the K2 filter system also includes circular variable neutral density (VND), circular polarizing (CPL), solid ND, and graduated neutral density (GND) filters. Each of these filters do exactly as they are intended to do. They darken the image by 10 stops allowing for longer exposures in brighter conditions. Each filter has it’s own unique colour cast, like nearly all ND filters on the market. Freewell claims their magnetic VND system can be safely used with any 16 or 17mm full frame lens without adding vignette (on top of the natural, optical vignette of the lens). This means cleaner images without additional darkening around the edges and corners — even when shooting wide angle. Filter compatibility Videographers and filmmakers should also appreciate the diffusion mist base filter. The filter’s 1/8 strength is just enough to create the desired effect without being too obvious (as it can be with stronger, 1/4 strength mist filters). Some videographers using cameras with super sharp digital sensors could very well leave this “mist” filter in their base ring at all times. PricingThe Freewell magnetic VND system may be used with circular filter threads measuring 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82 or 95mm in diameter. Personally I use a UV filter on all my lenses for added protection from the elements or the extra safety it may provide in a fall thus it's a fantastic option, but not something that would have worked for my video camera. I have to use a step up ring to go from my Fujifilm's 58mm thread to the 77mm filter size I'm reviewing. The smallest filter size Freewell makes is 67mm meaning I needed to use a step up ring regardless thus I opted into using 77mm filters so I could interchange them from my video camera to my photography camera which has actually been fantastic — more on that later. Conclusion: Here, the Freewell VND filters are no worse than the very expensive PolarPro and less expensive Moment, but none of them give acceptable results. If I had just flown to Iceland with these filters and discovered results like these on my memory card at the end of my day, I’d be pissed off.
One other advantage of the K&F Concept filters is that they are available for a wide range of diameters, starting at 49mm, as opposed to 67mm for some competitors. Lastly, I zoomed into 200% on the images taken at f8 with my 70-200mm lens to show potential sharpness loss. Such detail likely won't come through after jpeg compression and resizing for this article but trust me when I say I see no loss in sharpness or detail in the image, which is great.Consequently, we’ll need to judge this filter set on two aspects: the functionality of its magnetic attachment system, and the quality of its VND filters (and filters in general). What Do You Get? J. Matthew Gore In the tests I put each of these filters through I did not notice any significant differences in quality and sharpness. Rather than wasting your time talking about those two aspects, let’s focus on the areas that stood out; colour cast and ergonomics.
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