To make it short - this combo filter is very good value for money, as long as you're getting it for the right reasons. While not quite up there with "pro-level" filters in terms of quality, it does a great job for what it is.
Firstly, the main appeal of this filter is combining CPL and variable ND functions onto one - which saves you from having to stack multiple filters (which may end up not working well together) and makes for one less piece of glass between your lens and your target. I've noticed no flaws whatsoever in how the two functions work together - no Xs, no artifacts. The CPL part of the filter is very, very good. The variable ND part is... fine. Better than a lot of filters in this price range. There is still a slight brownish cast from it, but it's totally consistent and very easy to correct in post-processing. Just don't expect stellar results right out of the camera, without a couple of clicks' worth of extra work!
In terms of filter factor, it's more or less spot on - it's a little bit more than 1 stop of light at the lowest setting (ND2), but at the highest setting it seems to be pretty much exactly 5 stops of light - not the 5 and a half you'd get if you took an ND32 filter and put a CPL over it.
However, the real question is: do you need this filter? Because the max setting of ND32 is generally a bit too light for landscape photography off a tripod (you'll want an ND64 or even ND1000 filter there). For longer telephoto lenses (over 200mm focal length), you really don't need this kind of filter for the obvious reason that you're not likely to be getting too much light. For wide-angle lenses, the CPL portion makes it a complete no-go - on anything shorter than 35mm focal length, it'll completely mess up your image with those uneven shadows (not the filter's fault - but CPL is really not designed for that).
So, what is this for, exactly?
Well, I can't speak for video usage - but in stills photography there's one area where this filter really excels, and that is for handheld shooting in bright daylight conditions with large, wide-aperture lenses at the higher end of portrait and lower end of telephoto: in other words, lenses between 80mm and 200mm focal length and f/2.8 or less when wide open. This allows you to really control and thin out your depth of field and shoot at shutter speed that will minimize noise, while being able to control more of the stray light from reflections thanks to the CPL.
I use it for creative photography with just two such lenses, both totally manual: the Samyang 135mm f/2, and the Helios 40-2 (85mm f/1.5). It is very handy with both, really hits a sweet spot for usability despite how bulky those lenses themselves are, and really brings out the kind of extreme subject isolation and bokeh both of them are capable of. So, if you own monster prime lenses of that kind (between 80 and 200mm, f/2.8 or less) - this is a great filter you really will find useful. But beyond those? Might be worth checking something else!
Otherwise, my only other criticisms are about ergonomics: the filter uses some kind of non-standard thread on the outside, and has too little thread left anyway to screw anything over it - so if you were thinking of putting a hood or any other sort of attachment over it, you'll have to forget it. And on too of that, the little "handles" for controlling the ND variation stick out just a bit too far from the body of the filter... so you can't really attach a lens hood behind it either, save for a flexible rubber one - and even then, the "handles" will likely deform it a bit. Long story short - expect this filter to always end up on the very end of your optical train, and expect to have trouble even fitting a lens cap over it without it constantly falling off. It's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned - but you may find yourself putting this filter on and taking it off to store it in a box every time you go out to shoot. Not ideal if you want to put it on a lens and forget about it.
All in all though, I'm very happy with it! Worthy buy and a handy tool to use.
Firstly, the main appeal of this filter is combining CPL and variable ND functions onto one - which saves you from having to stack multiple filters (which may end up not working well together) and makes for one less piece of glass between your lens and your target. I've noticed no flaws whatsoever in how the two functions work together - no Xs, no artifacts. The CPL part of the filter is very, very good. The variable ND part is... fine. Better than a lot of filters in this price range. There is still a slight brownish cast from it, but it's totally consistent and very easy to correct in post-processing. Just don't expect stellar results right out of the camera, without a couple of clicks' worth of extra work!
In terms of filter factor, it's more or less spot on - it's a little bit more than 1 stop of light at the lowest setting (ND2), but at the highest setting it seems to be pretty much exactly 5 stops of light - not the 5 and a half you'd get if you took an ND32 filter and put a CPL over it.
However, the real question is: do you need this filter? Because the max setting of ND32 is generally a bit too light for landscape photography off a tripod (you'll want an ND64 or even ND1000 filter there). For longer telephoto lenses (over 200mm focal length), you really don't need this kind of filter for the obvious reason that you're not likely to be getting too much light. For wide-angle lenses, the CPL portion makes it a complete no-go - on anything shorter than 35mm focal length, it'll completely mess up your image with those uneven shadows (not the filter's fault - but CPL is really not designed for that).
So, what is this for, exactly?
Well, I can't speak for video usage - but in stills photography there's one area where this filter really excels, and that is for handheld shooting in bright daylight conditions with large, wide-aperture lenses at the higher end of portrait and lower end of telephoto: in other words, lenses between 80mm and 200mm focal length and f/2.8 or less when wide open. This allows you to really control and thin out your depth of field and shoot at shutter speed that will minimize noise, while being able to control more of the stray light from reflections thanks to the CPL.
I use it for creative photography with just two such lenses, both totally manual: the Samyang 135mm f/2, and the Helios 40-2 (85mm f/1.5). It is very handy with both, really hits a sweet spot for usability despite how bulky those lenses themselves are, and really brings out the kind of extreme subject isolation and bokeh both of them are capable of. So, if you own monster prime lenses of that kind (between 80 and 200mm, f/2.8 or less) - this is a great filter you really will find useful. But beyond those? Might be worth checking something else!
Otherwise, my only other criticisms are about ergonomics: the filter uses some kind of non-standard thread on the outside, and has too little thread left anyway to screw anything over it - so if you were thinking of putting a hood or any other sort of attachment over it, you'll have to forget it. And on too of that, the little "handles" for controlling the ND variation stick out just a bit too far from the body of the filter... so you can't really attach a lens hood behind it either, save for a flexible rubber one - and even then, the "handles" will likely deform it a bit. Long story short - expect this filter to always end up on the very end of your optical train, and expect to have trouble even fitting a lens cap over it without it constantly falling off. It's not a big deal as far as I'm concerned - but you may find yourself putting this filter on and taking it off to store it in a box every time you go out to shoot. Not ideal if you want to put it on a lens and forget about it.
All in all though, I'm very happy with it! Worthy buy and a handy tool to use.
07/03/2022
One of the only few filters that do not have the 'x' in the photos due to 2 filters combined, and it is the best for the price. I have several sizes for several lenses that live on the cameras. The packaging is always presentable and the filter itself is of good quality. little to no effect on photos.
Recommend 10/10
Recommend 10/10
21/02/2022
I have always been a fan of K&F after buying their tripod, so I was pretty sure about the quality of ND.This is 1of 3 NDs I have purchased for my crew, and I should say this is amazing.I would start with the build quality, and it's pretty sturdy, the casing is aluminum and lightweight.Coming to the colors, I didn't see any difference in colors with ND on at Min and ND off. Also, the cutting down of light from ND 2 to ND 32 is so accurate for an ND(measured with exposure meter).
29/01/2022
Excellent buy for my camera. I must recommend this. Easy to assemble, easy in use and great enhancement to your photography. With this, I got excellent landscape picture with balanced brightness and clear details of sky & clouds. ND filter adds advantage over waterfall pictures. love it !
20/01/2022
We bought this 2-in-1 filter for a shoot that was shot outdoors. We encountered no problems filming at the water's edge with the glare of the sun. For the price it's excellent, the variable ND2 to ND32 filter is really sufficient for video. It is possible thanks to the filter to keep cinema look parameters on the camera, with a large aperture, a low iso and a nice bokeh. The filter is of good quality to the touch, we realize that it will not break after several screwing and unscrewing. The advantage of this filter also lies in the 2 small peaks, which make it possible to properly adjust the ND part of the filter. In short, if you want to buy a filter for your camera, we recommend it given its price. Really great!
03/01/2022
Used it with a fujifilm x-t4 18mm f1.4 and all I can say is wow. Wasn’t expecting this kind of results.
30/12/2021
The metal, variable ND filter helps with long exposures and manages to reduce a few steps. Of course it's not as strong as an ND 1000, but for shots that aren't taken in direct sunlight, it's enough to smooth out water, for example. The processing is top and you can get nice pictures with it. Including cleaning cloth - and super case in which the ND filter is not damaged. (If you don't know: the diameter of your lens is written directly on your lens). The filter is also perfect for adhering to the 180° shutter rule when filming with DSLR /DSLM. We are convinced! Simply screw on the ND filter - done! The protective cap from the lens also fits on it :)
26/12/2021
I use the neutral density filter for my nature photography and landscape photography. Especially when photographing rivers, lakes or waterfalls, this filter offers, through its variable darkening from ND2 - ND32, an extension of the shutter speed, which creates a motion blur, which looks very nice on watercourses. In addition to the ND filter, there is a second filter function, a CPL polarization filter. This is very useful when photographing water, lakes and streams because reflections can be compensated for at the same time. I decided on the 77mm filter variant and use the filter on a 12-24mm wide-angle lens. The processing quality is very good, even with maximum darkening of ND32, the undesirable X-effect does not occur.
03/11/2021
I bought this filter when it was on sale and it was an absolute amazing deal. The filter itself is just great it gives me a long enough exposure time when I need it and it’s just really handy. Unfortunately it somehow got stuck and when I emailed K&F concept about it they treated me with nothing but respect and sent me a brand new filter to replace my own. There amazing and so is this filter
12/10/2021
I’ve been using this CPL/Density filter for about a month and it is amazing. I do Inventory Photos for a few Dealerships and it does great in harsh light and balancing/removing reflections.
As far as using it on Landscapes and Portraits, it really helps with toning down highlights to give some better control in the editing and deepens some other areas of color that you often lose.
Only down side is, that I’m unable to use my lens hood for “bump protection” because you can’t use the CPL with hood. Currently using this filter on a Tamron 24-70 G2
As far as using it on Landscapes and Portraits, it really helps with toning down highlights to give some better control in the editing and deepens some other areas of color that you often lose.
Only down side is, that I’m unable to use my lens hood for “bump protection” because you can’t use the CPL with hood. Currently using this filter on a Tamron 24-70 G2
10/10/2021