I have been an avid photographer for over 40 years but have never really wanted to use filters before now, always preferring to keep my images as natural as possible, except for maybe the occasional minor tweak in post production. However, recently I decided to take the plunge and invest in some filters to help
achieving the correct effects with low shutter speeds and landscapes. I undertook a lot of research, including all the main brands Lee, Cokin and Nisi etc, especially as I needed a set that would accommodate a relatively wide angle lens too, so I was looking at the 100mm to 150mm sets. Eventually deciding I could just about manage with the 100mm set, as I didn't really want the expense or bulk of the 130mm/150mm sets. I discovered the K&F brand which I had not heard of before, and in what I read and watched I was very impressed. So I eventually decided upon this Pro 3 filter set, 10 stop ND, Grad ND and Circ Polariser. It was expensive, but good value when compared to competitors for a set of similar specification.
So what is the set like, well it is very impressive. It arrives well packaged in a very professional looking box, orange and black. Inside is the leather effect protective case, which contains the 3 filters, the ND & GND in frames (each individually wrapped too for extra protection in transit), the filter holder, the lens adapter rings, and a simple manual. The holder is aluminium and feels very strong, it has a very professional and functional design, and the subtle orange accents (to represent the K&F brand) on the both the CPL rotation wheel and the adapter ring locking nut are striking. The filter frames that encase the glass filters are very thin, but they feel solid enough. They are pre installed on the 2 square filters provided (ND/GND), but reading the instructions they do 'appear' to dismantle to enable use on other similar sized filters. This is still a very new product I believe, so hopefully they will be available in the not too distant future. I look forward to them being available as I expect, given the quality of this set, I will be expanding my collection of these filters at some point in time.
To use the filters, you simply attach the relevant adapter ring to your lens, then attach the filter holder, and then put the required filter(s) in. The CPL is locked securely in place from the top by an ingenious locking mechanism and it can be rotated when in place by the wheel at the side, which is really cool. The square/rectangular filters then just slide in front of it, in the 2 available slots as required. The filter frames have a very reassuring fit & hold when in place in the holder. They also have raised tabs at the top and bottom of the frames to help with vertical adjustments, and also help to keep the glass clean by keeping fingers away. So far I have only done some very basic test shots but the results have been excellent, so I am really looking forward to testing this set fully in the coming days/weeks, and hopefully producing some great results.
Overall, I have been really impressed by the quality of this product and of the K&F brand. So good was the workmanship I am just awaiting a new K&F tripod which I hope is just as impressive. The build quality of this Pro Filter set is excellent, great value for money and it certainly looks very professional, so I can say with confidence that I really look forward to using more products from K&F.