Though the suggested use for this filter seems to be softening portraits, I have been exclusively using it on my macro lens for flower photography. And, for that purpose, it's great!
Essentially the class looks like it's been dotted subtly with specks of dark paint (imagine what it would look like if you lightly spraypainted a glass surface). The result is a subtle softening of any photos you take.
Note that the softening effect of this filter can be obtained through photo editing software. So, there is an argument for not using a filter like this at all. Without this filter, you could decide whether or not you wish to soften the image later. But if you use the filter, you will have lost potential detail that you might later wish you had.
But if you know that your goal is softening this filter does it optically, rather than your needing to do it digitally. As for me, I'm happy to have it, especially because spring flowers have started blooming!
Essentially the class looks like it's been dotted subtly with specks of dark paint (imagine what it would look like if you lightly spraypainted a glass surface). The result is a subtle softening of any photos you take.
Note that the softening effect of this filter can be obtained through photo editing software. So, there is an argument for not using a filter like this at all. Without this filter, you could decide whether or not you wish to soften the image later. But if you use the filter, you will have lost potential detail that you might later wish you had.
But if you know that your goal is softening this filter does it optically, rather than your needing to do it digitally. As for me, I'm happy to have it, especially because spring flowers have started blooming!
15/03/2023
I ordered this for my husband and he loves this filter. It has taken some steps out of his editing process. He likes this filter, because it does so much during photo shoots that he doesn’t have to waste time fixing small imperfections during editing. He says he noticed a big difference in the quality of his photos pre editing. The filter is thin and fits well on his camera. The quality of this filter isn’t bad. It seems to be holding up well and not showing signs of wear and tear. Great product!
13/03/2023
As most K&F products, the build quality of this filter is quite nice. The threads are smooth, filter ring is powder coated and then optics... well, hard to say they're clear or anything since they're a diffusion/soft filter, but the picture quality is still quite good. More on that later.
The filter comes in a circular filter case that is one of the neatest filter cases I've seen! If they don't sell those as products yet, they honestly could! There are raised partial circles that allow you to place all sized filters in the case, unlike most with a foam cutout (which, admittedly offers more padding). It would be nice for the filter case to have a small sticker on it to indicate what is basically on the box--"NANO series 52mm MRC Black Diffusion 1/4" in my case. In fact the outer box has that listed a few different times, including twice on the sticker label... one on the case would be even better.
The optics look like a clear glass with a bunch of small grey dirt specks. That is the intended design. The effect it creates is a soft diffuse glow; a bloom effect. The contrast is lowered when using this black diffusion filter and overall it looks like a similar effect to a soft filter. The sharpness at the point of focus isn't too affected though, so it can still be used in portraiture as well as in other creative photography. Light sources will bloom when looking through this filter. I find the 1/4 strength to still be quite useful while the 1/2 an 1 may be more niche.
The filter comes in a circular filter case that is one of the neatest filter cases I've seen! If they don't sell those as products yet, they honestly could! There are raised partial circles that allow you to place all sized filters in the case, unlike most with a foam cutout (which, admittedly offers more padding). It would be nice for the filter case to have a small sticker on it to indicate what is basically on the box--"NANO series 52mm MRC Black Diffusion 1/4" in my case. In fact the outer box has that listed a few different times, including twice on the sticker label... one on the case would be even better.
The optics look like a clear glass with a bunch of small grey dirt specks. That is the intended design. The effect it creates is a soft diffuse glow; a bloom effect. The contrast is lowered when using this black diffusion filter and overall it looks like a similar effect to a soft filter. The sharpness at the point of focus isn't too affected though, so it can still be used in portraiture as well as in other creative photography. Light sources will bloom when looking through this filter. I find the 1/4 strength to still be quite useful while the 1/2 an 1 may be more niche.
18/02/2023
This K&F Concept black diffusion filter creates a very, very cool dreamy effect while still keeping the picture in sharp focus. I'm using it with my Fuji X-T100, and I am super happy with the results. The filter screws on perfect (no issues with the body of it filter) and doesn't create any vignette-ing even when used over my UV filter.
The images I'm taking with the filter are nice and clear, but with the dreamy, slightly grainy film-like effect that mist filters like this are supposed to give. I love that I can get the effect without applying filters when editing. The filter also sort of gives a softer effect to faces, so it is great for portraits. I'm using the 1/4 filter, so the effect is gentle. The greater the number of the filter the greater the effect produced.
The images I'm taking with the filter are nice and clear, but with the dreamy, slightly grainy film-like effect that mist filters like this are supposed to give. I love that I can get the effect without applying filters when editing. The filter also sort of gives a softer effect to faces, so it is great for portraits. I'm using the 1/4 filter, so the effect is gentle. The greater the number of the filter the greater the effect produced.
05/02/2023
Very subtle through the viewfinder, but there is a noticeable affect on exposure time. For achieving a vintage portrait look, this thing is fantastic, especially when coupled with a manual focus legacy lens - I have mine on a Rikenon 50mm. Sharpness is greatly reduces, but not in a "cheap lens" way, just a subtle and even softening. This brings to mind the famous Pentax "soft focus" portrait lenses of the 70s, but is a far less blurred image. Handy to have in the kit bag, but not really good for much other than portraiture. I have yet to try a K&F product that I am not absolutely impressed by.
21/01/2023
I have watched different films noticing the use of diffusers. I really did a lot of comparing black matt filters.
This one is perfect. I get the softening without it being noticeable.
This is really a high quality filter. I am very happy with it.
This one is perfect. I get the softening without it being noticeable.
This is really a high quality filter. I am very happy with it.
19/01/2023
El filtro es ideal para lograr composiciones fotográficas creativas. Cuenta con un estuche que asegura que esté bien protegido el guardarlo. Su ajuste al objetivo es perfecto.
03/01/2023
29/12/2022
Technically, we've definitely got to a point where the cameras are so good that much of the magic has been lost. Diffusion seems like a great way to bring some of that flavor back into your creative work. Atrium and softer edges without the highlights blooming into a soft, warm mess.
19/12/2022
I am very happy with the filter. The strength 1 is optimal and creates a great "hazy / foggy" effect.
19/11/2022