I've been using a smaller-diameter K&F Concept Black Diffusion 1/4 with my 35mm prime, now I've got this larger 77mm-diameter set for my Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8. I live near the water and I really enjoy the way these expand highlights from the opposite shore.
18/04/2023
Until now, I really haven't tinkered much with diffusion filters as I mainly get the desired results with Photoshop and a brush. Keen to try these, I must say that I did like the results.
Caveat - I did most of my shooting with these filters using studio off-camera lighting and a range of modifiers.
The effect can be subtle or more dramatic depending largely on your subject and their skin/texture/features couples with how you like to light your scene/subject. A softer light on a subject with mostly clean/flat skin yields a nice dreamy effect that doesn't look too manufactured or plastic. With more harsh lighting even with the same subject, there is a softening effect yet is reduced due to lighting. I did stack the filters and was significantly softer under hard light but not as soft as the previous setting.
I did use these diffusion filters on a model I shoot very frequently and asked her to not do much to smooth out her face (she has little acne scars). I used both soft and hard lighting with the filter attached (went back to single filter) and the results were much more noticeable. I was happy to see that, again, didn't look too manufactured or over the top. I did double-up the filter and again the results were as expected with the amount of softening.
As far as highlights are concerned - this did aid in highlight control without squashing them out. Specular highlights were still visible yet muted down (based on a control image). It's not negligible but if you're not comparing to a control image, you probably won't see too much difference.
NOTE: To better enhance your effect make sure you have any in-camera sharpening turned off (which you should do anyway..LOL) and if you're tethering (Lightroom or Capture One) also make sure you're not sharpening! I am a big Capture One tether shooter and have found that CO does tend to add-in some sharpening on its own (compared RAW shot to card and same file saved to my computer in the CO file).
Other items - these filters did not cause any significant color shift (I meant to use my DataColor cards and.. well, didn't.. sorry..) or stop-down any light. The filters are very well made, the threads are nicely machined and finished, and come in a nice filter holder pouch.
While I may not use them for all shoots, I can (and have) used them for clients needing that little extra 'something'..
Caveat - I did most of my shooting with these filters using studio off-camera lighting and a range of modifiers.
The effect can be subtle or more dramatic depending largely on your subject and their skin/texture/features couples with how you like to light your scene/subject. A softer light on a subject with mostly clean/flat skin yields a nice dreamy effect that doesn't look too manufactured or plastic. With more harsh lighting even with the same subject, there is a softening effect yet is reduced due to lighting. I did stack the filters and was significantly softer under hard light but not as soft as the previous setting.
I did use these diffusion filters on a model I shoot very frequently and asked her to not do much to smooth out her face (she has little acne scars). I used both soft and hard lighting with the filter attached (went back to single filter) and the results were much more noticeable. I was happy to see that, again, didn't look too manufactured or over the top. I did double-up the filter and again the results were as expected with the amount of softening.
As far as highlights are concerned - this did aid in highlight control without squashing them out. Specular highlights were still visible yet muted down (based on a control image). It's not negligible but if you're not comparing to a control image, you probably won't see too much difference.
NOTE: To better enhance your effect make sure you have any in-camera sharpening turned off (which you should do anyway..LOL) and if you're tethering (Lightroom or Capture One) also make sure you're not sharpening! I am a big Capture One tether shooter and have found that CO does tend to add-in some sharpening on its own (compared RAW shot to card and same file saved to my computer in the CO file).
Other items - these filters did not cause any significant color shift (I meant to use my DataColor cards and.. well, didn't.. sorry..) or stop-down any light. The filters are very well made, the threads are nicely machined and finished, and come in a nice filter holder pouch.
While I may not use them for all shoots, I can (and have) used them for clients needing that little extra 'something'..
16/04/2023
These days lenses are super sharp. So now we want to mimic some of those all vintage lenses from the past, which were a little softer, etc.
This diffusion filter won't come off from my 50 mm ever. The haziness that offers around highlights, is lovely, giving a ver nice look to photos.
When filming is fantastic as well!
This diffusion filter won't come off from my 50 mm ever. The haziness that offers around highlights, is lovely, giving a ver nice look to photos.
When filming is fantastic as well!
15/04/2023
For starters, the filter came packaged better than I expected. It arrived in a nice faux leather case for safe keeping or traveling when not in use. It is also very well made and dare I say rivals some of the more expensive ones that I have in terms of quality and performance. It was a bit difficult to get onto my lens, I had to carefully line up the thread but once it was on my Fujinon lens, it did not budge. It was easy to adjust while shooting and wasn’t too loose that it moved on its own.
I’ve never used a diffusion filter before so I wanted to try something new when it came to my images and I’m kind of sold with this one. It added this softening effect to my images, smoothed out some of the edges but still kept the details.
I’ve never used a diffusion filter before so I wanted to try something new when it came to my images and I’m kind of sold with this one. It added this softening effect to my images, smoothed out some of the edges but still kept the details.
14/04/2023
So.. I'm going to be up front.. I'm NOT A huge fan of diffusion filters. People already tend to over-soften their images they post online, so I'm not a giant fan of a 'dirty lens' look.
However, for some of our sessions we've done, soft images are more desireable than hard/crisp images. (An example, is if you're producing an image that appears to be in a fog or smoke) In the past, I would have simply used an oiled UV Filter (that's literally what it sounds like... put a light layer of oil or grease on the filter, and then attach it). As you can imagine, while those images turn out ok, introducing oil/grease/vaseline into gear, is always a nightmare. So, diffusion filters are a go to, for many photographers.. now myself included.
Black diffusion filters by and large, are used for 2 purposes.. 1.) Soften images, and 2.) reduce highlights/glare.. To that end, these 2 filters serve their purpose well.
However, I will point out, for MOST use cases, while the 1/8 can be used as an all around every day use filter (if you so desire), I would strongly recommend taking the time to find your use case for the 1/4, as it can drastically change your image.
As for these particular filters, they do their jobs, as expected.. EXCEPT, there is one thing I REALLY want to point out: These are double threaded filters, in that you obviously thread them onto your lens, BUT, these is a thread on the external side of the element too, so you can couple this up with other filters, as well.
THAT is a major design decision, that I honestly wish more manufacturers would take the time to implement. It's often frustrating, when you're trying to couple up multiple filters, and yet, you can't.
As with all K&F filters, the easy twist to open case for the filters are amazing, and the fact they have multiple rings, so you can store a different filter in their case, is a bonus.
However, while the fact that you can store other filters in the case is a plus.. it can also be a minus. If/when you have multiple filters of the same manufacturer (in this case, K&F), keeping track of what each filter is, in each case, especially while in studio, can be a challenge. So, it'd be nice to see a label on the case, indicating what is inside. Still, that's something that a simple label maker could do, too, so it's not a big deal... just one thing I've always noticed with multiple manufactures, and is NOT limited to K&F.
K&F claims there's an anti-scratch coating on their lenses, but short of taking sandpaper to the filter, I cannot attest to that claim, until I've used these longer than a few weeks. That said, I have no reason to doubt this claim, as the other couple of K&F filters I've used, seem to have held up well.
So far, I'm quite happy with these 2 filters. They soften the images, without adding any real color shift. They are comparable to a significantly more expensive set of filters that I've been using for years... so much so, in fact, that I'm thinking about giving more of the K&F brand filters a go.
These are an amazing set of filters, and I'm quite happy to have them in my studio gear collection.
However, for some of our sessions we've done, soft images are more desireable than hard/crisp images. (An example, is if you're producing an image that appears to be in a fog or smoke) In the past, I would have simply used an oiled UV Filter (that's literally what it sounds like... put a light layer of oil or grease on the filter, and then attach it). As you can imagine, while those images turn out ok, introducing oil/grease/vaseline into gear, is always a nightmare. So, diffusion filters are a go to, for many photographers.. now myself included.
Black diffusion filters by and large, are used for 2 purposes.. 1.) Soften images, and 2.) reduce highlights/glare.. To that end, these 2 filters serve their purpose well.
However, I will point out, for MOST use cases, while the 1/8 can be used as an all around every day use filter (if you so desire), I would strongly recommend taking the time to find your use case for the 1/4, as it can drastically change your image.
As for these particular filters, they do their jobs, as expected.. EXCEPT, there is one thing I REALLY want to point out: These are double threaded filters, in that you obviously thread them onto your lens, BUT, these is a thread on the external side of the element too, so you can couple this up with other filters, as well.
THAT is a major design decision, that I honestly wish more manufacturers would take the time to implement. It's often frustrating, when you're trying to couple up multiple filters, and yet, you can't.
As with all K&F filters, the easy twist to open case for the filters are amazing, and the fact they have multiple rings, so you can store a different filter in their case, is a bonus.
However, while the fact that you can store other filters in the case is a plus.. it can also be a minus. If/when you have multiple filters of the same manufacturer (in this case, K&F), keeping track of what each filter is, in each case, especially while in studio, can be a challenge. So, it'd be nice to see a label on the case, indicating what is inside. Still, that's something that a simple label maker could do, too, so it's not a big deal... just one thing I've always noticed with multiple manufactures, and is NOT limited to K&F.
K&F claims there's an anti-scratch coating on their lenses, but short of taking sandpaper to the filter, I cannot attest to that claim, until I've used these longer than a few weeks. That said, I have no reason to doubt this claim, as the other couple of K&F filters I've used, seem to have held up well.
So far, I'm quite happy with these 2 filters. They soften the images, without adding any real color shift. They are comparable to a significantly more expensive set of filters that I've been using for years... so much so, in fact, that I'm thinking about giving more of the K&F brand filters a go.
These are an amazing set of filters, and I'm quite happy to have them in my studio gear collection.
13/04/2023
K & F contacted me to test the new Black Mist filter.
It is a filter designed for videos and to give a "vintage" touch to the final result.
In short: beautiful result even for photography. It is a useful filter for portraits or for landscape or storytelling reportage. You do not lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shaded area.
It is a filter to be used in photography with large apertures and which "tells" an atmosphere.
But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging / handling: In addition to the plastic box, the filter is inserted in a very resistant and protective snap-on case. The filter is screw-type (rightly because it was created for videomakers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a cardboard box. But the case that you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is resistant and fits well to all the lenses to which I have mounted it.
Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so it leaves the colors similar to the photo taken without a filter. Great!
It does not lose light, there is no need to increase the ISO when it is mounted. Great!
The sharpness in the details (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You DO NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus even if I would not use it in ultra-defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
Autofocus is unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with fixed lenses.
Usage / Effect: it is a filter that gives a “glow” effect to photos, very particular especially for videos and for portraits in harsh light or backlight.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, moreover the light "enters" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to give a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes clarity from the image in high contrast areas.
In the photos you can see a couple of unfiltered / filtered comparisons, two portrait photos set and what comes to you.
Result in short: it is a filter that you do not think can enter your kit, but when it does it has such a particular result that you would try it in any situation. A must try!
It is a filter designed for videos and to give a "vintage" touch to the final result.
In short: beautiful result even for photography. It is a useful filter for portraits or for landscape or storytelling reportage. You do not lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shaded area.
It is a filter to be used in photography with large apertures and which "tells" an atmosphere.
But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging / handling: In addition to the plastic box, the filter is inserted in a very resistant and protective snap-on case. The filter is screw-type (rightly because it was created for videomakers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a cardboard box. But the case that you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is resistant and fits well to all the lenses to which I have mounted it.
Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so it leaves the colors similar to the photo taken without a filter. Great!
It does not lose light, there is no need to increase the ISO when it is mounted. Great!
The sharpness in the details (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You DO NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus even if I would not use it in ultra-defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
Autofocus is unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with fixed lenses.
Usage / Effect: it is a filter that gives a “glow” effect to photos, very particular especially for videos and for portraits in harsh light or backlight.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, moreover the light "enters" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to give a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes clarity from the image in high contrast areas.
In the photos you can see a couple of unfiltered / filtered comparisons, two portrait photos set and what comes to you.
Result in short: it is a filter that you do not think can enter your kit, but when it does it has such a particular result that you would try it in any situation. A must try!
30/08/2022
I start by saying that this filter will remain forever on my Canon 24-70 and that I am satisfied and amazed by the effect it gives to my photographs.
The filter comes in a hard case that already differentiates it from low-end filters: it is comfortable to use and has a non-slip part with different notches for multiple filter sizes. The construction is excellent and can be seen immediately from the layer applied to the surface which is a professional tool.
If you are a photography geek like me, to give an effect similar to diffusion / glow, you have already tried things like petroleum jelly on the lens, stockings pulled on a filter or various films. Here this filter is anything but. It has a sneaky effect and does NOT degrade the image. The edges remain sharp while the colors seem to fade slightly inside the photo, restoring the quality that was had with the use of film: really nice! I bought it for photography in broad daylight, but surely one of its best applications is with lights at night where you can appreciate more this diffusion of color and brightness. Despite being an overused term, this filter lends an organic feel to digital photographic pulp. I would like to point out that it does not have a blatantly and vulgarly widespread effect, but visible without attracting attention. Highly recommended for videos too!
The filter comes in a hard case that already differentiates it from low-end filters: it is comfortable to use and has a non-slip part with different notches for multiple filter sizes. The construction is excellent and can be seen immediately from the layer applied to the surface which is a professional tool.
If you are a photography geek like me, to give an effect similar to diffusion / glow, you have already tried things like petroleum jelly on the lens, stockings pulled on a filter or various films. Here this filter is anything but. It has a sneaky effect and does NOT degrade the image. The edges remain sharp while the colors seem to fade slightly inside the photo, restoring the quality that was had with the use of film: really nice! I bought it for photography in broad daylight, but surely one of its best applications is with lights at night where you can appreciate more this diffusion of color and brightness. Despite being an overused term, this filter lends an organic feel to digital photographic pulp. I would like to point out that it does not have a blatantly and vulgarly widespread effect, but visible without attracting attention. Highly recommended for videos too!
20/06/2022
I’ll be honest up front, I ordered this mistaking it for an ND filter, I’ve decided to keep this though as I really like the effect it produces.
I’ve been getting into landscape photography and wanted an Nd filter but ordered this by mistake, after having a play and wanting to eventually push into portrait I decided to give it a try.
The results are surprising good, it adds a nice glow to bright light sources that give the images some warmth.
The filter is presented in a lovely case with rubber wedges inside that hold the filter in place so it doesn’t slip around.
I can see me using this for product photography and portraits and so far have really enjoyed it
Pros
- nice glow
- gives images a warmer feel
- excellent storage case
Cons
- none ( although keep in mind you may need to adjust exposure times slightly due to very minimal tint )
I’ve been getting into landscape photography and wanted an Nd filter but ordered this by mistake, after having a play and wanting to eventually push into portrait I decided to give it a try.
The results are surprising good, it adds a nice glow to bright light sources that give the images some warmth.
The filter is presented in a lovely case with rubber wedges inside that hold the filter in place so it doesn’t slip around.
I can see me using this for product photography and portraits and so far have really enjoyed it
Pros
- nice glow
- gives images a warmer feel
- excellent storage case
Cons
- none ( although keep in mind you may need to adjust exposure times slightly due to very minimal tint )
07/05/2022