FREEWELL Magnetic Quick Swap System 67mm Neutral Density ND64 (6 f-stops) Camera Filter

Product Information

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. The company also says the kit’s magnetic adhesion will keep the filters in the holder firmly affixed, which prevents vibrations while they still remain easy to remove and adjust. The metal knurling on the bezel along each ND level helps grip when turning to change values and allegedly improves the accuracy of stop setting. The company also claims that transitioning from one-stop value to another is smooth and gradual, and should give a reduced occurrence of “x-pattern overlaps” seen in other variable NDs. Additionally, when the kit is setup for VNDs, removing a magnetized VND won’t immediately return your camera to “normal” exposure. There will still be the 1-stop VND base filter inside the base ring. You could of course remove the base filter, but for speed and convenience, it’s easier to leave it in and open the camera aperture or raise ISO a stop to accommodate.

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. 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 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. 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.For polarization, do not add a filter to the base ring. If one has been inserted, remove it. Next, flip a “VND” filter over to its “CPL” side, then attach magnetically. CPL filters don’t require alignment, and can rotate a full 360 degrees without hard stops. In recent years, we’ve reviewed two nice sets of VND filters ( PolarPro and Moment) and a set of magnetic filters ( K&F Concept), but this is the first magnetic VND filter that we’ve worked with.

Freewell is seeking crowdfunding to bring the product to market, and the IndieGoGo bundle also includes a compact case that can hold the entire kit safely, and it can easily fit in any bag, or clip onto any exterior strap or latch point. K&F Concept’s lens adapters have two advantages. The first is that they are quite slim, measuring at only 2mm once installed. The second, and possibly most important, is that the adapter lets the user attach regular lens caps. These advantages mean they can remain permanently in place on a lens. The Freewell Magnetic VND system is available in 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82 and 95mm diameters and comes with all of the following components:Feel free to ask me specific questions I might not have covered throughout this review or simply let me know what you thought. As always thanks for watching, reading, or both.

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. These filters feel good to use. Yes, you need to be careful as with any type of photography filter, but you don’t have to worry as much as when you’d use all glass square / rectangular ones. They’re light but don’t feel hollow. Their magnetic capabilities make them really easy to swap around when you’re out in the field. No more unscrewing and fumbling with filter threads on location. Just set your base ring to your lens, and from then on, it’s just magnets doing their magic. 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. I took the Freewell Magnetic Polarizer Filter on a multi pitch adventure up the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, BC. I thought if I had no issues with it while dangling 2000ft above the ground, then there certainly would be no problems at ground level. Our approximate route. Maybe the most exposed filter review anyone has ever made? What’s The Point Of A Polarizer In Photography?

I'd primarily be interested in adapting to zoom lenses, i.e. 10-24, 16-55, 55-200. From what I can tell, the 77mm would be good, but I'm not sure. Additionally, VNDs are a good value, for you’d have to buy eight solid NDs to match the same range of densities provided by these Freewell VNDs. You may still need at least one or two solid NDs for more challenging environments (as explained earlier), but the Freewell VNDs provide more exposure control for less money and hassle. The main area where magnets are gaining grounds is in the realm of third-party filters. Freewell has been supplying such products for a while, and Kenko / Hoya has recently begun offering their Instant Action magnetic filters (not yet in the US, however). Both companies offer a full lineup, with circular polarizers (CPL), neutral density (ND) filters, protective filters and even variable neutral density (VND) options. In some cases, they also offer adapters to use existing filters with their system, or magnetic lens caps. In colder temps and time restricting locations, being able to just pull off a filter and slap another one on saves a ton of time. It would save your numb hands from trying to thread on and off filters, like you’ve had to do in the past.