It's awesome seeing all those youtubers saying wonders about the Polarpro x PM because they were sponsored by the brand. And then a few months later the filter is already trash... You cannot trust RUclips reviews anymore. That said, of those 4 filters the only one a serious professional should consider is the Freewell (I have the NiSi). There are better options, expensive options.
Hello, thanks for this informative video. Which would you say is your favorite when doing product shots in your studio. Which works best in removing reflections while keeping the video or photos in tack?
Thank Pascal for this HONEST review by saying all the Variable ND filters have their own flaws. Some other professionals also say so. For now, I will stick to regular ND filters. They are more time--consuming to use but the produce better image quality.
Thank you so much for the very detailed review. The images help a lot in choosing. I wanted to not like the Polar Pros simply because of the price. The images shows that it's better in almost all aspects however! I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get the Polar Pro. I hate knowing that I didn't get the best when it's available.
When i realised how this Chroma designed i was pretty disappointed because i hoped that it might be perfect VND filter. God.... it's so stupidly designed... it kills the usability. I'm curious how such experienced guys like Peter an PolarPro could design it this way... how? Especially with such a high price tag. Haida did this polarisation functionality perfectly. Simple and perfect. But i like that Nisi starts from 1 stop. Pretty useful in my opinion. So... i'm still waiting for the perfect filter system... My perfect filter system will be the system with some kind of Maglock (magnets + lock), with slim profile as PolarPro, with the polarisation adjustment as Haida, and with ND range system as Nisi (1-5 + 6-9 with additional neutral ND).
Didn't know the Polar Pro's needed 2 hand operation. That defeats the whole purpose of efficiency and they charge so much. Glad I found this video. Thank you!
I just moved to a new house. So I can't show the exact setup I used anymore. But I will make a video of my new setup in January, where the main lighting setup will be quite similar. It's mainly key light, rim light, fill light and some practicals in the background. Pretty standard.
Very interesting video, thanks to share it. There are expert people here and maybe my question is stupid. ;) I only shoot 4K 4:2:2 videos. I use my GH6 in semi-AUTO because I don't have to or can't waste seconds thinking before shooting. I just set the shutter speed and then let the camera choose the 180° rule. I would like to have only 1 filter for all my shots. I had thought about it this way: leave the fixed ND filter mounted always in my outdoor shots with the sun. Then if the light isn't much, I remove it and film without any filter. In your opinion, is it better for me to use a good fixed filter or a VND? I thank you for your suggestions.
I am focusing on landscape videography. Usually shoot in Slog-3 and its base ISO is 2000. Haida comes with 3-7 stop. Is it enough to handle high ligh. Consider 30 fps (Shutter : 1/60)
I’m glad I made the right choice. I spent a lot of time thinking about it and decided on the Haida. I’m happy with it, but I haven’t had the chance to try the others. After watching your comparison, I believe I made the right decision.
I have the Nisi set and I use the CPL with the VND and works great Only thing is you have the same issue as the PolarPro one because you need to keep the vnd from turning when adjusting the CPL Wish there was a way to lock in the VND and be able to adjust the CPL as needed
@@harshsingh6692 colors stay relatively the same The only thing is experience is very light purple vignetting on two opposite corners in certain conditions. So in post I reduce purple saturation. Other than that it works great!
@@gusthecanonrebel wo... Thats great to know. I was concerned about using them together. That solves a lot of hassel. At what focal length you experience the purple vignetting? Thank you
@@harshsingh6692 any time! On almost all my videos I use that combination and love the turn out. My only concern is when I have it on my car rig because the CPL is placed on the vnd with pressure so it’s not necessarily secured but so far it has not come off even at high speed of 100mph+ Just make sure you put it on there snug
@@harshsingh6692I get vignetting when using both but that wen it’s in 18mm. When I have it @ 28-30mm no vingnetting. I use sigma 18-55 n prime 30mm sigma on a6700. As in color everything is still the same, very expensive but you’ll be happy with your results in the end .
Seriously great video. I would love to see you cover the pros and cons of a lens hood vs nd filter personally. I have the canon 2.8 24mm-105mm and it sounds like the Haida is a good all around nd to choose for most talking head or IRL stuff.
Hey! I am new at landscape photography, and I need a vnd for my brand new hasselblad xcd 25v (f2.5) I don't know which one is the best for this particular lens. I don't want to lose quality... Which one do you recommend? Thanks!
I shoot on a 11mm 1.8 lens (apsc) & I tried the V2 Freewell this weekend on a trip but I found myself not being able to film at 1.8 / s-log 3 in the sun because 7 stops wasn’t enough. Any recommendations for my situations?
I got 3 K and f the caps falling off 24/7 they ran around inside of my bag. so got scratched all all have x marks in maximum step they are all 8-2000(not sure) cheap, but annoying caps some people told me to get another caps. So I will try if I buy them again😅 I can't tell about video quality cuz I'm newbie😅
Great comparison and quick question about matte box use: Do you know if the Nisi True Colour VNDs or the Freewell v2 can be mounted in a matte box system by Smallrig or others? I do both photography and videography so I need the versatility to be able to use circular photos on my camera directly OR mounted into a matte box without needing to buy special drop in filters that slide into a matte box. The Nisi's and Freewell V2 both look great as they are True Colour and I can put them on a camera lens directly but what about with the use of a matte box? Any thoughts with that? Thank you
I heard that there is nisi cpl but it is something wrong when using with hole system? Have any one tested it? Because as many as i saw filter reviews the nisi is the best, but cant find anything about cpl in that system also..
Pascal thank you for the video. There is a couple of things I would like to know. Firstly I have the Haida and I find that the CPL moves as I move the ND range. Is the position of the polariser important when using the filter just as a variable ND as surely it will affect the sky and other things if it moves when changing the ND? The other thing is that mine is threaded so you could add a 72mm mist filter to the front if you wished. I bought this filter because I wanted to have a lens hood on my ND and most do not make allowance for this. Lastly on the point of lens hoods do you not think that one is important to get better contrast in bright sun and it would be an interesting video to see if a lens hood made any difference to each filter.
That the polarization changes when you change the ND is normal (happens with every VND filter), that's why some of those filters have the CPL functionality. So you can change the polarization after adjusting the ND. Sun hoods are not super important. I don't know anyone that uses hoods together with VNDs.
@@pascalbasel Thank you for replying. As for the lens hoods maybe people don't use them because they cannot due to no thread in the filter., I often see this topic of not being able to use one coming up. I do find they do make a difference in bright sun so I will only buy variable NDs with threads like the Haida or Cokin. I have been filming both for television and now as an independent filmmaker for many years (long before variable ND filters) and have always used a lens hood or a matbox as do most professional filmmakers. I just do not understand why when it comes to variable NDs manufacturers seem to ignore this for it is so simple for a thread to be added.
GREAT VIDEO! It all comes down to person preference. After spending a ton of money on "recommended filters" I found the Peter McKinnon filters to be the best out there. I do landscape and no blogging, so maybe this is the difference. I personally have the PMVND - Edition II version set. Straight forward adjusting the F-Stop. ZERO "Xing" like I have found on many of the others. If I need the CPL I just add it to the end. Because they are so thin and streamlined you have to add a LOT of filters to get any vignetting. I usually just leave the 2-5 Stop on which, in most case, alleviates the need for a CPL. On the adjusting of the F-Stops there is a "CLICK" that sets a holds the F-Stop you are using, unlike most of the other variable filters. Even when I do add the CPL on I can turn the CPL without moving the F-Stop. I find the colors to be true on all PM filters. This is a PRO - and CON is the cover. On the first version there is big rubber cover with the filters was really nice. HOWEVER, after time they do wear and replacing them IS NOT CHEAP. On the Version II the back cover is metal and a new designed rubber front cover. As far as I am concerned (again personal preference) THE BEST THING ON THE MARKET! Unscrew it and put it right on the camera and remove the front cover, NEVER TOUCHING THE FILTER. The rubber filter on the front is now MUCH smaller and as of today, has not worn out like the version I. CONS - PRICE! Price to buy and PRICE to replace individual items. The other thing is your stock cover will not fit on the filter. You HAVE to use the covers that come with the PM filters (refer to replacing individual items). On version I, when walking would work its way off. I dropped it many times having to retrace my steps to try and find the cover. In the woods a black cover hides very well. so, I painted mine a fluorescent color to make easier to find. Putting on the hood also becomes a pain in the A$$. Bottom line. PERSONAL PREFERENCE. I found a product I like (POLAR PRO PETER MCKINNON Version II) and I think, for my use, they are the best filters you can buy.
Awesome……I did buy the Haida a few months ago. I’ll certainly buy another for my next lens. Can you please review options to add after market lens hoods for use with these. I ordered two for testing, a rubber collapsible and a metal one. Both of these attach by screwing into the front of the filter.
@@pascalbasel yeah I know…..flares are cool 😎 I’m filming on the beach chasing surfers, wind and kites and the weather isn’t always great so it’s more for those pesky raindrops ;)
What’s Up Pascal, Im Not Educated At All On Filters… However, All My Video Content I Record Outdoords… I’m Looking For A Good VIR- ND Filter And A Polarized Lens Filter … I’m Working With A Sony A6600 My Lenses Are: Sony E16-55mm 2.8 And Sony E15mm F1.4.. Thank You…
Too bad I invested in the Kase revolution magnetic system and their vnd is not part of your test….😢 I’m super happy with the system but haven’t tried their vnd.
It's awesome seeing all those youtubers saying wonders about the Polarpro x PM because they were sponsored by the brand. And then a few months later the filter is already trash... You cannot trust RUclips reviews anymore. That said, of those 4 filters the only one a serious professional should consider is the Freewell (I have the NiSi). There are better options, expensive options.
Why is the Nisis bad? I only heard good things about it.
@theunrealworldpodcast It works it just costs alot more than the other options. But its also fiddly
If a content creator is given a product, you can't trust the review. People value money more than their integrity.
Saying that about the free well without a review and images is unprofessional why is it cheaper then?
Hello, thanks for this informative video. Which would you say is your favorite when doing product shots in your studio. Which works best in removing reflections while keeping the video or photos in tack?
Thank Pascal for this HONEST review by saying all the Variable ND filters have their own flaws. Some other professionals also say so. For now, I will stick to regular ND filters. They are more time--consuming to use but the produce better image quality.
Thank you! I think that rcreators should definitely make a video like this every year or so since the technology seems to be updating regularly.
Thank you so much for the very detailed review. The images help a lot in choosing. I wanted to not like the Polar Pros simply because of the price. The images shows that it's better in almost all aspects however! I'm going to have to bite the bullet and get the Polar Pro. I hate knowing that I didn't get the best when it's available.
When i realised how this Chroma designed i was pretty disappointed because i hoped that it might be perfect VND filter. God.... it's so stupidly designed... it kills the usability. I'm curious how such experienced guys like Peter an PolarPro could design it this way... how? Especially with such a high price tag. Haida did this polarisation functionality perfectly. Simple and perfect. But i like that Nisi starts from 1 stop. Pretty useful in my opinion.
So... i'm still waiting for the perfect filter system... My perfect filter system will be the system with some kind of Maglock (magnets + lock), with slim profile as PolarPro, with the polarisation adjustment as Haida, and with ND range system as Nisi (1-5 + 6-9 with additional neutral ND).
Were you able to test nisi vnd with cpl together? Thank you
I ordered directly from Haida, where you also get a lens cap.
Hi there, I would like to clarify, NiSi Swift system do has a CPL but is sold separately
Is there a difference if i stack a Mist filter ontop of a ND or before it?
No it’s the Same thing
This is a beautiful and simple and honest answer. God bless. 😊@sdtimeless
Didn't know the Polar Pro's needed 2 hand operation. That defeats the whole purpose of efficiency and they charge so much. Glad I found this video. Thank you!
they don't watch a video on PolarPro for the Helix maglock, I have the regular screw on and maglock. Never have to use two hands for maglock.
The CPL/ND depending on if you get screw on or maglock you might need to use two hands to really fine tune the cpl otherwise again one hand.
You can do it with one hand. Do a pitching motion if that makes sense
Could you show how you light up your set, like a behind the scenes
I just moved to a new house. So I can't show the exact setup I used anymore. But I will make a video of my new setup in January, where the main lighting setup will be quite similar. It's mainly key light, rim light, fill light and some practicals in the background. Pretty standard.
Very interesting video, thanks to share it. There are expert people here and maybe my question is stupid. ;)
I only shoot 4K 4:2:2 videos. I use my GH6 in semi-AUTO because I don't have to or can't waste seconds thinking before shooting. I just set the shutter speed and then let the camera choose the 180° rule. I would like to have only 1 filter for all my shots.
I had thought about it this way: leave the fixed ND filter mounted always in my outdoor shots with the sun. Then if the light isn't much, I remove it and film without any filter.
In your opinion, is it better for me to use a good fixed filter or a VND?
I thank you for your suggestions.
Thank Pascal. May I know what’s the Filters you suggest for the kit lens of ZVE-10 ?
I am focusing on landscape videography. Usually shoot in Slog-3 and its base ISO is 2000. Haida comes with 3-7 stop. Is it enough to handle high ligh. Consider 30 fps (Shutter : 1/60)
Sounds like you’re rocking an a9 😉
Outside during the day, 6-9 stops is better.
What about Lee elements VNDs? seem not very popular but probably among the best ones?
I’m glad I made the right choice. I spent a lot of time thinking about it and decided on the Haida. I’m happy with it, but I haven’t had the chance to try the others. After watching your comparison, I believe I made the right decision.
Thanks
why do you think so? i saw haida had vignetting. do you think it is good?
I have the Nisi set and I use the CPL with the VND and works great
Only thing is you have the same issue as the PolarPro one because you need to keep the vnd from turning when adjusting the CPL
Wish there was a way to lock in the VND and be able to adjust the CPL as needed
Hi, are there any weird color shift/banding/vignetting issue when using nisi vnd +cpl together?
@@harshsingh6692 colors stay relatively the same
The only thing is experience is very light purple vignetting on two opposite corners in certain conditions. So in post I reduce purple saturation. Other than that it works great!
@@gusthecanonrebel wo... Thats great to know. I was concerned about using them together. That solves a lot of hassel.
At what focal length you experience the purple vignetting?
Thank you
@@harshsingh6692 any time! On almost all my videos I use that combination and love the turn out. My only
concern is when I have it on my car rig because the CPL is placed on the vnd with pressure so it’s not necessarily secured but so far it has not come off even at high speed of 100mph+
Just make sure you put it on there snug
@@harshsingh6692I get vignetting when using both but that wen it’s in 18mm. When I have it @ 28-30mm no vingnetting. I use sigma 18-55 n prime 30mm sigma on a6700. As in color everything is still the same, very expensive but you’ll be happy with your results in the end .
Very helpful. Thank you.
Seriously great video. I would love to see you cover the pros and cons of a lens hood vs nd filter personally. I have the canon 2.8 24mm-105mm and it sounds like the Haida is a good all around nd to choose for most talking head or IRL stuff.
I have the Nisi Swift kit that you showed in this interesting video, but with filter 6-9 stop I have vignetting from 24mm to 50mm!! Is it normal? 😮
Did you find a way to solve this problem?
Hey! I am new at landscape photography, and I need a vnd for my brand new hasselblad xcd 25v (f2.5) I don't know which one is the best for this particular lens. I don't want to lose quality... Which one do you recommend? Thanks!
I shoot on a 11mm 1.8 lens (apsc) & I tried the V2 Freewell this weekend on a trip but I found myself not being able to film at 1.8 / s-log 3 in the sun because 7 stops wasn’t enough. Any recommendations for my situations?
Maybe you need 1-9 stops VND
which step up ring do you recommend for 55mm lens?
The cheapest you can get. They all do the same.
Great video man, very helpful, thanks! Will go with the Haida! 🫡
What is the lens cap on haida nd? I am pretty happy with haida nd but I was not able to find cap for it.
I just use the cap from the lens
Wish you tested a K and F filter
I thought kf is dog water?
I got 3 K and f
the caps falling off 24/7
they ran around inside of my bag. so got scratched all
all have x marks in maximum step
they are all 8-2000(not sure)
cheap, but annoying caps
some people told me to get another caps. So I will try if I buy them again😅
I can't tell about video quality cuz I'm newbie😅
@@roaming_bear dont buy more then 5 stops ND filters
K&F has 2-32 (5stops), 8-128 (5stops), 32-512 (5stops) ;)
Great comparison and quick question about matte box use: Do you know if the Nisi True Colour VNDs or the Freewell v2 can be mounted in a matte box system by Smallrig or others? I do both photography and videography so I need the versatility to be able to use circular photos on my camera directly OR mounted into a matte box without needing to buy special drop in filters that slide into a matte box. The Nisi's and Freewell V2 both look great as they are True Colour and I can put them on a camera lens directly but what about with the use of a matte box? Any thoughts with that? Thank you
Can‘t say anything about it as I don’t use Matteboxes.
The nisi filters can be used with the small rig mini matte box which allows to use screw on filter. But avoid using a too wide lens.
What do you think of the NiSi True Color?
Maven better nisi!
I use NISI True Color and absolutely love it
True Color is the same as Swift, Swift is True Color + more options in the kit. Both are compatible.
I heard that there is nisi cpl but it is something wrong when using with hole system? Have any one tested it? Because as many as i saw filter reviews the nisi is the best, but cant find anything about cpl in that system also..
@@reik_nufilmuot Sorry I have the Swift True Color Vnd Kit 1-9 Stops (1-5 Stops Vnd + 4 Stop ND) which doesnt include the CPL so I can't tell..
I'm curious to know if there are filters available for 55mm lenses?
Nisi True Color Vario
I recommend getting 82mm filters, then getting step up rings to adapt it to whatever other size. Will save you much time in the long run too.
Pascal thank you for the video. There is a couple of things I would like to know. Firstly I have the Haida and I find that the CPL moves as I move the ND range. Is the position of the polariser important when using the filter just as a variable ND as surely it will affect the sky and other things if it moves when changing the ND? The other thing is that mine is threaded so you could add a 72mm mist filter to the front if you wished. I bought this filter because I wanted to have a lens hood on my ND and most do not make allowance for this. Lastly on the point of lens hoods do you not think that one is important to get better contrast in bright sun and it would be an interesting video to see if a lens hood made any difference to each filter.
That the polarization changes when you change the ND is normal (happens with every VND filter), that's why some of those filters have the CPL functionality. So you can change the polarization after adjusting the ND. Sun hoods are not super important. I don't know anyone that uses hoods together with VNDs.
@@pascalbasel Thank you for replying. As for the lens hoods maybe people don't use them because they cannot due to no thread in the filter., I often see this topic of not being able to use one coming up. I do find they do make a difference in bright sun so I will only buy variable NDs with threads like the Haida or Cokin. I have been filming both for television and now as an independent filmmaker for many years (long before variable ND filters) and have always used a lens hood or a matbox as do most professional filmmakers. I just do not understand why when it comes to variable NDs manufacturers seem to ignore this for it is so simple for a thread to be added.
Hey plz suggest Best vnd filter for mobile
mobile? cell phones are trash bro stop
Thanks for super helpful and detailed review, Mr Cheetos skin color man. 😅
GREAT VIDEO! It all comes down to person preference. After spending a ton of money on "recommended filters" I found the Peter McKinnon filters to be the best out there. I do landscape and no blogging, so maybe this is the difference. I personally have the PMVND - Edition II version set. Straight forward adjusting the F-Stop. ZERO "Xing" like I have found on many of the others. If I need the CPL I just add it to the end. Because they are so thin and streamlined you have to add a LOT of filters to get any vignetting. I usually just leave the 2-5 Stop on which, in most case, alleviates the need for a CPL. On the adjusting of the F-Stops there is a "CLICK" that sets a holds the F-Stop you are using, unlike most of the other variable filters. Even when I do add the CPL on I can turn the CPL without moving the F-Stop. I find the colors to be true on all PM filters.
This is a PRO - and CON is the cover. On the first version there is big rubber cover with the filters was really nice. HOWEVER, after time they do wear and replacing them IS NOT CHEAP. On the Version II the back cover is metal and a new designed rubber front cover. As far as I am concerned (again personal preference) THE BEST THING ON THE MARKET! Unscrew it and put it right on the camera and remove the front cover, NEVER TOUCHING THE FILTER. The rubber filter on the front is now MUCH smaller and as of today, has not worn out like the version I.
CONS - PRICE! Price to buy and PRICE to replace individual items. The other thing is your stock cover will not fit on the filter. You HAVE to use the covers that come with the PM filters (refer to replacing individual items). On version I, when walking would work its way off. I dropped it many times having to retrace my steps to try and find the cover. In the woods a black cover hides very well. so, I painted mine a fluorescent color to make easier to find. Putting on the hood also becomes a pain in the A$$.
Bottom line. PERSONAL PREFERENCE. I found a product I like (POLAR PRO PETER MCKINNON Version II) and I think, for my use, they are the best filters you can buy.
bot
@@Factless_Wonder What's "bot"?
@@Factless_Wondermight not be bot, they might be coping with how much money they spent.
Woow so much Brightness 😣
Awesome……I did buy the Haida a few months ago. I’ll certainly buy another for my next lens. Can you please review options to add after market lens hoods for use with these. I ordered two for testing, a rubber collapsible and a metal one. Both of these attach by screwing into the front of the filter.
I never use aftermarket lens hoods. Just embrace the flares 😍
@@pascalbasel yeah I know…..flares are cool 😎 I’m filming on the beach chasing surfers, wind and kites and the weather isn’t always great so it’s more for those pesky raindrops ;)
What’s Up Pascal,
Im Not Educated At All On Filters… However, All My Video Content I Record Outdoords… I’m Looking For A Good VIR- ND Filter And A Polarized Lens Filter … I’m Working With A Sony A6600 My Lenses Are:
Sony E16-55mm 2.8 And Sony E15mm F1.4..
Thank You…
Video comes perfect, was just looking at which filter to get. Great review!
Glad I could help!
great comparison Pascal!
I have the Nisi, and had the older Freewell 2-5/6-9.
I think I will buy the Haida for my B cam.
greetings from Holland!
Too bad I invested in the Kase revolution magnetic system and their vnd is not part of your test….😢 I’m super happy with the system but haven’t tried their vnd.
Can't test them all
@@pascalbasel of course not. The magnetic filters are really a game changer !
Excited for the video, was wondering about the new PolarPro filter! What camera did you use for the video? Your talking head looks great!
Thanks, that’s an a7C ii.
I enjoy your work Mr Pascal am new in the industry but I would love to master videography
hate vig netting
Wow - spectacular results from Polar Pro. Big win for them. ✅