What I noticed is you avoiding what most people will do which is to include 'Peter McKinnon' in the title. No regrets subbing. This shows that you doing this as a passion and it is sustainable. Edited: Also means you don't click bait lol
I just genuinely love this level of scientific and matter-of-fact approach when it comes to comparisons. People put so much bias into comparisons lately and it's just nice to have definitive and conclusive answers to these questions while also considering other "intangible" variables like emphasizing that different people have different needs and therefore the best option for someone can easily be different from another person. Good stuff man, I know this is an old video, but I definitely liked, subscribed, and I'm gonna look at your other videos!
You are really putting together a great library of information that folks can turn to if they want detailed, Sheldon Cooper level details on videography and photography subjects. I know if I'm researching something in this area I always check to see if you have done a video on it first and not just because of that glorious first name of yours.
Thanks, Gerald! That means a lot. I would say that's the highest praise I could ask for and is exactly what I've set out to do with this channel. So thanks a lot for saying that.
You are so right... his videos are so valuable! Not only talking but testing in all thinkable circumstances. Gerald is great and he deserves so much more subscribers!
Wow... That was super helpful and straight to the point. I've been on the fence about the PMVND but this helped give me a bit more confidence in my decision to purchase. Thanks a ton!
I can only imagine the amount of time it took to shoot and edit this comparison video... thank you so much for this! I was looking to buy the Polar Pro VND, but got hesitant reading so many thoughts dissing it's price based off the fact it's a signature series. I always believe you get what you pay for, and trust Polar Pro, but was second guessing things... this video solidified the buy for me, and I'm thankful for guys like you who put the time and effort into unbiased, technical, reviews.
I watched the full 20mins. You get what you pay for. This is how I live my life. But there's no harm in buying cheaper / mid-tier ND's if you can't afford the best. Props on this video dude!
@@geraldundone please compare this against the Simmod Variable ND filter. They seem to have similar features (hard stops, clear number markings, no X pattern, sharp, very minimal color cast, optional protective cap) but at only $125!
This truly is the BEST comparison I've seen in RUclips ever. And I've spent ages watching this kind of content. Many thanks and congratulations! Sure will keep track of your upcoming success. GL
Yes! Thank you for making this. So many people asked me to do something like this after I made my VND video... but I’m way too lazy 😂 great job dude! You killed it.
Just saw this video again Gerald. And I want to say that if we could hit the like button twice and give you two likes, that would be a good thing to do here. Perfect review. Thanks man.
I'm sorry, did he just declare b+w the winner and polar pro "a close second" EVEN THOUGH polar pro sponsored this video? Oh lord the honesty! If Gerald claims to be the next messiah I'm switching religions.
It's really hard to turn your back on B+W, they have quite a quality record. A B+W filter once gave his ultimate sacrifice to save my beloved vintage lens from a 3 meter drop on marble. It still worked, just the filter ring of the filter was bent and a piece of the ring was missing. Also the glass lost a small piece on the inside, in front of the lense. There was zero damage to my lens. 😙🎶
Such a great and in-depth review. Great job man! I got the PMKVND mk2 2-5 & 6-9 filters, and I must say the vignetting/cross-polarization is pretty bad from 16-20mm FF at 5 stops and 9 stops. It also has a fairly intense blue color cast in the corners as well. I was disappointed mostly because they advertised it as not having this at all.
this is the comment is was looking for! At below 20mm you get pretty bad blue corners at 5 stops. I wasn't sure if I got a dud, or if this was other peoples experience as well. Being advertised as having no vignetting down to 16mm is definitely being dishonest.
I've watch ten variable ND videos this morning and this was absolutely the best. Liked, subscribed and will definitely be checking out your other videos. Thanks!
I really appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of and comparisons between the budget and high-end spectrum filters. Incredibly useful from a no-nonsense, pragmatic perspective.
Gerald, now that Moment have come out with their variable ND filter range at $150 compared to $250 for the Peter McKinnon filters, I would love to see your comparison review of these two competitors. In particular the thing that I really care about is the amount of color shift that ND and Variable ND filters introduce. Your reviews are excellent and very fact-based, versus personal opinion-based, so the best out there for this kind of thing. Thanks!
I've been watching your channel for about a month now and this is the first time I really wanted to comment - the level of detail and head-to-head visual comparison is incredibly helpful in making decisions. My initial reaction on the Polar Pro is that it felt over priced, but seeing it compared to many of the cheaper options I initially though I would look to as a future purchase makes me really appreciate the value in it. Thanks for your thorough reviews!
@@geraldundone I have the Breakthrough x4 3 and 6 stop 95mm NDs they are really nice and they should be at the price but I'd be curious to see how they staked up against other NDs maybe you could get Breakthrough to do kinda the same thing that Polar pro did here and provide you not only the filters but a budget to test them against others. If anyone would like to see a no filter BT filter comparison I'd be willing to make a video for that just leave a comment below and I'll check into it
@@bryanb.8217 There are already a few good tests comparing solid breakthrough X4 vs polar pro ND (christopher frost did a great one). Id like to see them vs the new polar pro vnd though.
@@bryanb.8217 Yeah the x4s look amazing- I really think getting a 3 stop and 6 stop is the way to go- and you still save money if you compare the cost against the price of BOTH the 2-5 and 6-9 stop filters. Sure maybe you give up a little versatility but Id be very surprised if the X4 wasn't the better performer.
You deserve millions of subscribers, and that's when I start opening my friend's RUclips simply to subscribe even though they have no interest in photography or techs. All the way from Nagaland
I was so confused when I heard the people were surprised by the price of the PolarPro VND. They decided to make a great filter instead of a mediocre one and released the least expensive premium filter
Never made sense to me when people put a 20$ piece of crap glass filter in front of a 1400$ lens and 1500$ camera body. Like why have all those impressive elements to keep the light pristine if youre just gonna muck it up in the very beginning with a cheap filter 🤣
I was so surprised when I got to the end of the video and realised it was 20mins, it sure didn’t feel like it. All killer, no filler. Stellar stuff as always.
I just bought a cheapo variable ND filter and it came in hours before this video. At least I know what to look for if I need to return it. Talk about great timing! This was a well executed and well thought out video. Thank you for this fantastic info!
Gerald you rock brother! This is my 5th time watching this specific video, and every time I get something new out of it. It is the most thorough filter explanation I have ever seen. Thank you for your professionalism and detail.
And again, another top shelf review and great information. I was not a fan of the Peter McKinnon filter kit, but you did sell the filter itself. I just don't need Peters name on my gear. Great guy, absolutely but I don't want to be a fan boy. But that being said, I might end up with that filter before too long. And the rubber cap being used to install the filter was brilliant. That was part two of a great sales pitch! Well done Gerald!! I never miss one of your videos!
Thanks, Dave! Always love your comments. I'm with ya. I don't generally like signature edition stuff, either. For me to recommend the filter, it had to be worth it without any of the signature benefits, and I'm happy to report that it definitely is. Here's a fun question though, who would you pay extra for to have a signature filter, even if it isn't photo/video related. Roger Deakins? David Bowie? Bruce Lee? Haha. I'd definitely pay more for the Bowie edition! 😃
Damn, such a detailed test with so many filters. I've been using Tiffen and K&F and I can see the difference in sharpness on my Sony A7r2 + Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 combo, but I do like the K&F stops much better, it's much easier to control and not overrotate the filter to get the X pattern. I think in the future I will be getting something better but for now those work for me
Damn. I think this was for sure the most informative photography related video i've seen on youtube. And i have been binge watching everything on offer for weeks trying to decide which camera/lenses/accessories to purchase. Thank you for this wealth of knowledge.
Watching this in 2020 - we are in the market to replace our trusty 82mm Tiffen VND and really appreciate this thorough and unbiased review. Will pick up the Polar Pro 2-5 for shooting Scandinavian content and the 6-9 stop filter for Thailand... Thank you!
Good coverage, seriously. So n00b question: Is the banding directly caused by polarization somehow - or is the polarization a result of a stronger/smoother gradient being sent to the sensor, and limitations of 8-bit that typically cause banding in YT videos anyway taking place? Typically I've only ever heard of banding as a digital problem whereas this implication seems to be that it's somehow analog/optical. Tad confused.
Thanks, dude! If you're talking about the color banding at like 1:36, where you can see waves of different blue lines, that's just an 8-bit compressed color banding thing that you're used to. The polarization version is the giant patches of darkness like shown at 2:36. But as you pointed out the color (bit depth related) banding is different depending on the filter used and the only explanation for that would be the impact the filter has on the gradations of blue. If the filter causes more subtle tonality to be created, then RUclips will have a harder time rendering that.
This is the best ND review I have ever seen or read. The lesson, I guess, is you get what you pay for. But I wish you had reviewed Breakthrough filters. They don't make variables, but their reviews and ratings are almost always better than the competition. Breakthrough's site compares their filters to others, so you can see the comparisons easily.
Thanks so much! Big compliment. Really appreciate that. Yeah, I love Breakthrough filters. I only omitted them because they weren't variable and this video was long enough! 😃
i have heard break through has fake reviews I wouldn't not trust their own testing at face value. IMO, they need to be verified even with good product quality.
Oh yea! Some Gerald eyes on the quartz filters. Interesting about the Hoya and Tiffen. I assume my Haida would test similar to those. Of course this video would have helped me, but that was before the PMVND.
A masterclass of an ND Filter review/overview. Thanks Gerald! I'll probably be picking up the K&F Concepts variable ND for my GH5 lenses with a step up rig to future proof my purchases. Such great advice. Thanks again!
Wow. This was EXACTLY the video I as looking for so my wife and I could figure out whether the PolarPro filter was the best value for money option on our new X-T3. For some reason, searching for essentially this video, we couldn't find it, and then I just stumbled on it. So, searchability aside, thanks for putting this together. Literally all of the information we were looking for.
Gerald - well done on the informative and unbiased view.... First time I have viewed your materials but have instantly “liked” and Subscribed so that I catch all future materials & will certainly be reviewing prior content given the quality of this video! Cheers!
This was not great. It was Great, Excellent, and Fantastic. This channel fills a place that has been missing for a long time. Interesting and technical information that is useful for whatever system you use. I personally use the Lee filter system, (the square filters or to be accurate, rectangle). Again its a personal thing. I like the greater flexibility for me with stacking filters and in my case no vignetting. Yes, its more things to carry around and a tripod is a must, but I never get a stuck filter that I curse at the end my lens :-)
Your level of detail on info is pretty much unsurpassed. This is a great amount of info that just confirms my purchase of the PMVND filter I got (though I did get the 77mm instead of the 82). I haven't used it much yet, but I knew it would always be ranking right up there just because PM and PolarPro would want to produce the best product they could. Thanks again for another insanely in-depth vid!
This could be the best review I’ve ever watched, 100% fact based, quick to the point, and so informative. With real demos. Thank you! And what a job you’ve done here
Holy guacamole that was incredibly thorough, Gerald! Thank you 🙏 😊 Huge props for what must have been countless hours of screwing...variable ND filters on and off!
Thank you!!! Nobody seems to talk about ND-filters which in a lot of cases are really needed to even use the camera in professional work on a bright day.
I have both Gobe and zomei vnd. I ruined the gobe with getting water between the glasses and the Zomei glass has started to show thin stripes spreading towards the center of the glass after one year of purchase. I also feel they don't have enough usable steps for shooting during daytime. But great video Gerald! Made me think about my next move more carefully.
This was one of the best videos I have ever seen about lense filters. I'm barely getting into photography and videography and just pre ordered a SONY A7IV I got the one with the lense combo just to get me started as I'm slowly learning. I hope I can continue to learn from you. By the way I hope you don't mind but I'm going to steal your quote about double clicking the thumbs down button lol! I work really hard trying to teach new people in the car audio industry how to use routers and templates to make cool stuff and I can't believe my eyes when I see a thumbs down, sometimes I feel like someone is trolling me or they just didn't like something I didn't show etc.
Trying to correct Zomei Variable ND Issues for hours in post brought me here. Nice to see that it's due to me being a € hunter. And this nearly 1 year old review is killing it. Gerald thanks!
Excellent as always. Seriously Gerald, I think you are the only person who I've subscribed to whose videos I watch as soon as I see they are up. You should change your name to Gerald Well Done!
I am mainly a mobile photographer and don't even own a DSLR so a lot of what you say goes over my head, but I'm able to keep up. Nonetheless, I subscribed because you're quality content and deserve more recognition.
Incredible video! For running and gunning, what do you think about using a fixed ND filter that's slightly too strong (say a 6-stop to cover a variable lighting environment that needs 4-6 stops of reduction) and then using ISO to compensate rather than getting a 2-6 stop variable ND? On modern cameras like the soon-to-be-released A7S III, it seems there's so little noise introduced even at relatively high ISO's that varying ISO rather than ND strength would have a less noticeable effect on image quality. To me, it seems a 3-stop and 6-stop fixed set, (stacked to get 9 when needed), plus auto ISO, would outperform a 2-6 variable and 6-9 variable set of PM Polar Pros even in a run-and-gun situation? Is there noticeable stepping with auto-ISO or other reasons to avoid the fixed filter + ISO compensation approach? Apologies if this is an ignorant question, I'm relatively new to videography and filmmaking and I wanted to know what you think about this.
Absolutely brilliant video mate, I love how straight to the point you are. I was looking up variable ND filters on eBay and the brands that popped up were exactly what you ran through in your video. I haven't clicked the subscribe button for months but I had to for this. K&F it is, and a step-down ring!
Thank you! Any old ones on Amazon with a decent rating will do fine. Although, to be honest, I actually really like the PolarPro ones. They are way "over-engineered". They come in a sweet case and have really intense knurling so you can always get a grip and feel confident. They are pricey comparatively though.
I am new to photography and I really appreciate how you put so much work into this review and helped me to make up my mind on which filter to buy. Thank you so much - excellent job!
What a thoroughly in depth review , at the moment I am using my EOS R with the Canon Drop in ND filter Adapter, and so far I am thoroughly happy with it and the flexibility it offers, the fact that I don't need to use step up rings at all has been such a game changer , also the fact that I can use all my lenses on it from my 300mm 2.8 all the way down to my ultra wides is just something I guess I wouldn't want to trade off with for now because of the ease of use this adapter offers me, The Polar Pro Filters do look like a quality product but fortunately I have already invested in this and I guess for my shooting style I require something that can easily adapt to all my lenses quickly without having to hassle with screwing them on. But as always great review Gerald 👍
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
THIS. IS. PHENOMENAL. Thanks for putting in all that hard work homie!!
Thanks, Sidney! 😃👊
It is an AMAZING video, isn't it. There was SO much thoughtfulness that went into this video ( and all of Gerald's)! 👊
What I noticed is you avoiding what most people will do which is to include 'Peter McKinnon' in the title. No regrets subbing. This shows that you doing this as a passion and it is sustainable.
Edited: Also means you don't click bait lol
Thanks, Winston! Appreciate you saying that. Cheers.
Seriously, so many people put his name in videos.
A great point Winston! The exact reason I clicked. An authentic review ! Nice job Gerald!
I just spent 20 minutes being entertained by a filter video.
Thank you very much! That's very nice to hear. 😃🙏
Right I said the same thing lmao and I don’t want it back
I just genuinely love this level of scientific and matter-of-fact approach when it comes to comparisons. People put so much bias into comparisons lately and it's just nice to have definitive and conclusive answers to these questions while also considering other "intangible" variables like emphasizing that different people have different needs and therefore the best option for someone can easily be different from another person.
Good stuff man, I know this is an old video, but I definitely liked, subscribed, and I'm gonna look at your other videos!
You are really putting together a great library of information that folks can turn to if they want detailed, Sheldon Cooper level details on videography and photography subjects. I know if I'm researching something in this area I always check to see if you have done a video on it first and not just because of that glorious first name of yours.
Thanks, Gerald! That means a lot. I would say that's the highest praise I could ask for and is exactly what I've set out to do with this channel. So thanks a lot for saying that.
@@geraldundone have you try VND from haida ? both pro-ii S and nanopro
You are so right... his videos are so valuable! Not only talking but testing in all thinkable circumstances. Gerald is great and he deserves so much more subscribers!
100%
You are just the best man 👍💯 I had to subscribe
Wow... That was super helpful and straight to the point. I've been on the fence about the PMVND but this helped give me a bit more confidence in my decision to purchase. Thanks a ton!
Thanks a lot! Glad to hear it was helpful. Appreciate that. 😃🙏
No bias review even if sponspored. Keep it up. You are of the people the world needs.
Wow….. I’m blown away by the quality and care here. Concise, educational…. Perfect.
I can only imagine the amount of time it took to shoot and edit this comparison video... thank you so much for this! I was looking to buy the Polar Pro VND, but got hesitant reading so many thoughts dissing it's price based off the fact it's a signature series. I always believe you get what you pay for, and trust Polar Pro, but was second guessing things... this video solidified the buy for me, and I'm thankful for guys like you who put the time and effort into unbiased, technical, reviews.
Thanks a lot, Brett. That means a lot. Cheers!
Gerald, this was absolutely DONE! - Done right that is! Great work!
Thanks, dude! Appreciate it. 😃💜
I watched the full 20mins. You get what you pay for. This is how I live my life. But there's no harm in buying cheaper / mid-tier ND's if you can't afford the best. Props on this video dude!
Thanks, Lee! Longer video than I would have liked, but I appreciate you stickin' it out. 😃
Gerald Undone this was a good video. I’ve always wanted to upgrade my Tiffen VND to the B+W but I guess the PolarPro is worth a look now!
Seriously, he did a great job!
@@geraldundone please compare this against the Simmod Variable ND filter. They seem to have similar features (hard stops, clear number markings, no X pattern, sharp, very minimal color cast, optional protective cap) but at only $125!
I use a globe on l series lenses. I like it. Still gonna purchase the polar pro though.
I can’t count the number of times I have wanted to know something and thought, “I hope Gerald made a video about this.” Thanks again.
Oh man, I'm exhausted yet fulfilled. Appreciate the level of detail.
Thanks, Miquel! 😃
This truly is the BEST comparison I've seen in RUclips ever. And I've spent ages watching this kind of content. Many thanks and congratulations! Sure will keep track of your upcoming success. GL
Yes! Thank you for making this. So many people asked me to do something like this after I made my VND video... but I’m way too lazy 😂 great job dude! You killed it.
HAHA! I felt too lazy to make something this comprehensive too.
Haha. You're welcome, Dunna! (And Sidney) You can always count on me to go full nerd mode with it. 😃
Just saw this video again Gerald. And I want to say that if we could hit the like button twice and give you two likes, that would be a good thing to do here.
Perfect review. Thanks man.
I'm sorry, did he just declare b+w the winner and polar pro "a close second" EVEN THOUGH polar pro sponsored this video?
Oh lord the honesty!
If Gerald claims to be the next messiah I'm switching religions.
Haha. Thanks for the kind words! 😃🙏
It's really hard to turn your back on B+W, they have quite a quality record.
A B+W filter once gave his ultimate sacrifice to save my beloved vintage lens from a 3 meter drop on marble. It still worked, just the filter ring of the filter was bent and a piece of the ring was missing. Also the glass lost a small piece on the inside, in front of the lense.
There was zero damage to my lens. 😙🎶
SnW MrT BW is USD.100.00 more expensive no?
SnW MrT THIS.
We're a simple couple. We see a Gerald Undone video, and we click. Always the best content, so thorough in everything he does. Thank you!
Such a great and in-depth review. Great job man! I got the PMKVND mk2 2-5 & 6-9 filters, and I must say the vignetting/cross-polarization is pretty bad from 16-20mm FF at 5 stops and 9 stops. It also has a fairly intense blue color cast in the corners as well. I was disappointed mostly because they advertised it as not having this at all.
this is the comment is was looking for! At below 20mm you get pretty bad blue corners at 5 stops. I wasn't sure if I got a dud, or if this was other peoples experience as well. Being advertised as having no vignetting down to 16mm is definitely being dishonest.
Every question I had was answered in this video! Labelled time stamps wow! Your spoiling us! Keep up the amazing work man!
I've watch ten variable ND videos this morning and this was absolutely the best. Liked, subscribed and will definitely be checking out your other videos. Thanks!
I really appreciate the thoughtful inclusion of and comparisons between the budget and high-end spectrum filters. Incredibly useful from a no-nonsense, pragmatic perspective.
Thanks, Joshua! Cheers.
Gerald, now that Moment have come out with their variable ND filter range at $150 compared to $250 for the Peter McKinnon filters, I would love to see your comparison review of these two competitors. In particular the thing that I really care about is the amount of color shift that ND and Variable ND filters introduce. Your reviews are excellent and very fact-based, versus personal opinion-based, so the best out there for this kind of thing. Thanks!
I've been watching your channel for about a month now and this is the first time I really wanted to comment - the level of detail and head-to-head visual comparison is incredibly helpful in making decisions. My initial reaction on the Polar Pro is that it felt over priced, but seeing it compared to many of the cheaper options I initially though I would look to as a future purchase makes me really appreciate the value in it. Thanks for your thorough reviews!
Thanks for this comment. I appreciate you taking the time and it's very encouraging. Thank you! 😃🙏
Hands down best review on this filter. Great job!
Dude, there is not a drop of information I need to find anywhere else. I am thoroughly impressed!
The best multiple variable ND filters review on youtube
As usual,very informative video.Glad to see a Londoner has been providing high quality & informative videos.
Thanks, Amir! Appreciate that. Cheers!
awesome! would love to see a straight ND comparison, including Breakthrough's offerings! 🙏
Thanks, Peter! And noted.
@@geraldundone I have the Breakthrough x4 3 and 6 stop 95mm NDs they are really nice and they should be at the price but I'd be curious to see how they staked up against other NDs maybe you could get Breakthrough to do kinda the same thing that Polar pro did here and provide you not only the filters but a budget to test them against others. If anyone would like to see a no filter BT filter comparison I'd be willing to make a video for that just leave a comment below and I'll check into it
@@bryanb.8217 There are already a few good tests comparing solid breakthrough X4 vs polar pro ND (christopher frost did a great one). Id like to see them vs the new polar pro vnd though.
@@MrAngryfatkid Thanks for directing me to the Christopher Frost test I agree very well done :D
@@bryanb.8217 Yeah the x4s look amazing- I really think getting a 3 stop and 6 stop is the way to go- and you still save money if you compare the cost against the price of BOTH the 2-5 and 6-9 stop filters. Sure maybe you give up a little versatility but Id be very surprised if the X4 wasn't the better performer.
You deserve millions of subscribers, and that's when I start opening my friend's RUclips simply to subscribe even though they have no interest in photography or techs. All the way from Nagaland
I was so confused when I heard the people were surprised by the price of the PolarPro VND. They decided to make a great filter instead of a mediocre one and released the least expensive premium filter
I think that's a very fair assessment. Cheers, Tyler!
Never made sense to me when people put a 20$ piece of crap glass filter in front of a 1400$ lens and 1500$ camera body. Like why have all those impressive elements to keep the light pristine if youre just gonna muck it up in the very beginning with a cheap filter 🤣
@@baqcasanke 😂😂
@@baqcasanke because the most expensive thing isn't always the best
@@baqcasanke The point here is why would you spend $250 on something if $125 thing performs the same.
I would never expect myself to watch 20 min video about filters. Boom. Gone.
Good job Gerald!
10/10
"I'm Gerald Undone. There is only one thing we say to death: not today"
Nice one stark boy.
I was so surprised when I got to the end of the video and realised it was 20mins, it sure didn’t feel like it. All killer, no filler. Stellar stuff as always.
Thanks, Ben! That's great to hear. I was worried about the length so I really appreciate that.
Fantastic review! That’s how it’s “Undone”!!!
This is how comparative testing should be handled! Excellent as always Gerald, thank you.
Thanks, John!
Gerald you legend! This review's timing is perfect! 😁 Thanks
Glad to hear it. Thanks for saying so. 😃👍
@@geraldundone Sure thing bru! 👊🏼
I just bought a cheapo variable ND filter and it came in hours before this video. At least I know what to look for if I need to return it. Talk about great timing! This was a well executed and well thought out video. Thank you for this fantastic info!
Thanks, Curtis! I wish I could have had this video out just a hair sooner for ya. But thanks for the kind words.
What a great video! I definitely will go for the PP filter! I also appreciate the 82mm filter size recommendation. 👌🏽
I’m a noob…82mm is way too big for my lens though? Am I missing something ? Shouldn’t I have to get one that fits each of my lenses
@Inquisitve m you'd want to get step-up rings to ensure correct fit for your lens.
Vrsatile Productions ok. So just get a set of filters with step up ring? Or just buy a step up ring and get 82mm filter
@Inquisitve m the 2nd part! Haha
Also, if you have a very small filter diameter, like 49-55mm, it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a filter for that too.
Gerald you rock brother! This is my 5th time watching this specific video, and every time I get something new out of it. It is the most thorough filter explanation I have ever seen. Thank you for your professionalism and detail.
Would have liked to have seen the SLR Magic in there.
Same, considering they’re meant to be the best out there
Same here. Slr Magic MKII is the best out there.
It definitely it the best, and not silly money either.
And again, another top shelf review and great information. I was not a fan of the Peter McKinnon filter kit, but you did sell the filter itself. I just don't need Peters name on my gear. Great guy, absolutely but I don't want to be a fan boy. But that being said, I might end up with that filter before too long. And the rubber cap being used to install the filter was brilliant. That was part two of a great sales pitch! Well done Gerald!! I never miss one of your videos!
Thanks, Dave! Always love your comments. I'm with ya. I don't generally like signature edition stuff, either. For me to recommend the filter, it had to be worth it without any of the signature benefits, and I'm happy to report that it definitely is.
Here's a fun question though, who would you pay extra for to have a signature filter, even if it isn't photo/video related. Roger Deakins? David Bowie? Bruce Lee? Haha.
I'd definitely pay more for the Bowie edition! 😃
Lol, The David Bowie filter kit, one filter is blue, the other is brown. Colour cast guaranteed! But it would be awesome! 👍.
Gerald Undone Is there a version without all the PM stuff? Would definitely cop
@@CarloTimothy Not at the moment. Just solid NDs.
Damn, such a detailed test with so many filters. I've been using Tiffen and K&F and I can see the difference in sharpness on my Sony A7r2 + Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 combo, but I do like the K&F stops much better, it's much easier to control and not overrotate the filter to get the X pattern. I think in the future I will be getting something better but for now those work for me
Damn. I think this was for sure the most informative photography related video i've seen on youtube. And i have been binge watching everything on offer for weeks trying to decide which camera/lenses/accessories to purchase. Thank you for this wealth of knowledge.
Great video bud! I use Aurora Aperture Variable ND and they are so awesome!
Watching this in 2020 - we are in the market to replace our trusty 82mm Tiffen VND and really appreciate this thorough and unbiased review. Will pick up the Polar Pro 2-5 for shooting Scandinavian content and the 6-9 stop filter for Thailand... Thank you!
Good coverage, seriously. So n00b question: Is the banding directly caused by polarization somehow - or is the polarization a result of a stronger/smoother gradient being sent to the sensor, and limitations of 8-bit that typically cause banding in YT videos anyway taking place? Typically I've only ever heard of banding as a digital problem whereas this implication seems to be that it's somehow analog/optical. Tad confused.
Thanks, dude!
If you're talking about the color banding at like 1:36, where you can see waves of different blue lines, that's just an 8-bit compressed color banding thing that you're used to.
The polarization version is the giant patches of darkness like shown at 2:36.
But as you pointed out the color (bit depth related) banding is different depending on the filter used and the only explanation for that would be the impact the filter has on the gradations of blue. If the filter causes more subtle tonality to be created, then RUclips will have a harder time rendering that.
I got the ZOMEi as my first VND. Good place to start experimenting if you don't need/can't afford top quality.
Great video as always !
When he said the tests don't lie. I immediately thought "my hips don't lie"
This is the best ND review I have ever seen or read. The lesson, I guess, is you get what you pay for. But I wish you had reviewed Breakthrough filters. They don't make variables, but their reviews and ratings are almost always better than the competition. Breakthrough's site compares their filters to others, so you can see the comparisons easily.
Thanks so much! Big compliment. Really appreciate that.
Yeah, I love Breakthrough filters. I only omitted them because they weren't variable and this video was long enough! 😃
i have heard break through has fake reviews I wouldn't not trust their own testing at face value. IMO, they need to be verified even with good product quality.
Oh yea! Some Gerald eyes on the quartz filters. Interesting about the Hoya and Tiffen. I assume my Haida would test similar to those. Of course this video would have helped me, but that was before the PMVND.
Thanks for taking the time to make this video - very extensive analysis, and I was left undone.
A masterclass of an ND Filter review/overview. Thanks Gerald! I'll probably be picking up the K&F Concepts variable ND for my GH5 lenses with a step up rig to future proof my purchases. Such great advice. Thanks again!
My pleasure, Ricardo! Thanks for the kind words.
Wow. This was EXACTLY the video I as looking for so my wife and I could figure out whether the PolarPro filter was the best value for money option on our new X-T3. For some reason, searching for essentially this video, we couldn't find it, and then I just stumbled on it. So, searchability aside, thanks for putting this together. Literally all of the information we were looking for.
Thanks, Ryan! Perhaps you searched just before I uploaded it. It's only a couple days old. But glad it was helpful either way! 😃
@@geraldundone Oh look at that, you're right. That's probably it!
I don't know why this guy has 55K Subscribers he should have more..
No need to worry, Gerald is on his way up 👍
3 Months later 72k. I see growth.
10 months later 117k. I see growth.
198K now
Gerald - well done on the informative and unbiased view.... First time I have viewed your materials but have instantly “liked” and Subscribed so that I catch all future materials & will certainly be reviewing prior content given the quality of this video! Cheers!
Thanks a lot, Scott! Happy to have a new subscriber. Cheers!
This was not great. It was Great, Excellent, and Fantastic. This channel fills a place that has been missing for a long time. Interesting and technical information that is useful for whatever system you use. I personally use the Lee filter system, (the square filters or to be accurate, rectangle). Again its a personal thing. I like the greater flexibility for me with stacking filters and in my case no vignetting. Yes, its more things to carry around and a tripod is a must, but I never get a stuck filter that I curse at the end my lens :-)
Your level of detail on info is pretty much unsurpassed. This is a great amount of info that just confirms my purchase of the PMVND filter I got (though I did get the 77mm instead of the 82). I haven't used it much yet, but I knew it would always be ranking right up there just because PM and PolarPro would want to produce the best product they could. Thanks again for another insanely in-depth vid!
Cheers! Appreciate your kind words. Thank you.
Thank you for this, perfect timing I need a good ND for my trip to Africa.
Thanks, Carlos! Appreciate that. Have fun in Africa!
You’re a legend for taking the time to make this comparison
Thanks, Franklin!
science has never been more interesting.
This could be the best review I’ve ever watched, 100% fact based, quick to the point, and so informative. With real demos. Thank you! And what a job you’ve done here
Thank you for the great review, I was split in between the K&F and Zomei for a while and this video helped me make a decision.
Appreciate the kind words! Glad this video was helpful.
Which did you choose?
Hands down best ND filter comparison I have seen! Thanks again for always dropping knowledge bombs on us.
Your the best at in-depth reviews! So much fluff out there. Not you!
Thank you so much! 😃🙏
*You're.
You're the Hero we needed in our lives Gerald
Start your video with "I'm Gerald Undone, the secret identity of Shaggy from the live action Scooby Doo movies"
Thank you so much! Haven't even watched the video but this is what I have been waiting weeks for! Not an influencer video, but an actual comparison.
"Hi, I am Gerald undone and this episode is sponsored my hero, my long time friend, and personal shoulder to cry on, Reba McEntire."
Holy guacamole that was incredibly thorough, Gerald! Thank you 🙏 😊 Huge props for what must have been countless hours of screwing...variable ND filters on and off!
This was the best and thorough review of anything I've ever watched! Well made! 👍
Very helpful, thank you, Gerald. I bought my first ND Filter, the PM Polar Pro 2-5 and I am very happy with it based on my experience. Cheers!
I learned more from this video than from most paid content elsewhere, when it comes to understanding VND filters.
Thank you!!! Nobody seems to talk about ND-filters which in a lot of cases are really needed to even use the camera in professional work on a bright day.
This was a great review and comparison. Two thumbs up :)
I have both Gobe and zomei vnd. I ruined the gobe with getting water between the glasses and the Zomei glass has started to show thin stripes spreading towards the center of the glass after one year of purchase. I also feel they don't have enough usable steps for shooting during daytime. But great video Gerald! Made me think about my next move more carefully.
This was one of the best videos I have ever seen about lense filters. I'm barely getting into photography and videography and just pre ordered a SONY A7IV I got the one with the lense combo just to get me started as I'm slowly learning. I hope I can continue to learn from you. By the way I hope you don't mind but I'm going to steal your quote about double clicking the thumbs down button lol! I work really hard trying to teach new people in the car audio industry how to use routers and templates to make cool stuff and I can't believe my eyes when I see a thumbs down, sometimes I feel like someone is trolling me or they just didn't like something I didn't show etc.
Trying to correct Zomei Variable ND Issues for hours in post brought me here. Nice to see that it's due to me being a € hunter. And this nearly 1 year old review is killing it. Gerald thanks!
Man ! You have worked a lot on this comparison ! Best out there on YT, well done !!
*Which filters have a copper ring around the outside? It looks so amazing!*
I was sort of hoping ProMaster would be included, but this is by far the best and most in-depth ND review out there.
Just the video I needed! I've been needing a variable ND for awhile, but wasn't sure which one to pick. Thanks for the help!
As usual, this comparison is best-in-class. Very informative. Thanks for putting in the work.
Excellent as always. Seriously Gerald, I think you are the only person who I've subscribed to whose videos I watch as soon as I see they are up. You should change your name to Gerald Well Done!
Thanks for the continued support and dedication, Jonathan! It's great to hear that. Cheers!
Thank you Gerald! I went with the k&f with my cheap lens/camera. Great results 👍
I am mainly a mobile photographer and don't even own a DSLR so a lot of what you say goes over my head, but I'm able to keep up. Nonetheless, I subscribed because you're quality content and deserve more recognition.
Detail Gerald! Bravo on the aspects and tips on the ND's - Hugely helpful- Sending some sub love from Toronto, Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you very much! 😃🙏🍁
Perfect timing! I was looking to buy the GMVND filter and was unsure of the value. But now I have confidence in the quality and value. Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks for the kind words.
Incredible video! For running and gunning, what do you think about using a fixed ND filter that's slightly too strong (say a 6-stop to cover a variable lighting environment that needs 4-6 stops of reduction) and then using ISO to compensate rather than getting a 2-6 stop variable ND? On modern cameras like the soon-to-be-released A7S III, it seems there's so little noise introduced even at relatively high ISO's that varying ISO rather than ND strength would have a less noticeable effect on image quality. To me, it seems a 3-stop and 6-stop fixed set, (stacked to get 9 when needed), plus auto ISO, would outperform a 2-6 variable and 6-9 variable set of PM Polar Pros even in a run-and-gun situation? Is there noticeable stepping with auto-ISO or other reasons to avoid the fixed filter + ISO compensation approach? Apologies if this is an ignorant question, I'm relatively new to videography and filmmaking and I wanted to know what you think about this.
Maybe you could use a drop-in, magnetic or flip-up(these only seem to hold single filters though) filter option?
So much work for this video!! We appreciate the work and the info. The PolarPro looks like an amazing filter. Great job!
Thanks a lot, Dale! Really appreciate that.
Absolutely brilliant video mate, I love how straight to the point you are. I was looking up variable ND filters on eBay and the brands that popped up were exactly what you ran through in your video. I haven't clicked the subscribe button for months but I had to for this. K&F it is, and a step-down ring!
Danke!
I just watched like 10 others videos on nd filters and this was the only really helpful one , so thank you!
Really well done! What step-up ring(s) would you recommend?
Thank you!
Any old ones on Amazon with a decent rating will do fine. Although, to be honest, I actually really like the PolarPro ones. They are way "over-engineered". They come in a sweet case and have really intense knurling so you can always get a grip and feel confident. They are pricey comparatively though.
Solid video from an informative standpoint. You are the man for real-world, results based reviews!
Thanks, Christoper! Cheers.
This is the exact video I’ve been searching for! Thanks Gerald I’ve been on RUclips looking for the past weeks since it was released. 👍🏻
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the kind words!
This video is helpful. Thank you for comparing all the filters I've been debating on and recommending filters on both high and budget end.
I am new to photography and I really appreciate how you put so much work into this review and helped me to make up my mind on which filter to buy. Thank you so much - excellent job!
I was super pumped to see that you made a video on this topic. You didn’t disappoint. Thank you. I’ll be getting the polar pro.
Thanks, Robert! Glad I didn't disappoint. Appreciate the kind words! 😃🙏
What a thoroughly in depth review , at the moment I am using my EOS R with the Canon Drop in ND filter Adapter, and so far I am thoroughly happy with it and the flexibility it offers, the fact that I don't need to use step up rings at all has been such a game changer , also the fact that I can use all my lenses on it from my 300mm 2.8 all the way down to my ultra wides is just something I guess I wouldn't want to trade off with for now because of the ease of use this adapter offers me, The Polar Pro Filters do look like a quality product but fortunately I have already invested in this and I guess for my shooting style I require something that can easily adapt to all my lenses quickly without having to hassle with screwing them on. But as always great review Gerald 👍
Thank you so much! And I appreciate you sharing. 😃🙏