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As someone who often shoots video more than photos these days, a filter kit is essential. There are three filters I use: a variable neutral density (VND) filter, a circular polarizing filter (CPL), and a mist filter.
Variable Neutral Density Filter
This is an essential filter for video, particularly if you’re shooting 24 FPS on a fast lens in LOG format (ISO 800 minimum). It’s also a great filter to have for long exposure photography—to blur out bodies of water or to blur or remove people in street scenes. I use VNDs all the time for filmmaking.
Circular Polarizer
A must-have filter for photographers wanting to eliminate reflections in everything from foliage to windows. It also helps saturate color. I use this filter for both photography and videography all the time, particularly for travel- and lifestyle-related projects.
Mist Filter
Useful for videography or photography to soften an image and create a more organic highlight roll-off. Typically used for video and filming to take away the sterile, clinical look of very sharp modern lenses, creating a more filmic aesthetic. This filter is on at least 90% of the time when using modern lenses. I really dislike a clinical, overly sharp image for most of my work.
Freewell’s V2 Magnetic Hybrid VND/CPL 3-7 Stops Filter Is The Perfect Solution
Last year, I shot a film in Spain in very bright conditions. My solution was a Freewell VND with built-in mist. It proved to be a fabulous piece of kit. I shot on two lenses and have an 82mm and 72mm version of this filter. The one thing missing from my footage, however, was deeper, richer colors when I shot in the midday sun. A CPL would have been useful too.
Freewell now has the perfect answer: the V2 Magnetic Hybrid VND/CPL 3-7 Stops Filter.
It’s an all-in-one solution that—having used it for a month or so now—is proving very effective. This little kit gives you control over exposure and reflection management in various hybrid shooting conditions.
What I like about Freewell’s design is that they place the CPL on the back, so you can set it and lock it to the lens. From there, you can easily adjust the VND without affecting the polarizer. A small detail that makes a big difference.
But what about the mist? Simple. The front of the V2 in magnetic, so you can buy a mist filter that drops in place, and—voila!—all three filters work together in one small, easy-to-use unit. Various intensities of mist filters are available.
The “kit” isn’t complicated. The CPL/VND is one neat unit. You pop it onto a base ring, and you’re all set. Add a mist on top if you so desire (sold separately). Front and rear caps are provided should you require them for transportation.
A Landscape Photography Test
I visited a local lake in the middle of a very bright summer’s day to see how the filter performs. The obvious shot from a landscape photography perspective is to blur out the water and create a minimalist image. Shooting at the top end of seven stops, I was able to create a reasonable amount of blur, although I would suspect some may prefer a longer exposure for even more blur. A 10-stop ND is the go-to for many landscape photographers looking to shoot minimalist “fine art,” but when the conditions aren’t so bright, this filter is very useful, particularly with the CPL built in.
I did experience a slight blue tone in the end results, but more in the water than the sky, so I suspect that’s the polarization doing its job. Shooting raw, this slight color cast can be easily eliminated if so desired.
Some Thoughts About Filters
There has been an ongoing debate about variable neutral density filters being less than ideal because they can create X-patterns, vignetting, and even give the camera’s focusing system a hard time. I didn’t come across any of these issues. For the most part, that’s a thing of the past—unless it’s a cheap filter brand making them. Freewell makes quality filters. I’ve used them for a few years now and have been impressed.
One argument I see often is that it’s best to use fixed NDs because they’re more reliable and consistent. If you’re just shooting very long exposure photography, then yes, I would suggest something like a 10-stop is the way to go. If you want to reduce reflections, it is possible to add a CPL on top of an ND, but you may run into vignetting issues with a wide focal length lens. One option is buying a big slide-in filter system. But now you’ve spent a substantial amount of money and are carrying a large kit around.
I’ve tried to use fixed NDs for video, but the light can change fast; therefore, a VND is much more convenient. I shoot travel-based projects, run-and-gun style, so the last thing I want to do when out and about is have to stop to change an ND to something stronger or lighter.
No filter.
With the filter set at seven stops. There’s a reasonable amount of blur in the water, despite the bright conditions.
Good Stuff
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Top-grade German optics
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Multi-layered coating
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82mm core size and available adapters for 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77mm
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Nice storage pouch and front and rear magnetic caps
Not So Good
- You could lose the little screws that lock the filter to your lens. I haven’t (yet), although it does come with an extra pair.
When I shot this, the conditions were incredibly bright and sunny. Seven stops gave a reasonable amount of blur to take the edge off the water.
Who Is This Filter For?
The Freewell V2 Magnetic Hybrid VND/CPL 3–7 Stops Filter is the perfect piece of kit for hybrid shooters, possibly with a bias towards video.
For video, it’s all you need to be able to shoot wide in all conditions. If you add a mist filter to it for a more organic look, there’s really nothing else you’ll need, in my opinion.
For photography, it’s a good all-around filter. Polarization is essential for things like landscape and travel, and this filter ticks that box. These filters tend to be more for tripod use, but set to three stops, I found I could shoot handheld and grab shots where reflection reduction was required. Three to seven stops of ND allow for shooting with fast lenses. The only thing some might have an issue with is that seven stops isn’t quite enough for long exposure landscapes shot on a bright day, where a minimalist result is desired. However, when the light drops a little, this filter can deliver.
The Freewell V2 Magnetic Hybrid VND/CPL 3-7 Stops filter is available at $149.99.