I used to think magnetic filters were just for lazy people until I had to film on a beach. Between constantly changing filters with sand in my hands and the blazing sun, I almost threw in the towel and my gear into the sea.

When I got this kit, the first thing I did was play around with the magnets like a kid. The click they make when they stick is so satisfying. My wife gave me a funny look while I was constantly removing and replacing filters. The adapter ring screws onto the lens normally, and then it's magic. You put the filter close, and bam, it sticks on its own. The first time, though, I got a little too enthusiastic and put it on backward. Luckily, I realized before I started filming, or I would have looked like a total amateur. I've been using it these last few weeks, and honestly, when you're filming and want a more cinematic look, you just take out the Black Mist, stick it on in two seconds, and you look like a pro. Before, you had to unscrew and rewind like a mechanic.

The variable ND filter is fantastic for when the sun appears and disappears behind clouds; you simply rotate the filter and adjust the exposure without touching the camera. The polarizer works well for removing reflections from cars and windows, although sometimes it's difficult to find the exact angle, and you end up twisting the filter around like you're tuning an old radio. Those 28 coatings they advertise must be true because I've cleaned the filters several times, and they still look brand new, unlike some other cheap filters I have that look like they've been run over by a truck.

What I miss most is a denser ND filter. The ND32 falls short for outdoor video in sunny conditions if you want to maintain a shutter speed of 1/50. I also notice that the CPL doesn't eliminate reflections as efficiently as my old Hoya HD3; it needs more rotation to find the optimal setting.