I feel this is a very nice black mist camera filter for my DSLR. It is made of high quality optical glass with multiple layers of ultra-thin, nanometer coatings and ultra-light materials. The frame is very light and thin compared to some of the other filters I have. This filter is a 1/4 diffusion/mist and the changes from a normal, non-filtered lens, are minimal. The same filter is available in lesser and greater strengths. But, I thought 1/4 was a good place to start experimenting and for general use.
The price for this filter is very good considering you are getting a high-quality, multi-coated glass filter. In my different experimental shots, I think this filter has a lot of potential for portraits and still-life. I'm also wanting to try it out on some more macro shots. I would certainly recommend this camera filter for anyone still shooting with a DSLR and not their phone. ;-)
The price for this filter is very good considering you are getting a high-quality, multi-coated glass filter. In my different experimental shots, I think this filter has a lot of potential for portraits and still-life. I'm also wanting to try it out on some more macro shots. I would certainly recommend this camera filter for anyone still shooting with a DSLR and not their phone. ;-)
08/01/2024
In every way this K&F Black Diffusion 1/4 filter is a wonderful filter. Well-made, nicely machined, clear and perfect glass, thin and light, etc, etc. You'll get a very good filter for your money.
The question really is how good is the diffusion effect, especially in the center of the frame where a face is likely to be placed. My tests on some newly budded red bud flowers revealed that the diffusion quality is subtle and excellent from edge to edge. The included photograph is a 100% crop, to capture the quality in the center of the frame. I hope the reproduction on k&f conceept is good enough to sell you on the quality, too.
This is a fine product and easy to recommend.
The question really is how good is the diffusion effect, especially in the center of the frame where a face is likely to be placed. My tests on some newly budded red bud flowers revealed that the diffusion quality is subtle and excellent from edge to edge. The included photograph is a 100% crop, to capture the quality in the center of the frame. I hope the reproduction on k&f conceept is good enough to sell you on the quality, too.
This is a fine product and easy to recommend.
03/01/2024
I have this on 57mm Sigma lens for my Fujifilm X-T30 and I’m super happy with the results. The effect is subtle but that’s exactly what I wanted out of the filler.
27/12/2023
My 135mm and 40mm Sigma Art lenses are extremely sharp. Some would say clinically sharp, maybe too sharp for portraits. My personal experience has been that’s not always the case, but I sometimes find myself wishing I could dial them back slightly. This K&F Concept Black Diffusion 1/4 filter does just that, almost like magic.
The effect is subtly-different from applying a similar effect in software. I like that the effect with the filter on the lens is noticeable, but without being too obvious. It’s an excellent compromise that seems to work well for me. Deciding precisely when to use this filter will be an ongoing learning experience that I’m looking forward to.
One thing worth noting is that the effect when on the 135mm lens is not exactly the same as when on the 40mm lens. That might be one reason for the different strength options.
Physically, there’s a lot to like. Construction is solid, the fit is precise and the coating is doing its job. A solid five stars for function, quality and value at the current price.
The effect is subtly-different from applying a similar effect in software. I like that the effect with the filter on the lens is noticeable, but without being too obvious. It’s an excellent compromise that seems to work well for me. Deciding precisely when to use this filter will be an ongoing learning experience that I’m looking forward to.
One thing worth noting is that the effect when on the 135mm lens is not exactly the same as when on the 40mm lens. That might be one reason for the different strength options.
Physically, there’s a lot to like. Construction is solid, the fit is precise and the coating is doing its job. A solid five stars for function, quality and value at the current price.
14/12/2023
Outstanding quality. Just the right amount of softness for a ¼ black diffusion. Superior filter box.
This ¼ black diffusion filter from K&F is a very high quality optical filter that provides a subtle but noticeable amount of softening to your photos which renders skin tones with a beautiful softness that doesn't look fake. Highlights have a soft glow/bloom and the overall contrast is slightly reduced.
Unfortunately there is no industry standard on exactly how much diffusion a ⅛, ¼, ½ filter should give the image so each manufacturer decides for himself how much diffusion to add to each filter in their line. I like how much diffusion K&F have put on this filter as opposed to other manufacturers whose ¼ diffusion filters apply too much diffusion.
Another indicator of quality is the plastic boxes K&F decided to provide with their filters. They are superior to other companies' boxes and a pleasure to use. I have two different styles of boxes from K&F and they are both outstanding.
Unfortunately there is no industry standard on exactly how much diffusion a ⅛, ¼, ½ filter should give the image so each manufacturer decides for himself how much diffusion to add to each filter in their line. I like how much diffusion K&F have put on this filter as opposed to other manufacturers whose ¼ diffusion filters apply too much diffusion.
Another indicator of quality is the plastic boxes K&F decided to provide with their filters. They are superior to other companies' boxes and a pleasure to use. I have two different styles of boxes from K&F and they are both outstanding.
12/12/2023
This filter produces a very subtle cinematic look while blurring and softening still images and moving video. When it comes to shooting individuals, there is a discernible difference, even though it is not a significant one.
It makes the skin somewhat supple and silky, and the backgrounds are not as razor-sharp as before, especially with my Sony A7IV. I got the 82mm size with step-down rings to use it on all my lenses.
Overall, having this filter in your camera bag is a good idea, but it is beneficial if you take portrait photos or want a softer touch with your videos.
It makes the skin somewhat supple and silky, and the backgrounds are not as razor-sharp as before, especially with my Sony A7IV. I got the 82mm size with step-down rings to use it on all my lenses.
Overall, having this filter in your camera bag is a good idea, but it is beneficial if you take portrait photos or want a softer touch with your videos.
11/12/2023
I've collected a set of mist and black mist filters, having found that I like the ability to adjust the strength of the filter. I ordered 1/4 to fill in the gap between "obvious" 1/2 and very subtle 1/8. This one specifically is a nice quality filter (no significant degradation to the image beyond what's expected) with some nice features (strong knurling on the rim, smudge resistant). There are definitely higher quality glass filters available from the big name brands, but this one does a good job of providing that "soft aesthetic" feel for neon or nostalgia type photography.
09/12/2023
K&F Concepts does it again! Watch video for details. 1/4 is the perfect filter for that dreamy look.. not to much and not to little.. it.s just right.. This filter will take the edge of the crisp video look to your films and will give a nice glow to highlights and softens the color blacks as well.. great filter... I love it.
09/12/2023
Not going to lie, I look like an idiot buying this filter -- and you likely will too. I spent hours watching youtube videos to find the sharpest lenses possible on a budget, only to spend more money to make that lens less sharp. However, I'm a sucker for trends, including the popularity of film photography and the accompanying halation. The filter adds a nice element to night urban photography, especially the bright lights. It's a look that -- as far as I know -- can't be created in digital editing. I've bought a few other cheaper black mist style filters for my point & shoot cameras, but this is the first quality filter I picked up for my "real" camera. I went with K&F because I've always been happy with their quality/cost balance. This filter is no exception. The diffusion is pleasant and consistent across the image. The filter is thin, and it screws on to my step-up ring easily. It also comes with a nice case. Overall I will enjoy adding this to my tool bag.
07/12/2023
This filter creates such a nice, subtle difference that every filmmaker will appreciate. It's not big and over-the-top. If you show your friends who aren't into cameras, they probably won't even see the difference, but you'll definitely notice a difference in your footage. It blooms the highlights so nicely and creates such a pleasing look without creating any kind of unwanted color cast on the image. Likewise, the build quality of this filter is great and I appreciate the little ridges on the sides of the filter for gripping it more easily when taking it on and off. Overall, I'm really happy with this and I would definitely recommend it.
06/12/2023