Build is nice, the diffusion is nice, it's literally perfect. This is well worth the cost and is great quality. It doesn't blow out the highlights. I would recommend this for anyone looking for a mist filter.

To understand my review I must confess I old. My photography and video started by when film was the only option and post editing was done in a dark room and that was mostly just dodging and burning. Back then filters were the best way to add creative effects and remove unwanted ones caused by UV light.

Those days are long over. Most filters are less relevant now than ever before. Almost any effect you can think of can be created in post with software with no permanent alteration to the original file, as a filter does. The only “must have” filters than software can’t duplicate are CPLs and NDs. And that brings me to the subject of this review – the black diffusion filter. Broadly, this is one of those filters that is in-between the “tech has made it obsolete” and “tech can’t duplicate it’s effect.”

Before I discuss this filter specifically, I want to discuss this filter is for. You might have figured out I’m not a huge fan of filters. I’m in the camp that believes filters, other than CPL and NDs, when used correctly, damage the original file in that the filter’s effect is permanently etched into the image, something proper software doesn’t do. So why use them. However, the black diffusion filter can be useful if you care more about the time savings of instant results over having maximum post editing flexibility. If that’s you then read on.

K & F Concepts has been around for a while and recently has endeavored to make more upscale products than it traditionally has made. This black diffusion filter is one of these upmarket products. The build quality is up with the best filter makers with its brass rim. That is the prefer metal for filters because, unlike aluminum, it’s easy to remove without a filter wrench. Only premium filters have brass rings, but not all premium filters have them. K & F didn’t stop there though. It designed hearty finger grips into the rim so regardless of whether you are wearing gloves, have sweaty or frozen fingers, getting this filter on or off should be easy.

The glass on the filter is also clean and the coatings to deflect dirt and oils actually work. Almost every filter manufacturer brags about multi-coatings, but often it turns out to be mere marketing talk. The coatings are there but they don’t work well.

Functionally, the filter does what it says too. If you are looking for a soft, dreamy look, this filter provides that IF you use it properly. In normal daylight it does nothing more than make photos and video look unsharp. However, with good ambient soft light it will give you a romantic look. Keep in mind, this necessarily means you will lose detail. That’s a feature not a bug of a black diffusion filter. In that vein, this filter works best when you can control ambient light, either in studio or with portable lighting.

Finally, this filter comes in a fabric wallet rather than a traditional plastic case. It’s a nice touch that I appreciate.

I’ve been filming with this filter for the past week or so and I am genuinely impressed with it. This is definitely a high-quality 1/4 diffusion filter. It even comes with a really nice carrying case. In terms of actual use: it creates a nice diffused glow without creating any weird color cast in the image. As a matter of fact, this is one of the best filters I’ve seen in terms of having neutral color cast. Overall, I’ve been really happy with this and I think I’m going to get a few more of these in other sizes for some of my other lenses. Highly recommended.

Excellent quality filter as always from K&F. Creates a subtle but beautiful hazy effect emanating from light sources, which is very reminiscent of film. The effect isn't quite as intense as I had expected but it's subtle enough not to cause any other distortions in the image or mess up textures like skin. If you look closely you can see how intricate the layering of the glass is with little black specks all through the filter. Threads in smoothly and was clearly machined with precision.

In terms of quality it's top notch, and even comes with a hard felt case for carrying in your equipment bag. Does that really make it worth the price tag? That I'm not sure of. There are similar filters for much less, but you do always get what you pay for with equipment. The subtlety and precision of the effect produces by this lens while not distorting the rest of this image must be thanks to the quality. I feel comfortable shooting for clients with this filter knowing I'm not losing any quality. Love this filter, and love K&F!

I have several filters from this company, and all have been top of the line in quality. The end results from this black filter are very nice with a clear effect. This is my first time using a black filter and it produces nice images. The presentation of the filter with the nice pouch is impressive. I recommend that one gives this a try if looking for a new filter and look to enhance their photography.

This an absolutely beautiful filter. I picked up the 1/4 and 1/8 filters and they are wonderful. They add a great dreamy haze to your images giving them a great cinematic effect.

The cases are also some of the best filter cases I have ever seen. They are nice "leather?" with pretty nice strap system to lift the filter out of the case without getting your grubby little fingers on them

This is a great camera lens diffuser. And also a very effective camera lens protector.

First off, the way that this arrives, packaged in a very fancy case and wrapped in a very protective cover... is just incredible. The case is so nice, it makes we want to take it off and store it.

The function is spot-on. The diffusing is subtle but noticeable. Which is great. The look is awesome as its mounted on the camera. The threads are clean and screw right on.

I am VERY happy with the quality of this diffuser.

77 mm lens filter ring from KNF concept. Another high-quality item from this brand which I’ve trusted for over five years now for all sorts of my camera accessories. The optical quality is flawless and the threads on the filter screw in super smoothly. This filter is a perfect middle ground option for Any videographer whether entry-level or more advanced. The price is right and I have honestly no complaints and easily recommend this filter with no reservations.

There are filters that you simply screw on and then forget. And there are some where you notice from the very first look through the lens: Something is happening with the image. It was exactly like that when I held the new 77 mm Black Mist 1/4 from K&F Concept in my hand — another filter for my manual video lenses on Micro Four Thirds, on both the GH6 and Blackmagic Pocket 4K. I was able to test it through the Amazon Vine program. The price was 135.99 euros in August 2025.

As usual from the manufacturer: brass socket, strong thread, no wobbling. I already have a number of ND filters and chargers from K&F Concept, and the manufacturing quality has always been at a level where you don't have to think twice about whether it will last. Unscrewing and unscrewing is as smooth as butter, even if you have to change the setup quickly on the go.

Black Mist — and why 1/4 works differently
The Black Mist function is not a gimmick for me. It removes this sometimes merciless sharpness from digital cameras, reduces skin blemishes and gives highlights that subtle, cinematic glow. I already have the 1/8 model, which is much more subtle. The new 1/4 looks stronger — especially in night photography or videos with selective light sources, the glow is more visible. In daylight, very bright scenes can look almost too soft, so I asked myself once or twice if that wasn't too much of a good thing when it came to landscapes.

I was pleasantly surprised by the very low tendency to reflect. Even backlight situations where other filters produce unsightly ghost images remain clean here. At the same time, however, you notice that the stronger diffusion effect can easily blur fine structures in architectural photographs — i.e. use them more carefully for documentary work.

In direct comparison to the 1/8 model, the 1/4 looks livelier, almost bolder. He brings a bit more “drama” into the picture. When shooting in a small bar with dim lights, he immediately gave me the feeling that I needed to rework less in post-production. In brighter outdoor shots, the effect is more present, which is not always intended.

My personal review
A high-quality tool that noticeably changes images. For creative video and portrait work, the 1/4 Black Mist is a powerful option, while the 1/8 remains the more discreet choice. I'll probably keep them both in my backpack — depending on how bold I want the picture to look.

It doesn't seem to impact image quality beyond what it's supposed to impact (a mist filter, you know, adds a misty look to the photo). You'll need an extra stop or so of lighting due to the brightness change. It's a good fit on 72mm lenses like my Canons, and it's easy to add and remove.