FREEWELL Magnetic Quick Swap System 67mm Neutral Density ND64 (6 f-stops) Camera Filter

Product Information

The Freewell 10 Stop Magnetic ND Filter I discovered to have more of a green colour cast: Freewell Magnetic 10 Stop All told, Freewell is effectively providing with this system four VNDs (two with diffusion, two without) and two circular polarizers filters for hundreds less than buying each filter type individually. Lens compatibility and vignette performance And then there’s the magnetized lens cap. It works fine with the base ring, but not with mounted filters. The lens cap removes filters when detached, which means you then have to separate the cap from the VND, then re-attach the VND. In fairness, I don’t think Freewell could have designed this any differently due to the magnetized nature of everything. One will just have to get in the habit of detaching a VND before using the lens cap. In addition to using the system as a CPL or VND filter, you can also replace the inner VND base filter with a “Mist” VND filter, which works just the same as the other VND filters but adds a “Glow Mist” effect, essentially a bit of diffusion that will smooth out your image a bit. I generally don’t like diffusion filters, so I didn’t test this heavily. The Only Problem Videographers and filmmakers should also appreciate the diffusion mist base filter. The filter’s 1/8 strength is just enough to create the desired effect without being too obvious (as it can be with stronger, 1/4 strength mist filters). Some videographers using cameras with super sharp digital sensors could very well leave this “mist” filter in their base ring at all times. Pricing

I did not encounter the dreaded “X” pattern with these filters. Unfortunately, I did find that many of my wide angle images had dramatically different light across the frame, usually manifesting as a dark bar from the top center to the bottom center of the frame. See the examples below. That being said, it’s near impossible to accidentally bump this filter off. The magnets are quite strong and definitely require a firm hold to come apart. Since this polarizer is magnetic, it’s perfect to rotate in either direction with no worries of the filter unscrewing. Taken with the Freewell Magnetic Circular Polarizer (CPL) The red circle shows where the above climbing photo was taken.

So the question is: how does this compare to other VND filters in similar situations? To find out, I took all three sets of filters out to shoot a few test shots: the Freewell, the PolarPro, and the Moment. Rotating a CPL filter with the M2 system is a straightforward process. We’ve made it simple and intuitive to adjust the polarizer to achieve your desired effect. The K2 filter system consists of screw-on base filter holder rings, that you only have to screw onto your lens once, afterwards, the filters snap on magnetically. The system includes the K2 Island Slot, a gradient tool integrated for slide-in effect filters like gradient, glow mist, snow mist, and streak. The effect filters slide in from the top and can be rotated in any direction. Magnetic Filter System K2 – Source: Freewell True Color VND

Personally I use a UV filter on all my lenses for added protection from the elements or the extra safety it may provide in a fall thus it's a fantastic option, but not something that would have worked for my video camera. I have to use a step up ring to go from my Fujifilm's 58mm thread to the 77mm filter size I'm reviewing. The smallest filter size Freewell makes is 67mm meaning I needed to use a step up ring regardless thus I opted into using 77mm filters so I could interchange them from my video camera to my photography camera which has actually been fantastic — more on that later. Quality neutral density filters darken photos and videos without affecting color. A filter with high color accuracy contributes less color cast, which translates into less work in post fixing what the filter added. Alongside the distinct Island Slot for gradient filters like a graduated neutral density (ND) filter, snow mist, glow mist, and streak, the K2 filter system also includes circular variable neutral density (VND), circular polarizing (CPL), solid ND, and graduated neutral density (GND) filters. Next step is choosing between neutral density (to darken exposure) or polarization (to remove reflections and increase clarity). I can see the benefits of convenience for such an attachment mechanism over screw in filters. I assume that they have been tested on lenses attached to bodies employing magnet IBIS technologies (as opposed to springs) and that on such bodies there is no magnetic field interference.

These filters feel good to use. Yes, you need to be careful as with any type of photography filter, but you don’t have to worry as much as when you’d use all glass square / rectangular ones. They’re light but don’t feel hollow. Their magnetic capabilities make them really easy to swap around when you’re out in the field. No more unscrewing and fumbling with filter threads on location. Just set your base ring to your lens, and from then on, it’s just magnets doing their magic.