Stepping into the world of photography and videography often brings you face-to-face with challenging lighting conditions. There was a time when I struggled immensely shooting outdoors on bright, sunny days or dealing with harsh reflections off water or glass. Overexposure, blown-out highlights, and uncontrolled glare were constant battles. Finding a way to manage the amount of light hitting the sensor and simultaneously tackle unwanted reflections was crucial; otherwise, the resulting images and footage would be unusable, requiring heavy and often unsuccessful editing attempts later. A versatile camera lens filter like the K&F Concept 67mm True Color Variable ND CPL Filter would have been a game-changer for me back then.
When considering investing in a camera lens filter, particularly one designed to control light and reflections, it’s important to assess your specific needs. These types of filters primarily solve the problems of excessive brightness and polarized light. Excessive brightness prevents you from using wider apertures for shallow depth of field or slower shutter speeds for motion blur effects in bright conditions. Polarized light creates distracting reflections and reduces colour saturation. Therefore, someone seeking to capture smooth water or cloud movement, shoot portraits with blurred backgrounds in daylight, or enhance colours and contrast in landscapes (especially with water or sky) is the ideal customer for such a filter.
Conversely, if you primarily shoot indoors in controlled lighting, use flash extensively, or only work with subjects where reflections aren’t an issue, you might not need a neutral density (ND) or circular polarizer (CPL) filter. In a studio setting, for instance, ambient light isn’t usually a problem that necessitates filtering. For these scenarios, perhaps a protective UV filter or specific effect filters (like diffusion) would be more appropriate. Before making a purchase, you should always confirm your lens’s thread size (indicated by the ‘ø’ symbol on the lens barrel or cap), decide if you need a fixed ND filter or a variable one (variable offers flexibility across different light levels), consider if combining functions (like ND and CPL) is convenient for your workflow, and research the filter’s optical quality to ensure it doesn’t degrade image sharpness or introduce unwanted colour casts. Build quality and ease of use are also key considerations, as filters are often used in challenging outdoor environments.
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Introducing the K&F Concept 67mm Variable ND CPL Filter
The K&F Concept 67mm True Color Variable ND CPL Filter is a 2-in-1 solution designed for photographers and videographers looking to simplify their setup and gain versatile control over light and reflections. It combines a variable neutral density (ND) filter, offering 1 to 5 stops of light reduction (ND2-ND32), with a circular polarizer (CPL) filter. The promise here is convenience and enhanced image quality through features like true colour rendition and the elimination of the dreaded “X” cross effect common in some variable NDs. When you purchase this K&F Concept filter, it typically comes well-protected, often in a quality case or pouch.
This specific filter is best suited for photographers who shoot a variety of subjects in different lighting conditions, particularly outdoors, and want the flexibility of both ND and CPL effects without constantly swapping filters. It’s also great for videographers who need precise exposure control while filming. It might not be ideal for users who *only* need a very strong ND filter (more than 5 stops) or those who primarily use ultra-wide-angle lenses below, say, 24mm (on full-frame equivalent) where potential vignetting or subtle inconsistencies can sometimes be more pronounced.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Combines Variable ND (ND2-ND32) and CPL functions in one filter.
* Designed to maintain true colour without the common yellow cast.
* Features a self-locking frame to avoid the “X” cross phenomenon within its range.
* Made from high-quality AGC optical glass with multi-layer coatings.
* Coatings provide waterproof and scratch-resistant properties.
Cons:
* The CPL adjustment can sometimes affect the ND setting.
* The prominent adjustment ergots can make using a lens hood difficult or impossible.
* May show slight vignetting or unevenness at the widest angles and highest ND setting.
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Exploring the Features and Benefits
Having used this K&F Concept filter for a considerable time now, I’ve really gotten to grips with its capabilities and how it impacts my workflow and final images.
Integrated Variable ND and Polarizing Functionality
The standout feature is undoubtedly the 2-in-1 design, combining a variable neutral density filter and a circular polarizing filter into a single unit. This is incredibly convenient. Before getting a filter like this, I would often carry both a set of ND filters (or a variable ND) and a separate CPL filter. Swapping them out in the field, especially when conditions changed quickly, was a hassle and increased the risk of dropping or scratching the filters.
The variable ND function provides between 1 and 5 stops of light reduction (ND2 to ND32). This range is perfect for many outdoor shooting scenarios. For example, on a bright sunny day, if I want to shoot a portrait with a shallow depth of field using a wide aperture like f/1.8 or f/2.8, I can simply rotate the filter to reduce the incoming light and avoid overexposing the image. This is also invaluable for videography, allowing you to maintain a cinematic shutter speed (typically double your frame rate, e.g., 1/50s for 25fps) even in bright light, which is essential for natural-looking motion blur in video.
Simultaneously, the integrated CPL filter allows me to manage polarized light. This is incredibly effective for cutting reflections off water surfaces, allowing you to see through to the pebbles below, or removing glare from windows or wet pavement. Beyond reflection control, a CPL filter also deepens blue skies and enhances the saturation of colours, like green foliage, by reducing atmospheric haze and scattered light.
The benefit of having both functions in one is the sheer versatility and speed it offers. I can quickly adjust both the light reduction and the polarization effect with a simple turn of the filter ring. This is particularly useful when shooting dynamic scenes where lighting and reflections are constantly changing, such as seascapes or landscapes with moving clouds and water. While it adds slightly more thickness to the front of the lens compared to a single filter, the trade-off for the convenience is well worth it for me.
Maintaining True Color Rendition
A common pitfall with variable ND filters, especially older or cheaper models, is the introduction of a colour cast, often tending towards yellow or magenta, as you increase the density. This “partial yellow” or colour shift can be frustrating, requiring significant colour correction in post-processing, which isn’t always successful and can sometimes degrade image quality.
The K&F Concept 67mm True Color Variable ND CPL Filter specifically addresses this with what they call “titanium coating technology” as part of their Nano-X series. From my experience using it, the claim of maintaining true colour holds up remarkably well. Across the ND2 to ND32 range, I’ve noticed minimal to no noticeable colour cast. The colours captured through the filter look natural and accurate, very close to what I see without the filter attached (once exposure is compensated, of course). This feature is a huge time-saver in my workflow. I spend less time battling colour shifts in Lightroom or my video editing software, allowing me to focus on other aspects of image editing. The benefit is not just saved time, but also better-looking final results with more natural-looking colours.
Avoiding the “X” Cross Phenomenon
The “X” cross effect, or vignetting pattern, is another notorious issue with variable ND filters. It occurs when the two polarizing layers inside the filter misalign as you rotate to higher ND densities, creating a dark, uneven ‘X’ shape across the image, often more pronounced at wider angles. Many variable ND filters suffer from this, rendering the higher stops unusable.
K&F Concept tackles this with a “self-locking technology” frame. The filter is designed to rotate infinitely but has marked stops and a mechanism that prevents you from rotating past the usable ND32 (5-stop) limit. While it rotates smoothly through the 1 to 5 stops, it physically cannot rotate further into the range where the “X” cross typically appears due to misalignment. I’ve tested this filter on lenses ranging from moderate wide-angles (around 24mm equivalent) up to telephoto lenses within its specified ND range, and I have not encountered the prominent “X” cross pattern. There might be some *slight* vignetting or fall-off at the extreme corners when using it on very wide lenses at ND32, but it is far less intrusive and much easier to correct than the harsh “X” shape. The benefit here is that the entire ND2-ND32 range is genuinely usable, giving you consistent light reduction without ruining your shot with an ugly artifact.
High-Quality Optical Glass and Coatings
The foundation of any good filter is the glass it uses and the coatings applied to it. This K&F Concept ND CPL filter is made from imported AGC optical glass, a reputable material known for its clarity and lack of distortion. The glass element feels solid and well-made.
On top of the high-quality glass, it features 28 layers of multi-coating. These coatings serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they help reduce reflections *within* the filter itself, minimizing flare and ghosting, which is crucial for maintaining image contrast, especially when shooting towards bright light sources. Secondly, the coatings provide practical benefits like being waterproof and scratch-resistant. I’ve used this filter in misty conditions and near splashing water, and droplets bead up and roll off easily, making cleaning simple. The scratch resistance adds peace of mind when handling the filter in the field or cleaning it. The combination of quality glass and advanced coatings ensures that the filter doesn’t degrade the sharpness, contrast, or overall image quality produced by your lens. High-definition image quality is the promised result, and based on my experience, it delivers.
Practical Design and Build
Beyond the optical performance, the physical design of the variable ND CPL filter is well-thought-out. The frame is constructed from durable aluminum. The rotation of the ring to adjust the ND and CPL effect is smooth and feels precise, offering a good level of tactile feedback. The presence of two prominent orange ergots (small handles) on the outer ring makes it much easier to grip and rotate the filter, especially when it’s cold or you’re wearing gloves. This is a small detail, but it significantly improves usability compared to filters with narrow, smooth rings. The filter screws onto the lens thread smoothly, with no binding or sticking issues reported or experienced by me. The included carrying case is also a nice touch, providing good protection for the filter when it’s not in use.
One minor drawback related to the design, which other users have noted and I’ve experienced, is that the prominent ergots can interfere with attaching a standard lens hood. On some lenses, the hood simply won’t fit or lock into place with the filter attached. This means you have to be more mindful of potential flare and rely on other methods like using your hand or a flag to block stray light. Also, as mentioned in the cons, while the filter rotates smoothly, adjusting *just* the CPL without slightly nudging the ND setting requires a very delicate touch, as the two rings are interconnected in their movement, though the intention is for the outer ring to control both CPL and ND density together. Despite these minor points, the overall build quality and usability are high.
Customer Feedback
Having looked around online and seen feedback from others who have used this camera lens filter, the sentiment is largely positive. Many users appreciate the convenience of combining the ND and CPL functions into one filter, highlighting the saving in gear and setup time. The build quality and the included storage case often receive praise for their premium feel. Photographers have commented favourably on the filter’s ability to maintain true colours and avoid the ‘X’ cross issue, particularly within its specified ND range. The effectiveness of the polarizer in managing reflections and boosting colours is also frequently mentioned as a strong point, useful for everything from landscape photography to capturing tricky shots through glass. While most users are very happy with the performance for the price, a few have noted the integrated nature means adjusting the CPL independently of the ND can be tricky, and the physical design sometimes interferes with using a lens hood, minor points in an otherwise well-regarded product.
Final Thoughts
If you’re tired of carrying multiple filters, struggling with overexposure in bright conditions, or battling unwanted reflections and dull colours in your photos and videos, a filter that combines ND and CPL functionality is likely the solution you need. Leaving these issues unresolved can severely limit your creative possibilities and lead to countless hours spent in post-processing, often without achieving the desired result. The K&F Concept 67mm True Color Variable ND CPL Filter offers a compelling solution. Its 2-in-1 design provides excellent versatility for controlling both light intensity (1-5 stops) and polarized light effects. The commitment to true colour rendition sets it apart from many variable NDs, and the effective prevention of the ‘X’ cross artifact within its range makes it genuinely usable. Overall, it’s a well-built, optically sound lens filter that simplifies your gear while enhancing your ability to capture stunning images directly in camera. If you’re looking for a versatile tool to add to your kit, click here to check the product out.
Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API