Shooting video outdoors can be a real headache, especially when the sun decides to make an appearance. I remember countless times trying to capture smooth, cinematic footage with a small camera, only to find everything hopelessly overexposed or suffering from choppy motion blur because I had to crank up the shutter speed. This inability to control the amount of light hitting the sensor under bright skies was incredibly frustrating and severely limited creative options. It’s a problem that absolutely needs solving if you want professional-looking results, otherwise, you’re stuck with unusable footage that doesn’t match your vision.
Neutral Density (ND) filters are essential tools for anyone serious about videography or long-exposure photography, particularly when working with cameras that have fixed apertures or limited built-in ND capabilities. They allow you to reduce the amount of light entering the lens without altering the colour balance, which in turn lets you use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures even in bright conditions. If you’re someone who shoots outdoors frequently with a device like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and you want to achieve that smooth, natural-looking motion blur characteristic of film (often referred to as the 180-degree rule, where your shutter speed is roughly double your frame rate), then an ND filter kit is a must-have accessory. The ideal customer is a content creator, vlogger, or enthusiast who uses their Pocket 3 in various lighting environments and wants greater control over their exposure and creative effects.
However, if you primarily shoot indoors under controlled lighting, or if you’re just starting out and aren’t yet concerned with shutter speed or aperture control, you might not need ND filters right away. For absolute beginners focused on just getting stable shots, the built-in capabilities of the camera might suffice initially. If you only ever shoot static subjects in consistent, moderate light, fixed ND filters or even no filters might be okay, but variable ND filters offer unmatched flexibility for dynamic shooting situations. When considering a purchase, think about the range of lighting you encounter, whether you want creative control over motion blur and depth of field, and how important ease of use and optical quality are to you. Also, consider the attachment method – for small gimbals, magnetic is usually far more convenient than screw-on.
- 【Osmo Pocket 3 ND Filters】 Specially designed for DJI Osmo Pocket 3, the kit includes 1x ND2-32 filter, 1x ND32-512 filter, and 1x tempered screen film.
- 【Variable ND Filter Kit】The ND2-32 filter with 1 to 5 f-stops is suitable for moderate lighting conditions, allowing slower shutter speeds and wider apertures. The ND32-512 filter with 5 to 9...
- 【Magnetic Frame Design】Ultra-thin design, thickness of only 2.0mm, thinner than the original DJI filters, switching on and off does not affect the gimbal lens, intentionally enhanced magnetism...
Introducing the Solution
Enter the K&F Concept Variable ND2-32 + ND32-512 Filter Kit Compatible with DJI Osmo Pocket 3. This kit is specifically designed for the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, aiming to solve those bright light shooting woes with a convenient, magnetic solution. The promise here is to give Pocket 3 users the ability to control exposure and achieve cinematic effects regardless of the ambient light. The kit includes two variable neutral density filters: one covering a range from ND2 to ND32 (1 to 5 stops of light reduction) and another spanning ND32 to ND512 (5 to 9 stops). It also thoughtfully includes a tempered screen film for the Osmo Pocket 3’s screen, a nice little bonus. Compared to needing a whole set of fixed ND filters or even the official DJI options, this filter kit offers versatility in a compact package. It’s clearly intended for users who want flexibility on the go without fumbling with multiple filters or dealing with screw threads on such a small lens. It might not be for someone who needs extremely precise, repeatable density values for scientific purposes, as variable NDs can sometimes have slight variations, but for practical video shooting, they are incredibly handy.
Here’s a quick look at the positives and negatives based on my experience and product details:
Pros:
* Variable density provides great flexibility on the fly.
* Magnetic attachment is incredibly convenient and secure.
* Slim design allows the gimbal to operate normally upon startup.
* Made with multi-coated optical glass for good image quality.
* Includes two filters covering a very wide range of lighting.
* Comes with a handy carrying case and a screen protector.
Cons:
* The indicator markings for density level can be quite small and hard to read.
* Variable ND filters can sometimes exhibit a slight colour shift or cross-polarization effect at their maximum setting (though K&F claims to minimize this).
* Some user feedback suggests potential inconsistencies in build quality or long-term durability for a minority of units.
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- 【58mm Lens Filter Accessories】This NEEWER lens filter accessory kit offers 9 pieces for your choice: UV/CPL/FLD filter, ND2/ND4/ND8 filter, tulip lens hood, collapsible rubber lens hood, snap on...
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Detailed Look at Functionality and Advantages
The core functionality of this K&F Concept filter kit lies in its ability to control light, and specifically, its *variable* nature. Instead of carrying several individual filters (like an ND4, ND8, ND16, etc.) and having to physically swap them out every time the light changes, these filters allow you to simply twist the ring to adjust the density.
Variable Neutral Density Functionality: Unlocking Creative Control
The kit comes with two variable ND filters: an ND2-32 and an ND32-512. This range is crucial because it covers everything from slightly bright conditions (like overcast days or indoors near windows, where ND2-32 helps) all the way up to incredibly intense sunlight (where ND32-512 is a lifesaver).
Why is this important? Primarily, it allows you to maintain a desirable shutter speed to achieve natural motion blur in your video. For cinematic video, the rule of thumb is to set your shutter speed to approximately double your frame rate (the 180-degree rule). If you’re shooting at 30fps, you want a shutter speed around 1/60th of a second. If shooting at 60fps, you aim for 1/120th. In bright sunlight, using a shutter speed like 1/120th or 1/60th would result in a completely blown-out, overexposed image because too much light is hitting the sensor for too long. ND filters reduce this light, allowing you to slow down the shutter speed while still getting a properly exposed image.
The ND2-32 filter is perfect for those transitioning light situations or moderately bright days. It gives you between 1 and 5 stops of light reduction. Need to knock down the exposure slightly to keep your shutter at 1/60th under partly cloudy skies? Twist it to ND4 or ND8. Want to open up your aperture a bit more for a shallower depth of field (though the Pocket 3 has a fixed aperture, this is a general ND benefit) or slow the shutter further for a subtle motion blur effect? Crank it closer to ND32.
When the sun is blazing, or you’re shooting bright snow or sand, the ND32-512 filter steps in. This offers a massive 5 to 9 stops of light reduction. This is where you can maintain that desired slow shutter speed even in harsh midday light. Imagine trying to capture a flowing waterfall or busy street traffic with smooth blur – this range makes it possible. Without these filters, your footage would look choppy with sharp motion or you’d have to drastically overexpose. The ability to quickly adjust between these densities by simply rotating the filter ring while it’s attached is incredibly efficient during a shoot when light conditions are constantly changing. It saves precious time and prevents missed shots compared to swapping out fixed filters.
Magnetic Attachment System: Convenience King
One of the standout features of these ND filters for Pocket 3 is the magnetic attachment. The filters snap securely onto the Pocket 3’s lens housing. This is a genius design choice for a small, handheld gimbal camera. Screw-on filters, while common for larger cameras, would be fiddly and time-consuming to attach and remove on a device this size.
The magnetic system is quick, secure, and easy. You simply bring the filter near the lens, and *snap* – it’s attached. Removing it is equally simple, though initially, you might feel a little resistance due to the strong magnets, which is actually a good thing as it means they won’t easily fall off. The convenience here cannot be overstated. When you’re moving from bright outdoors to shade, or as the sun starts to set, adjusting or swapping filters takes seconds, not minutes.
Crucially, the K&F Concept filters are designed to be ultra-thin (only 2.0mm thick). This is thinner than the original DJI filters. This thin profile is vital because it ensures the filter doesn’t interfere with the gimbal’s startup calibration routine or its range of motion. You can leave the filter on the lens without causing gimbal errors, which is a major plus for shooting efficiency. The intentionally enhanced magnetism means they stay put even during vigorous camera movements.
Optical Glass and Nano Coating: Protecting Quality
The material and coating of a filter are paramount for image quality. These K&F Concept filters are made from optical glass, which is the standard for high-quality lens filters. Optical glass minimizes distortion and maintains sharpness, ensuring the filter doesn’t degrade the image captured by the excellent Pocket 3 lens.
The filters also feature 28 layers of nano coating on both sides. This multi-layer coating provides several benefits. Firstly, it significantly reduces reflections and flare caused by light hitting the filter itself. This helps maintain contrast and prevent unsightly light artifacts in your footage, especially when shooting towards bright light sources. Secondly, the nano-coating provides a protective layer that makes the filters waterproof, dirtproof, and scratchproof. This is incredibly practical for a camera like the Pocket 3, which is often used in various environments outdoors. Water beads up and rolls off, dirt and fingerprints are easier to wipe clean, and the surface is more resistant to minor scratches that could ruin the filter (and your footage). This protection ensures the filters remain clean and optically clear for longer, preserving the quality of your shots over time.
Build Quality and Included Accessories
The filters feature an aluminium alloy frame, which provides a sturdy base for the optical glass and magnetic ring. While the overall feel is premium, as noted by some users and in my own observation, the density indicator marks are indeed tiny and can be difficult to align precisely, especially in bright light. This is a minor inconvenience but worth noting.
Beyond the two variable ND filters, the inclusion of a tempered screen film is a thoughtful addition. The Pocket 3’s screen is its primary interface and viewer, and keeping it scratch-free is important for usability and longevity. The compact carrying case is also practical, keeping the filters safe and easily transportable alongside your Pocket 3 gear. The K&F Concept Variable ND2-32 + ND32-512 Filter Kit provides everything you need to start controlling your exposure right out of the box.
What Users Are Saying
Having looked around online, many users seem quite pleased with this filter kit. People frequently praise the compact size, noting that the filters can often be left on even when the Osmo Pocket 3 is powered down without interfering with its mechanics. The magnetic attachment is a big hit, described as wonderfully secure and convenient. The quality of the filters themselves gets positive mentions, with many feeling they perform as well as more expensive options from “premium” brands, offering good value for the price. Users appreciate the flexibility the variable density provides, eliminating the need to constantly swap filters when light conditions change. However, some users have mentioned concerns about the small size of the indicator marks for the ND levels, making precise adjustments a bit tricky. There have also been a few isolated reports of potential quality issues or filters not holding up perfectly over time, although overwhelmingly, feedback is positive regarding build and performance for the cost.
Final Thoughts
If you’re using a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and finding yourself struggling with overexposed footage or lacking that smooth, cinematic motion blur when shooting in bright environments, then the K&F Concept Variable ND2-32 + ND32-512 Filter Kit is a highly effective solution. The problem of uncontrollable exposure in bright light is a significant limitation for creative video, and addressing it is essential for improving your footage quality. This variable ND filter kit is a great fit because it offers excellent versatility with its wide range of light reduction, is incredibly convenient thanks to the magnetic attachment that doesn’t impede gimbal movement, and provides solid optical quality with its coated glass construction. To check it out and take control of your Pocket 3’s exposure, click here to learn more.
Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API