It’s a frustration many photographers encounter: standing under bright sunlight, needing to use a wide aperture for a shallow depth of field, or wanting to capture the silky motion of water, only to find the image overexposed. Add unwanted reflections bouncing off water or glass, and the challenge increases exponentially. This common issue demands a solution for light control and reflection management; without it, creative vision is limited, and perfect shots are often missed or require excessive post-processing to salvage, if they can be salvaged at all. Finding a versatile photography filter that could tackle both aspects efficiently seemed like a necessary step in elevating my own work.
When you step into the world of lens filters, you’re generally looking to overcome specific optical challenges that your lens and camera alone can’t handle optimally. Bright light requiring slower shutter speeds or wider apertures, harsh reflections that obscure details, or simply a desire to enhance colours and contrast directly in-camera are common motivations. The ideal customer for certain filters, particularly a variable neutral density (ND) and circular polarizer (CPL) combination, is often someone shooting landscapes, outdoor portraits, or videography where lighting conditions change frequently, or where reflective surfaces are part of the scene. If you primarily shoot indoors under controlled lighting, or you need extreme light reduction beyond ND32 (5 stops), this specific type of variable filter might not be your first choice; very dark scenes or super long exposures often benefit more from static, high-stop ND filters or even filter systems like squares.
Before you buy a filter, especially one that combines multiple functions, you need to consider a few key things. First and foremost is the thread size of your lens – filters screw directly onto the front, and they must match the diameter (look for the ‘ø’ symbol on your lens barrel or cap). Quality of the glass and coatings is paramount, as a poor filter can degrade your image quality despite its intended function. Variable ND filters are convenient but historically could introduce issues like colour casts or the dreaded “X” pattern at higher densities, so looking for filters designed to mitigate these problems is wise. Build quality and ease of use, including how smoothly the rings turn and how easily it attaches, are also important for practical shooting.
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Introducing the Product
The product I’ve spent a good deal of time using is the K&F Concept 77mm True Color Variable ND CPL Filter from their Nano-X Series. This is a 2-in-1 filter designed to combine the functions of a variable neutral density filter (ND2 to ND32, offering 1 to 5 stops of light reduction) and a circular polarizer (CPL). The promise here is versatility: control light intensity for motion blur or wide apertures in bright light, while simultaneously managing reflections and enhancing colours and contrast, all within a single filter that mounts onto your lens. When you purchase it, you typically receive the filter itself and a rather nice, protective case, often made of a synthetic leather material with a clever pull-tab for easy filter retrieval.
This specific filter is well-suited for photographers and videographers who frequently work in outdoor environments with varying light and potential reflective surfaces. It’s particularly useful for travel, landscape, and outdoor portrait work. While it offers significant convenience over carrying separate ND and CPL filters, it’s less ideal for scenarios requiring very high ND stops (like shooting the sun or extremely long daytime exposures over several minutes) or for use on ultra-wide-angle lenses at maximum ND density, where vignetting or slight pattern issues might still occur. Compared to older variable NDs or cheaper models, filters like this one often promise better colour neutrality and reduced pattern issues thanks to newer coating technologies and design features.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Combines Variable ND (ND2-ND32) and CPL in one convenient filter.
* “True Color” technology aims to minimize colour shift.
* Designed to avoid the “X” cross pattern within the ND range (ND2-ND32).
* High-quality AGC optical glass with 28 layers of multi-coating.
* Coatings offer waterproof and scratch-resistant properties.
* Solid build quality and includes a protective storage case.
Cons:
* Variable NDs may still introduce slight vignetting, especially at wider angles or maximum density.
* Some users report the ND and CPL rings can affect each other when adjusting.
* Lack of marked “click stops” for precise ND density settings can be frustrating.
* The filter’s size and knobs can prevent the use of a standard lens hood.
* The maximum ND32 (5 stops) may not be sufficient for all extreme bright light/long exposure needs.
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Features and Their Benefits in Detail
Having spent considerable time with the K&F Concept 77mm True Color Variable ND CPL Filter, I can speak to how its various features translate into real-world photographic advantages.
The most significant feature, of course, is the 2-in-1 Variable ND and CPL functionality. This is the cornerstone of the filter’s appeal. Traditionally, if you wanted to control light *and* manage reflections, you’d need two separate filters – a CPL and an ND (or even a set of NDs). This meant swapping filters on the lens as needed, which is time-consuming, increases the risk of dropping or damaging filters, and can introduce dust to your lens. With this combined filter, you screw it on once and have access to both effects simultaneously or individually. The variable ND (ranging from ND2 to ND32, offering 1 to 5 stops of light reduction) allows you to control the amount of light hitting your sensor. This is invaluable for creative control. Want to shoot a portrait at f/1.8 on a sunny day without blowing out highlights? Dial up the ND. Want to smooth out flowing water or capture cloud movement with a slow shutter speed? Add ND to extend your exposure time. The CPL function is activated by rotating the outer ring, separate from the ND adjustment. This allows you to cut out polarized light – the kind that causes reflections on water, glass, and even shiny leaves. By reducing these reflections, you can see into water, through windows, and enhance the natural saturation and contrast of elements like blue skies and green foliage. The benefit is immediate and tangible: increased versatility, less gear to carry, and the ability to react quickly to changing light and scene elements without missing a shot. You can adjust the degree of light reduction *and* the polarization effect independently (though there’s a note on some interaction, which I’ll cover later).
Another crucial feature, especially in variable NDs, is the claim of “True Color, Without Partial Yellow” achieved through their titanium coating technology. Older or lower-quality variable ND filters were notorious for introducing colour casts, often a green, yellow, or magenta tint, particularly at higher densities. This meant spending extra time in post-processing trying to correct the colour balance, which can be tricky and sometimes impossible without degrading the image. The K&F Concept filter with its Nano-X series and titanium coating aims to combat this. In my experience, while no variable ND is *perfect* across its entire range, this filter performs admirably in maintaining neutral colours. The dreaded strong colour shifts I’ve seen with some other variable NDs are largely absent here within the ND2-ND32 range. The benefit is significant: more accurate colours straight out of the camera, reducing editing time and preserving the natural look of your scene. This “true colour” aspect allows you to trust what you see in your camera’s live view or histogram more readily.
A common headache with variable ND filters, particularly when pushed towards their maximum density, is the appearance of an uneven dark pattern, often an “X” cross on images. This occurs due to the way variable ND filters are constructed (two polarizing layers rotated against each other). The design of this K&F Concept filter incorporates a self-locking frame and is calibrated to rotate infinitely between ND2 and ND32, aiming to prevent this phenomenon within this specified range. The fact that it has hard stops at ND2 and ND32 helps ensure you don’t accidentally rotate past the usable range where the “X” cross typically appears. The benefit is cleaner, more consistent light reduction across the frame, making the filter reliable within its advertised stops. However, it’s worth noting that on *very* wide-angle lenses (like 14mm or even 24mm), or sometimes right at the ND32 limit, some slight unevenness or the beginnings of the ‘X’ can still sometimes be observed by critical eyes, which is a limitation inherent in variable ND technology, not necessarily unique to this filter, but important to be aware of.
The choice of materials is also a key feature: the filter is made from AGC Optical Glass and features 28 multi-layer coatings. AGC glass is known for its high quality and clarity, which is essential for a filter that sits in front of your expensive lens. Poor quality glass can reduce sharpness and introduce aberrations. The multi-layer coatings serve multiple purposes. Primarily, they minimize reflections on the filter surfaces themselves, reducing the chance of flare and ghosting, especially when shooting towards a light source. The 28 layers are also designed to make the filter waterproof, scratch-resistant, and oil-resistant. In practical terms, this means raindrops bead up and roll off easily, dust and fingerprints are less likely to stick and are easier to clean, and the filter is more durable against the inevitable bumps and scrapes of field use. The benefit is clear: preserving the image quality of your lens, even with the filter attached, and ensuring the filter remains in good condition for longer, making it a reliable tool in various weather conditions. The ease of cleaning is a particular bonus when shooting outdoors.
Finally, the build quality and handling contribute significantly to the user experience. The filter feels solid in hand, constructed from high-quality aluminum. The rotation of both the ND and CPL rings is generally smooth, aided by the two small orange knobs that provide a good grip, especially in cold weather or when wearing gloves. These knobs make fine adjustments easier compared to gripping the entire slim edge of the filter. The included synthetic leather case is a nice touch; it’s compact, provides good protection, and the pull-tab mechanism for lifting the filter out is genuinely helpful. The smooth rotation is beneficial for making subtle adjustments to polarization or light reduction while composing your shot or filming a video. However, one minor disadvantage noted by some users (and occasionally experienced by myself) is that adjusting one ring (like the ND) can sometimes inadvertently slightly rotate the other (the CPL), requiring minor re-adjustment. Also, while the self-locking mechanism works well at the ND range extremes, the lack of distinct “click stops” between ND values means you have to judge the setting by looking at the markings or through the viewfinder/live view, which can be less precise than filters with stops. And as mentioned, the diameter and the knobs of the filter often mean that your standard lens hood won’t fit over it, which can be inconvenient when dealing with potential lens flare from angles not directly blocked by the filter itself. You’ll also likely need a larger lens cap than your standard one if you intend to leave the filter on the lens.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall feature set provides a powerful and convenient tool for photographers and videographers looking to gain more control over their images in variable lighting and reflective conditions. The combination of light control, reflection reduction, and the efforts to maintain true colour and prevent the “X” effect make this filter a compelling option for many.
User Feedback Summary
After digging through comments from other photographers who have used this filter, the consensus leans heavily towards positive experiences. Many users highlighted the excellent image quality achieved, noting that sharpness and detail were well-preserved. The convenience of having a variable ND and CPL filter in one unit was a frequently praised aspect, simplifying gear and workflow when shooting in varied conditions or near water and glass. The effectiveness of the polarising function in cutting reflections and boosting colours received several positive mentions. Reviewers also appreciated the premium feel of the packaging and the included protective case, which was seen as a sign of quality. The smooth operation of the rotation rings was generally liked, although a few noted the rings could occasionally influence each other slightly. While some users reported seeing minimal to no colour shift or “X” pattern within the ND2-ND32 range, a small number mentioned experiencing some vignetting or pattern issues particularly when using the filter on very wide lenses or right at the maximum ND setting. Overall, the sentiment is that this filter offers significant value and strong performance for its price point.
Concluding Thoughts
The challenge of managing dynamic lighting and pervasive reflections in outdoor photography and videography is a constant hurdle that needs effective solutions to avoid compromised image quality and missed creative opportunities. The K&F Concept 77mm True Color Variable ND CPL Filter offers a robust way to tackle these issues. It stands out as a great fit for many creators because it smartly combines two essential filters into one, simplifies your gear, and streamlines your process in the field. Furthermore, its focus on maintaining true colours and minimizing common variable ND artifacts like the “X” pattern makes it a reliable tool for achieving high-quality results directly in-camera. To explore this versatile filter further and see if it fits your photographic needs, click here.
Last update on 2025-07-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API