55mm Combination Soft & Mist Lens Filter 28 Multi-Layer Coating Waterproof Scratch Resistant Cinematic Effect Filter for Vlog, Portrait Photography - Nano-Xcel Series

Picture one: before
Picture two: after
Sony a74 with sony GM 1635 at 35mm, shutter 1/4000 F2.8 ISO 3200 white balance at 5500K
The filter added a bit of white to the shadow, and concrete.

The K&F Concept soft filter is an optically high quality piece of glass that begs the question, do we really need it?
The answer is yes and no.

In this digital age of numerous post production filters, the effect can easily be rendered by an experienced digital artist. The key here is experienced. To achieve the subtle soft focus effect in post is to have the opinion that less is more.
We tend to overdo FX and often the result is exaggerated and amateurish. The K&F filter keeps the subtlety in check and when used appropriately, the results can look quite good with little effort or experience.
The overall quality of the image with vary by the photographer's skill of course.

I really like K&F Concept filters, even their entry level series are very well made and quality pieces. This filter has a metal ring and the glass really looks high quality, overall it's built very well. The glass is clear with no noticeable distortion and resulting images and videos it produces have that soft, cinematic look to it and I really enjoy playing around with it seeing what kind of cool shots I can get. I have zero complaints with the lens filter and so far, I've been extremely happy with it.

I've been using various K&F Concept filters for years, so I was particularly curious about this combination filter of soft and crap effect — especially for portraits and night shots. The filter does exactly what is promised: it provides a softer, dreamier image with a slight glow around light sources without the entire image losing sharpness. This is particularly appealing when there is backlight and selective light sources — faces look a bit softer, lights glow pleasantly cinematic.

What I like: The filter is manufactured to a high quality, is easy to screw onto the lens and looks sturdy. The effect is visible, but not exaggerated — it develops its character, especially in weaker light. In daylight, the difference is more subtle, but still visible when you look closely. For me, it's a good mix — not too much, but enough to achieve a specific look directly when shooting or filming, without having to tinker with lengthy effects in post-production.

Sure, a lot of it can also be created with Lightroom or Photoshop — but anyone who likes to work creatively “in the camera” or appreciate the analog look will certainly appreciate this filter. I now regularly use it for portraits and twilight shots — especially when I want to achieve that soft vintage look without the image looking artificial.

For the price, this is a very successful tool for anyone who wants to give their pictures more atmosphere and character — with little effort but a visible effect.

I have other K&F Concept filters and feel they have a good reputation. My overall impression of this soft and mist effect filter is positive. I really like the softening effect without losing a lot of detail plus you get only a hint of bloom on highlights. The bloom isn’t the over the top look like some mist filters, but more natural looking. It’s dreamy and slightly smoothing without looking like it was a “pushed” effect. I really like it. I had no issues with color casting and colors remained true in side by side shots with and without the filter. I did not notice vignetting on any of my test shots.

The build quality of the filter is excellent. The metal frame is machined well and I had no issues with screwing in the filter. The glass is premium quality. You also get a nice filter case to keep it in. It is a nice hard plastic case that screws tight.

I would recommend this filter.

This filter that I took in 82mm for my Canon 16-35 and Samyang 35-150 gives a cinematic look, this soft effect is just what you are looking for, because today's cameras or cameras give a very precise, very sharp rendering and in cinema and even in artistic photos, you want something exactly that this filter provides.

So doing all this in post production can be cheaper and less expensive because this filter is still quite expensive, especially with a large diameter, but it is really qualitative!

K&F Concept may not be the most famous brand in the world but this particular filter works wonders, and I was skeptical about the combined effect because usually these two-in-one things don't usually work well.

The glass has a very subtle matte finish that when you look at it up close it seems to be tarnished, but it is precisely this effect that softens the high lights without destroying the image. The best thing is that you don't have to go around removing and putting different filters depending on what you need, this one does both things at the same time and the result is very natural, nothing exaggerated. In the portraits I have taken these days, you can see a lot of difference, wrinkles and skin imperfections are softened but without giving that plasticized look that some cheap filters give, and the lights have that beautiful cinematic glow that is so fashionable now.

The filter creeps smoothly into my 67mm lens and I haven't noticed vignetting or anything unusual, although it's true that the overall contrast drops a bit, but that can even be an advantage depending on what you're looking for. The only thing I didn't like very much is that when I combine it with my variable ND filter, sometimes strange reflections appear, but hey, that happens with almost all filters when you stack them. The box it comes in is great for keeping it protected in the backpack without fear of being scratched.

If you're after the dreamy, soft look of a vintage film this might be what you're looking for. The 1/4 strength is noticeable when you're shooting point-light sources at night, causing this beautiful glow. During the day, it gives the highlights in your image a dreamy glow, taking that "digital edge" off of your sharp lenses. It doesn't shift colors in any noticeable way either, which is a bonus. Overall, I'm a fan of K&F filters and love the look this filter provides!

Excellent filter from K&F. Gives some interesting looking effects and I used it for a wedding I attended and for some photos of my newborn grandson. I just don't see myself using it too often, as the effect is good only for specific shots.

I purchased this 1/4 diffusion filter to intentionally soften the overly crisp, sharp look that modern digital sensors produce, especially when shooting portraits. My intent was to create a gentle, cinematic bloom around highlights, giving my images and video vlogs a more classic, film-like aesthetic.

What I Like About the Product (Pros)
The overall quality and effect are superb. The diffusion is consistent across the frame, giving strong highlights a beautiful, soft glow that truly elevates a portrait without making the whole image look blurry. I also appreciate the quality of the glass coating. I have noticed virtually no color shift when using this filter, which is a huge benefit compared to some cheaper filters that introduce an unwanted tint.

Drawbacks to the Product (Cons)
Like any diffusion filter, it does slightly reduce overall image contrast and detail, but this is an expected part of its function, not necessarily a fault. However, you must be careful when shooting directly into a strong light source or the sun; the blooming effect can sometimes become a little too strong and wash out a small portion of the image. It simply requires careful composition.

Setup
Attaching this filter is as simple as any standard lens filter. It took me mere seconds to screw it onto my 67mm lens. The threads on the aluminum frame are smooth and fit perfectly, which is a significant relief when I am changing filters quickly while on location.

Build/Quality/Durability
The quality of the optical glass is premium. The filter feels solid yet lightweight, and the multi-layer coating appears to live up to its claims. I have already wiped it down a few times after dusty shoots, and there are no signs of scratching.

Fit/Functionality
The 67mm size fits my lens thread perfectly. The 1/4 mist strength is the ideal choice for subtle work; it is noticeable enough to achieve that cinematic atmosphere but is still restrained enough not to make the images look overly hazy. It does a beautiful job of smoothing out skin tones on subjects.

Care for product
Because of the protective coatings, cleaning is very straightforward. Dust and minor fingerprints wipe away easily with a simple puff of air and a microfiber cloth. The waterproof feature is also great for when I am shooting in unexpected drizzle; moisture beads up instantly, allowing for quick cleaning without leaving streaks.

Ease of use
This filter is a set-it-and-forget-it type of tool, making it incredibly easy to use. Once screwed onto the lens, it immediately applies the effect. There are no extra settings to adjust or buttons to press, which makes it perfect for fast-paced commercial or event photography.

Price for value
For the quality of the optical glass and the consistent, professional-grade effect it delivers, the purchase price is an excellent value. It performs on par with diffusion filters from more expensive, established brands. It is a cost-effective way to get a stylish, classic look right out of the camera.

Summary and Recommendation
This K&F CONCEPT mist filter has become a critical element in my portrait and video kit. It is a fantastic tool for adding a desired artistic atmosphere, softening harsh digital sharpness, and creating a consistent, lovely glow. Despite the need for care when shooting directly into light sources, I would definitely recommend this product to any photographer or videographer looking to easily achieve a more cinematic or gentle vintage aesthetic.