82mm Black Diffusion 1/4 & 1/8 Filter Kit Dream Cinematic Effect - Nano-Xcel

So I think a lot of folks involved in video product are very familiar with the Tiffen Black Pro Mist filters. This is K&F's version of that filter. I will go into what I think about the filter but you can also judge for yourself in one of the pictures in this review where I show you the same image; the first without the filter then with the filter.

One of the results you get with a filter of this type is blooming of the highlights. This filter does quite a good job of that. Comparing the bloom to the Tiffen line I would say it falls between Tiffen's 1/2 and 1/4 strength with it being closer to the 1/4. The highlight fall of was strong but natural in my opinion. Keep in mind the light in the image fills the frame so you are seeing this particular effect of this filter at it's most extreme. You won't see that much blooming in a more natural setting. Take a look at the highlights on the camera. To me the K&F filter had a great effect on the highlight roll off which was very smooth.

The other effect you get with a black mist filter is the slightly reduced contrast and the slight softening of the shadows. To me I thought this filter did this quite well. If you look at the texture on the handle of the camera in the image you can see how it's just sort of softened that texture. Imagine shooting a person and you can imagine how much you would be able to smooth out the skin.

It also comes in a nice little screw together plastic case. Inside the case are these little rubber stopper than prevent the filter from sliding around in the case. I love the attention to detail here.

So compared to the Tiffen version of this lens at the size I got which was 82mm the K&F Black Mist is about $40 cheaper. I think you are getting a lot of value for your money here. I can't wait to try out this filter on some upcoming shoots.

I think K&F is making a move into higher end filters and if this filter is an example of the kind of quality they can produce, I can't wait to see what filter they release next.

Great filters from K&F. I lean towards using the 1/8th. Over the 1/4 but everyone is different. Not sure why the case has to be that big though. Its noticiable in your camera bag/Nanuk case.

If you’re looking for some good quality black diffusion filters, it’s hard to beat K&F Concepts at this price point. The quality of materials, fit and finish. And overall clarity and effects of this product, provides a fantastic way to add a great tool to your photography toolbox.

At the time of me writing this, many people have already described these filters abilities and what you can get out of them, so I’m not going to get into any of that. I will however agree with the abilities of these two lenses and say that I’ve found them to achieve exactly what I hoped for and with a clarity and quality you’d expect.

Overall, this product is made very well, it fits perfect on my lens and does a fantastic job at what it’s intended to do. If you would like to add the abilities of black diffusion filters to your bag of tricks, this is a great choice that I highly recommend for this price point.

I have included some pictures and video to help show the quality of the product. I hope you found this information to be helpful in your decision.

These black diffusion filters are fantastic for giving a softer appearance to photos and portraits. I use them with a mirrorless camera and love experimenting with the 1/4 and 1/8 filters for different effects. They fit my lens perfectly and they feel like they're high quality. The cases they come with are nice as well. I recommend them for sure.

I think people are sleeping on these K&F diffusion filters. I have been using these for some time and I have been really impressed with them. In fact I see little difference between these and the Tiffen Black Pro Mist filters that cost a heck of a lot more. I mean think about it...these are diffusion filters. They aren't supposed to be perfect. They are meant to give your image a softer look by diffusing the light a bit. They provide some nice bloom to the highlights as well.

The 1/8 strength filter is a great all around filter that I use for a lot of my shoots. I only go to the 1/4 strength one when I am looking for that really dreamy look.

I'm thrilled!

Although I only did a quick test with my phone after unpacking, I'm convinced that I can take really cool portrait and wedding photos with both filters.

Quality-wise, there's nothing to complain about; the diffusion grains look even and good. The filters also screw on perfectly. Attached is a comparison image shot with my Sony A7IV at 85mm f1.8.

K&F contacted me to test the new Black Mist filter.
It is a filter designed for videos and to give a "vintage" touch to the final result.
In short: beautiful result even for photography. It is a useful filter for portraits or for landscape or storytelling reportage. You do not lose sharpness and you get a much less "shot" light that also expands in the shaded area.
It is a filter to be used in photography with large apertures and which "tells" an atmosphere.

But let's start from the beginning.
Packaging / handling: In addition to the plastic box, the filter is inserted in a very resistant and protective snap-on case. The filter is screw-type (rightly because it was created for videomakers and in any case up to a diameter of 82). I would have preferred a cardboard box. But the case that you can see in the photo (the round one) is very useful and sturdy. The filter is resistant and fits well to all the lenses to which I have mounted it.

Technical review:
It has no dominant details, so it leaves the colors similar to the photo taken without a filter. Great!
It does not lose light, there is no need to increase the ISO when it is mounted. Great!
The sharpness in the details (and here comes the beauty) remains almost unchanged. You DO NOT lose sharpness in the areas in focus even if I would not use it in ultra-defined landscape photography, but for a storytelling, outdoor or portrait set absolutely yes.
Autofocus is unaffected by the filter, at least not on the Nikon D750 with fixed lenses.

Usage / Effect: it is a filter that gives a “glow” effect to photos, very particular especially for videos and for portraits in harsh light or backlight.
The highlights are dimmed but without becoming dull, moreover the light "enters" the shadows, giving a very soft "glow" effect. Great for portraits or to give a more dreamy atmosphere, it removes clarity from the image in high contrast areas.

In the photos you can see a couple of unfiltered / filtered comparisons, two portrait photos set and what comes to you.

Result in short: it is a filter that you do not think can enter your kit, but when it does it has such a particular result that you would try it in any situation. A must try!

I recently ordered a 1/4 & 1/8 set of black mist filters, but when the filters arrived they had shipped a 1/2 instead of the 1/8.

I reached out to K&F customer support and Julie responded back quickly. I explained the mix up and she immediately said they would send the correct 1/8 filter that I ordered, at no additional cost. I received the filter and I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

These days that kind of customer service is hard to find, but the good folks at K & F made it right and earned my trust as customer in the future. Buy with confidence and know that their customer service is truly that, great service to the customer.

Very good quality 100% recommended, spectacular images

Product Review: K&F Concept 82mm 1/8 and 1/4 Black Diffusion Filter Set

After using these for over a year now, I can say that I highly recommend the K&F Concept 82mm 1/8 and 1/4 Black Diffusion Filter Set. This set of two filters is a great way to add a soft, dreamy look to your photos. The filters are made of high-quality Japanese AGC optical glass with double-side polishing technology, which ensures high image quality and reduces glare. The filters are also waterproof, scratch-resistant, and oil-proof, so they can withstand the elements.

I've used these filters for a variety of photography projects, including portraits, landscapes, and street photography. I've found that they work best in low-light conditions, as they help to soften the light and create a more atmospheric look. The filters also help to reduce blemishes and wrinkles on skin, which is great for portrait photography.

Overall, I'm very happy with the K&F Concept 82mm 1/8 and 1/4 Black Diffusion Filter Set. They're a great way to add a touch of magic to your photos.

Pros:

High-quality Japanese AGC optical glass
Double-side polishing technology
Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and oil-proof
Softens light and creates a dreamy look
Reduces blemishes and wrinkles on skin
Cons:

Can be a bit pricey
Not as effective in bright light
Overall:

I highly recommend the K&F Concept 82mm 1/8 and 1/4 Black Diffusion Filter Set. They're a great way to add a touch of magic to your photos.