K&F Concept Filter Set - Test & REVIEW - UV, CPL, ND4

Simple review and demonstration of K&F Concept K Series filters and how UV, CPL, and ND filters can improve your photos. @kfconcept

00:00 Intro
00:46 Unboxing
01:32 Sample Images/Testing

The images in these demos are meant to show average use. Truly great landscape photos require a lot of planning for time (season, time of day), place/location (the best spot to capture), weather, sun angles and more - all of which are planned sometimes months in advance and none of which were done for these tests. I wanted a basic test under very normal conditions.

We recommend the K Series filter set used in this video (affiliate link below) for casual photographers who need a set to get started or want to learn the basics about filters in photography. They are also very budget friendly as a set. If you are an advanced photographer or want very technical specs you can look at their X or X Pro series.

I used a Canon 5DII with 50mm f/1.8 for all images shown except the waterlily close up which was taken with a Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary. I love both of these lenses! I was shooting handheld or with a monopod. For better images you should use a tripod and a shutter release.

A few notes about UV filters. Most cameras have UV filtering built into the sensor so you may not notice any difference on images unless you are in very hazy conditions.

Special considerations for CPL filters are the way they are used. All CPL filters are meant to be used at a 90 degree angle from the sun. If not used properly or if they are poor quality filters, you might see a vignette or banding of light and dark shades, especially in the sky. I did not have this issue, but I was also using the filter at 90 degrees for all of my tests. The filter is rotated to increase or decrease the effect. CPL filters can also be use when you want to increase reflections for creative effect, not just decrease them.

ND filters come in different strengths or you can purchase a variable ND filter that can be rotated like the polarizer to increase or decrease the effect. The ND4 in this kit is a good strength for getting started, but as you advance you may want to look into stronger NDs or a variable one.

All said and done, the K Series is a bargain for this price point. Many filters in this price range will have plastic or cheaper metal rings that will cross thread, or have poor glass with bubbles or other defects. For $30-40 this is a great entry level set that did not have any issues. These were sent to me for free from K&F Concept to test. I would not review them positively if I did not honestly believe they would be a good basic set for beginners, amateurs, and casual photographers. However, if you really need the highest quality or are an advanced photographer, then don't try to save money here. Get a professional level set of filters. Good indicators of a professional filter will be more coatings, better transmittance, brass rings, among other factors, and they are usually sold individually and not in sets. A high price tag usually means better, but not always. The word pro or professional does not always mean better either. There is no industry standard for what constitutes "professional" gear in photography equipment. Anyone can label their filters as pro or professional. If you have any general questions about filters, feel free to message me, or contact the manufacturer for questions about a specific set or brand.

#focusedcamera #photofun