Dang never thought about this! Just checked and they have threads on the front I stack them over a black pro mist, not sure how stacking ND would affect the image with these but it could be worth a shot!
Idk why it took me so long to find your video here. I’ve been looking for a review with a practical workflow and sample footage about ND filters for video and this has been the best I’ve seen. Thank you!!
will definitely have to pick up a set. I sometimes film with my friend who’s got a bmpcc 6k pro and notice the ir pollution still. Nisi filters seem like that sweet spot for quality and price
Been shopping around for better ND filters for the exact same reasons you mentioned switching from VND. Seen talk about these NISI ones but after watching I'm pretty sold. Thanks man.
I have a Marumi ND16 that I'm really happy with, but have been looking for something with IR built in, so this is a great tip to look into Nisi. Appreciate it!
course! yeah I have- I made another video about switching to those! I find the nisi ones to be way better I dont miss the magnet feature either since I only use 2 filters
Would you recommend the nisi IRND ones even for cameras that have a strong enough IR Cut filter built in? (so anything besides Blackmagic) I still have the 3 stop and 6 stop IRND but I'm not sure if the IR Cut on the filter + IR Cut in my Camera (Z Cam S6, it's said to ebe very decent compared to BMPCC) might get weird, have you noticed like a weird effect or so? Can't get to test this myself for a couple days so I thought I'd ask :) Great video btw, thanks for that!
I was looking at the Nisi Swift VND system, but they have come out with a new set called Swift Full Spectrum ND kit of 3, 6 and 10 stops. They seem to be really good. Have you checked them out? I used to think a VND was better in terms of being able to dial in the exact aperture and then adjusting the vnd accordingly. However, from your video I seem to see that it isn't that big a deal. Using solid NDs would eliminate the need to stack filters and maintain image fidelity, so seems more advantageous. Has it bothered you much after moving to solid NDs that you had to move apertures around a bit to dial in exposure? Looks like I will get this new ND kit instead of a VND. Thanks for your video. Helpful!
Hi Thomas, thanks for the idea. I'm a newbie videography but well experienced in stills. I'm trying to ascertain what's the best ND approach for me. This vid helps so I liked and subbed. I need a solution for both 'serious' videography (pre-planned, not too much time constraint) and a quick opportunistic, travel, personal stuff, 'run n gun' (ie little or less time to fuss about). I'm trying to get the best from my FX3 and plan to rig from minimal to 'full kit' to adapt to different usage situations. I'd appreciate your opinion and experience on some ND queries. I own a Polar Pro 2-5 stop VND but think on occasion I will need more ND. Rather than just buy an expensive 2nd Polar Pro PM 6-9 VND in 82mm I wondered about using a screw-on fixed ND approach (like your NISI approach), but using a fixed 3 or 6 stop fixed ND either in isolation or with my PP 2-5 VND. This might be bad idea - I don't yet know enough to better inform my future spending, but can see several possible directions. Q1) Would fixed ND+VND work OK, or would I do better riding the aperture with just fixed NDs, poss combining 2 NDs eg 6+2 stop or 6+3 stop? Q2) Nisi or K&F Concept or another brand of fixed NDs (as it's a year since you did this vid and K&F are cheaper than Nisi, but maybe flawed)? Q3) What about Tilta and/or using higher quality (seriously expensive) cine type filters? Q4) Or newer alternative (but expensive) options like Polar Pro 'Mag Loc'? I also own a Tilta Mirage matte box (for a more serious less time constrained approach) with a 2-9 stop VND (some colour cast but theoretically OK with pre custom white balancing). I'm also buying into Cine ND 4x5.65 from SmallRig to add flexibility as the VND isn't really usable at max density without corner issues. I currently own a 2 and 4 stop and may buy more if I find that using large cine filters works out OK for me in more 'serious' mode. But I doubt I will travel with a bunch of cine filters, matte box et al for 'casual' opportunistic shooting.
Hi, thanks to share this interesting video. I need to ask a question please: I shoot only 4K videos in V-Log with my GH6 and Leica 12-60mm. Which solid ND filter (3 stops) can you suggest in outdoor please? Thanks
Thank you! I highly recommend the NiSi IRND Fixed filters, they're universal! Get a size that would work with a multitude of lenses, I usually cap out at 82mm since that's the largest I've found for most stills lenses, and you can use step up rings for the smaller ones. What base ISO is vlog for the GH6? Base ISO for slog3 is 640 and 12800, and both work really well with a 3 and 6 stop! I've never had issues needing more or less light (I of course stop down a tiny bit for micro adjustments)
Thanks Thomas for this review, by the way i have the a7iv with the sigma 24-70 f2.8 which filter would you recommend me for run and gun NISI VND 2-5 or 6-9 Stop? 6-9 is a not more for f1.4 lens ? Thanks
course! that's such a lovely lens I use a 3 and 6 stop for everything, those two filters cover all my needs without any issues A 2-5 would prob be ideal for most use cases, but I would recommend both I use a 6 stop and stop down anywhere from 2.8 - 8, just depends on your situations you're in I would get the nisi 3 and 6 stop if you dont mind swapping filters
hey bro! i was wondering if you think i’d be able to screw on my K&F black diffusion filter on top of these NiSi vnds? i’m thinking about getting the NiSi 1-9 stops kit, and was hoping to be able to stack them with my black diffusion filter :) thanks for your response, and phenomenal review!
thank you! yep I've used it on a 20mm with no issues, I'm sure it'll be the same for other lenses as long as the diameter matches or is bigger than the lens I have links in the description for that!
the ones that go in the tilta mirage mattebox? Taking a look at that setup I'm pretty happy with these. Mine are smaller, dont need a weird magnetic adapter, and the glass on the vaxis is exposed which is scary to handle haha Cool option though, I wonder how the glass performs
Yea, your kit is solid and 95mm is kinda weird. If you put a magnetic adapter on each one of them, they won't be exposed anymore. They work as good as nisi/tokina irnds though.
Been looking at VNDs today and like your workflow and reasoning with this setup. I may give them a go. My largest lens has 82mm, so I am wondering if stepping up 72 to 82 is okay?
Love it! Yep you’ll be fine, just buy some 82mm lens caps to throw on top of the rings I step up from everything between 55-77 to 82 with no issues- it’ll actually be better bc on wider lenses you won’t have filters with the filters
Great video, I would like to know if your movies are shot in Slog -2 or 3 or Cinetone. From what I understand you mostly use x64 without polarizer. If you use Cinetone do you use nd ? and what minimum iso
Thank you! All slog3 I primarily use the 3 and 6 stop ND for everything, while keeping base ISO at 640 / 12800 With the new FX3 update, in cine EI it’s now 800 / 12800
Hi Thomas. Can I ask you how you use them to expose correctly ? I make vlogs and the variable it’s pretty convenient when I want to expose. But if the ND is fixed. What would you do? Thank you Edit: I am always in Base ISO 800 or 12800
I’m always at base ISO, shutter is 180 unless I’m doing something for creative intention I’ll adjust aperture a bit- 3 and 6 is the sweet spot for me as I’m normally around f2.8 - 5.6
Dude your videos are clutch! Thanks! Definitely gonna use your affiliate links! Btw Do you have any recommendations for step down rings that you trust?
I appreciate it! Yeah! So I love those polar pro brass step up rings, you can find em on BH! They're expensive buuuut they're high quality. For minimal use step up rings (when I rent lenses) I'll buy cheaper ones: Amopofo, you can find those on amazon for like $7 each haha. They're metal at least
I'm still loving them! im now just using the 3 and 6 stop- haven't touched the 10stop or 6stop + pl at all. I love em! I'd love to find a 1 stop to add to the kit
Great vid! I have been searching for the best filters too and torn between NISI and Kolari pro filters. Most other youtubers are sponsered by a company so hard to get a true unbiased test. Have you tried the Kolari Pro filters? Todd Dominey has done an extensive test on these and compared them to a previous test with 8 others and beat the lot, however, NISI was not tested. PolarPro also do magnetic clip in filters which you can combine with any lens filter which could be handy.
Thank you! I actually haven’t heard of those, I’ll look into em! Oh I didn’t know that either with polar pro Overall I’ve been stoked on these filters, I wish I had them a long time ago haha
it does! naturally you have to adjust the polarizer according to the scene - other than that it gives a very nice image I never use it, I dont like the dark look skies get with polarizers - bc it's taking away that stray reflective light You should be okay with it, it just adds another step and variable
hey thanks! It's from waymark - google "waymark gear co" and you'll find it! I recommend other slings like the moment sling, I have a link in the description for that I use both frequently, the moment one is great for shoots as it's bigger and comfier The waymark one was my go-to before that moment sling, but I still use it for day to day stuff, not so much filmmaking anymore
I don’t like using it bc I don’t need PL often, I would just buy the 3 and 6 separately- I have links in the description in my recent videos I never use that 10 stop from that kit
The greatest problem with ND filters is not color cjhange, for this exist the color correction.....is the loss of sharpness!!!! and not speaking about variabiles filter (for me they not exist) but normal ND. I try one 500$ filter 1.2, and lost of sharpness is so dramatic that is impossible shooting at 4K.
Hmm I haven’t had the same experience! Yeah you can forsure color correct but cheap filters will definitely make things more difficult / degrade the image Were you shooting wide open? I’m using these nisi filters and it looks pretty much like internal ND
@@thomas.kovacik yes, T2.2, and the filter was, or is (i still have) Formatt Hitech Firecrest 1.2 Cinema 4 mm 100x150 mm ( I have 1.2 and 1.8 total 800$), Camera BMPCC 4K and lens Meike 35 mm cine mft
About to buy an fx3 and looking at vnd’s i took off the polar pro from my cart because of this comment. Im curious to find out what it is! I do run and gun style work very minimal so speed is crucial
Can you stack the nisi filters?
Dang never thought about this! Just checked and they have threads on the front
I stack them over a black pro mist, not sure how stacking ND would affect the image with these but it could be worth a shot!
Idk why it took me so long to find your video here. I’ve been looking for a review with a practical workflow and sample footage about ND filters for video and this has been the best I’ve seen. Thank you!!
The footage out of these is so clean.
Right? It’s pretty insane, definitely wish I had these a long time ago hah
Awesome video dude 🙌🏼
Thanks man!
will definitely have to pick up a set. I sometimes film with my friend who’s got a bmpcc 6k pro and notice the ir pollution still. Nisi filters seem like that sweet spot for quality and price
That would be a solid fit!
Been shopping around for better ND filters for the exact same reasons you mentioned switching from VND. Seen talk about these NISI ones but after watching I'm pretty sold. Thanks man.
love it! yeah those nisi filters are really solid!
Beautiful footage Thomas!
Appreciate it Kleber!
Your footage really does look absolutely perfect. Can’t argue with that. =)
thanks!
Just found your channel, best thing today!
epic! haha appreciate it!
this is outstanding work, thx !
Appreciate it!
Great video bro! Loved it!
Yew appreciate it!
I have a Marumi ND16 that I'm really happy with, but have been looking for something with IR built in, so this is a great tip to look into Nisi. Appreciate it!
Love these filters, I just need to get bigger filter size so i can cover more of my lens
What would be the next best option if I can’t find the fixed Nisi ones in my country ? 😢
Thanks for this info in this video!! Have you tried the Freewell fixed ND's?
course! yeah I have- I made another video about switching to those! I find the nisi ones to be way better
I dont miss the magnet feature either since I only use 2 filters
@@thomas.kovacik That's good to know! I'm going to try out the Nisi's. Maybe there's a company that makes magnetic adapters? haha
Would you recommend the nisi IRND ones even for cameras that have a strong enough IR Cut filter built in? (so anything besides Blackmagic) I still have the 3 stop and 6 stop IRND but I'm not sure if the IR Cut on the filter + IR Cut in my Camera (Z Cam S6, it's said to ebe very decent compared to BMPCC) might get weird, have you noticed like a weird effect or so? Can't get to test this myself for a couple days so I thought I'd ask :)
Great video btw, thanks for that!
I was looking at the Nisi Swift VND system, but they have come out with a new set called Swift Full Spectrum ND kit of 3, 6 and 10 stops. They seem to be really good. Have you checked them out?
I used to think a VND was better in terms of being able to dial in the exact aperture and then adjusting the vnd accordingly. However, from your video I seem to see that it isn't that big a deal. Using solid NDs would eliminate the need to stack filters and maintain image fidelity, so seems more advantageous. Has it bothered you much after moving to solid NDs that you had to move apertures around a bit to dial in exposure?
Looks like I will get this new ND kit instead of a VND. Thanks for your video. Helpful!
Hi Thomas, thanks for the idea. I'm a newbie videography but well experienced in stills. I'm trying to ascertain what's the best ND approach for me. This vid helps so I liked and subbed. I need a solution for both 'serious' videography (pre-planned, not too much time constraint) and a quick opportunistic, travel, personal stuff, 'run n gun' (ie little or less time to fuss about). I'm trying to get the best from my FX3 and plan to rig from minimal to 'full kit' to adapt to different usage situations. I'd appreciate your opinion and experience on some ND queries.
I own a Polar Pro 2-5 stop VND but think on occasion I will need more ND. Rather than just buy an expensive 2nd Polar Pro PM 6-9 VND in 82mm I wondered about using a screw-on fixed ND approach (like your NISI approach), but using a fixed 3 or 6 stop fixed ND either in isolation or with my PP 2-5 VND. This might be bad idea - I don't yet know enough to better inform my future spending, but can see several possible directions.
Q1) Would fixed ND+VND work OK, or would I do better riding the aperture with just fixed NDs, poss combining 2 NDs eg 6+2 stop or 6+3 stop?
Q2) Nisi or K&F Concept or another brand of fixed NDs (as it's a year since you did this vid and K&F are cheaper than Nisi, but maybe flawed)?
Q3) What about Tilta and/or using higher quality (seriously expensive) cine type filters?
Q4) Or newer alternative (but expensive) options like Polar Pro 'Mag Loc'?
I also own a Tilta Mirage matte box (for a more serious less time constrained approach) with a 2-9 stop VND (some colour cast but theoretically OK with pre custom white balancing). I'm also buying into Cine ND 4x5.65 from SmallRig to add flexibility as the VND isn't really usable at max density without corner issues. I currently own a 2 and 4 stop and may buy more if I find that using large cine filters works out OK for me in more 'serious' mode. But I doubt I will travel with a bunch of cine filters, matte box et al for 'casual' opportunistic shooting.
Hi, thanks to share this interesting video. I need to ask a question please: I shoot only 4K videos in V-Log with my GH6 and Leica 12-60mm. Which solid ND filter (3 stops) can you suggest in outdoor please? Thanks
Thank you!
I highly recommend the NiSi IRND Fixed filters, they're universal! Get a size that would work with a multitude of lenses, I usually cap out at 82mm since that's the largest I've found for most stills lenses, and you can use step up rings for the smaller ones. What base ISO is vlog for the GH6? Base ISO for slog3 is 640 and 12800, and both work really well with a 3 and 6 stop! I've never had issues needing more or less light (I of course stop down a tiny bit for micro adjustments)
Thanks Thomas for this review, by the way i have the a7iv with the sigma 24-70 f2.8 which filter would you recommend me for run and gun NISI VND 2-5 or 6-9 Stop? 6-9 is a not more for f1.4 lens ? Thanks
course!
that's such a lovely lens
I use a 3 and 6 stop for everything, those two filters cover all my needs without any issues
A 2-5 would prob be ideal for most use cases, but I would recommend both
I use a 6 stop and stop down anywhere from 2.8 - 8, just depends on your situations you're in
I would get the nisi 3 and 6 stop if you dont mind swapping filters
hey bro! i was wondering if you think i’d be able to screw on my K&F black diffusion filter on top of these NiSi vnds?
i’m thinking about getting the NiSi 1-9 stops kit, and was hoping to be able to stack them with my black diffusion filter :)
thanks for your response, and phenomenal review!
very nice video!did you use it on wide lenses? and if yes did you notice any distrortion?thanks!any link where i can buy it?
thank you! yep I've used it on a 20mm with no issues, I'm sure it'll be the same for other lenses as long as the diameter matches or is bigger than the lens
I have links in the description for that!
Confused when to use the 3 stop and when to use the 6 stop my sir 😢
Vaxis irnd 95mm + magnetic adapters gives pretty much the same results for less money + more ease of use.
the ones that go in the tilta mirage mattebox? Taking a look at that setup I'm pretty happy with these.
Mine are smaller, dont need a weird magnetic adapter, and the glass on the vaxis is exposed which is scary to handle haha
Cool option though, I wonder how the glass performs
Yea, your kit is solid and 95mm is kinda weird. If you put a magnetic adapter on each one of them, they won't be exposed anymore. They work as good as nisi/tokina irnds though.
Been looking at VNDs today and like your workflow and reasoning with this setup. I may give them a go. My largest lens has 82mm, so I am wondering if stepping up 72 to 82 is okay?
Love it! Yep you’ll be fine, just buy some 82mm lens caps to throw on top of the rings
I step up from everything between 55-77 to 82 with no issues- it’ll actually be better bc on wider lenses you won’t have filters with the filters
@@thomas.kovacik Great! I will give it a go then. Appreciate all the help.
How's the infra-red leak? Heard they're no good
Haven't had any issues! I know Matteo Bertoli uses them on the pocket cameras which have IR issues, I've used these on my FX3 and they're phenomenal!
Great video, I would like to know if your movies are shot in Slog -2 or 3 or Cinetone.
From what I understand you mostly use x64 without polarizer.
If you use Cinetone do you use nd ? and what minimum iso
Thank you! All slog3
I primarily use the 3 and 6 stop ND for everything, while keeping base ISO at 640 / 12800
With the new FX3 update, in cine EI it’s now 800 / 12800
Hi Thomas. Can I ask you how you use them to expose correctly ? I make vlogs and the variable it’s pretty convenient when I want to expose. But if the ND is fixed. What would you do? Thank you
Edit: I am always in Base ISO 800 or 12800
I’m always at base ISO, shutter is 180 unless I’m doing something for creative intention
I’ll adjust aperture a bit- 3 and 6 is the sweet spot for me as I’m normally around f2.8 - 5.6
@@thomas.kovacik Got it ! Thank you so much !
Dude your videos are clutch! Thanks! Definitely gonna use your affiliate links! Btw Do you have any recommendations for step down rings that you trust?
I appreciate it! Yeah! So I love those polar pro brass step up rings, you can find em on BH! They're expensive buuuut they're high quality. For minimal use step up rings (when I rent lenses) I'll buy cheaper ones: Amopofo, you can find those on amazon for like $7 each haha. They're metal at least
@@thomas.kovacik Thanks man! Just bought the Nisi's using your links! Appreciate you! keep making videos man, they're so good AND helpful!
hey, are you still using those in 2024 or would you recommend something different by now. thx in advance. love your content. best, Marc
I'm still loving them! im now just using the 3 and 6 stop- haven't touched the 10stop or 6stop + pl at all. I love em! I'd love to find a 1 stop to add to the kit
@@thomas.kovacik thank u
@@thomas.kovacikwhy would you need 1 stop?
There’s some scenarios where 3 is too much, so having the flexibility is nice
Great vid! I have been searching for the best filters too and torn between NISI and Kolari pro filters. Most other youtubers are sponsered by a company so hard to get a true unbiased test. Have you tried the Kolari Pro filters? Todd Dominey has done an extensive test on these and compared them to a previous test with 8 others and beat the lot, however, NISI was not tested. PolarPro also do magnetic clip in filters which you can combine with any lens filter which could be handy.
Thank you! I actually haven’t heard of those, I’ll look into em! Oh I didn’t know that either with polar pro
Overall I’ve been stoked on these filters, I wish I had them a long time ago haha
sorry i meant to say Kolari Pro do magnetic clip in filters too! my mistake.
Does the one with the polarizer look a lot different than the one without PL? I'm asking bcs in my country I can only buy the one with PL..
it does! naturally you have to adjust the polarizer according to the scene - other than that it gives a very nice image
I never use it, I dont like the dark look skies get with polarizers - bc it's taking away that stray reflective light
You should be okay with it, it just adds another step and variable
@@thomas.kovacik thank you very much. I bought the 3-step one, but I will invest into a 6 stop soon.
@@tomislavliposekhow’s it
@@PrudhviMitra amazing👌🏻 eliminates the glare from shiny surfaces and clouds
hey man, great video! where can i find the breast pouch from waymark. Dont find it
hey thanks!
It's from waymark - google "waymark gear co" and you'll find it!
I recommend other slings like the moment sling, I have a link in the description for that
I use both frequently, the moment one is great for shoots as it's bigger and comfier
The waymark one was my go-to before that moment sling, but I still use it for day to day stuff, not so much filmmaking anymore
@@thomas.kovacik thx mate. Unfortunately discontinued:(
@@joinjanis6986 ah man! Z packs - hilltop packs - hyperlight may have some
Those are other cottage backpacking companies
is fixed better than variable with regards to cross vignetting and such?
Yep! Since it’s just one piece of glass vs multiple
How important is a polariser filter for video?
depends on what you need! I use them when shooting with reflections - cars, windows, water, etc
They are great to always carry around
@@thomas.kovacik thanks man!
@@watzmaaname Also vegetation... trees, bushes. They can really "declutter" the image by getting rid of reflecting glare.
@@RobinParmar Noted, Thanks!
Is the 6 stop that comes with the kit bad ? If I can’t find a 6 stop no pl in time
I don’t like using it bc I don’t need PL often, I would just buy the 3 and 6 separately- I have links in the description in my recent videos
I never use that 10 stop from that kit
@@thomas.kovacik thank you
The greatest problem with ND filters is not color cjhange, for this exist the color correction.....is the loss of sharpness!!!! and not speaking about variabiles filter (for me they not exist) but normal ND. I try one 500$ filter 1.2, and lost of sharpness is so dramatic that is impossible shooting at 4K.
Hmm I haven’t had the same experience! Yeah you can forsure color correct but cheap filters will definitely make things more difficult / degrade the image
Were you shooting wide open? I’m using these nisi filters and it looks pretty much like internal ND
Also price isn’t always indicating quality, what brand were you using? Nisi and firecrest seem to be the best
@@thomas.kovacik yes, T2.2, and the filter was, or is (i still have) Formatt Hitech Firecrest 1.2 Cinema 4 mm 100x150 mm ( I have 1.2 and 1.8 total 800$), Camera BMPCC 4K and lens Meike 35 mm cine mft
@@thomas.kovacik Formatt Hitech Firecrest 1.2 Cinema 4 mm 100x150 mm
Moment filters are the worst I’ve ever seen. It’s like taking your footage from 4K down to 480 🤷♂️
hah, they're definitely better than the polar pro / tiffens! I picked up a new VND that is really really good, video coming soon on that
@@thomas.kovacikwhich one 😮
About to buy an fx3 and looking at vnd’s i took off the polar pro from my cart because of this comment. Im curious to find out what it is! I do run and gun style work very minimal so speed is crucial
nisi true color VND!