The K&F fixed nd filters have a groove at the end of each side to grab them securely and remove them. It takes a few tries to get it right, but once you do it's hard to miss again.
An excellent tutorial! Thank you. I suggest you don't butcher your fingernails down to the bone. Leave 1mm or 2mm of nail. Helps removing the filter. Also keep a fiber cloth handy to wipe the filter. It's difficult not to get fingerprints on them during installation and removal of the filter. And as another commenter wrote, I also wish K&F had a VND 8-64.
Thanks for the informative video! I have the K&F VND2-32 & VND32-512 filters and also the Neewer ND/CPL 8, 16, 32 &64 set. I dislike the color shift of the K&F filters and the X pattern that appears when I get to the upper range of each filter. I much prefer the Neewer filters because they don't alter the colors. I find the Neewer 32 suits my needs during the day when hiking and cycling in either overcast or sunny conditions in Osaka (seems like you live here, too). I set the ISO on Auto 50-800 and I set the PL at full strength. This is what I use 90% of the time. I don't use any filter at night or indoors, but in the late afternoon I might switch to the Neewer 8. I've never used the 64. For me the K&F VND2-32 was a complete waste of money, but I may try using the VND32-512 for time lapse shots.
Thanks for your insight. I don't have a fixed ND32, which would be very useful, since it is my most used setting on the VND. However, ND32 isn't strong enough for me on sunny days so I do often need to dial in ND64. Perhaps you are shooting with a faster shutter speed than 1/50 or 1/60?
Great video and great explanations. I did not know VND's had a polarizing effect. I really wish K&F (or anyone else) would come out with a 3-7 stop VND that allowed the gimbal to close. That would be more ideal than the 1-5 and 5-9. I find myself using 4-6 stops most of the time. Another thing I've realized is that for vlogging and run and gun (non pro) work, getting a perfect 180 degree shutter is not necessary. I can still see motion blur at 1/100 and it isn't visibly odd until you start getting over 1/200 or 250 (at 24, 25 or 30fps). So, what I do is to get in the darkest part of where I'm filming (or just get in the shade) and set the ND where I'm getting something less than 1/100 when exposure is set to auto at either -0.3 or 0.7 compensation) and then leave it there until the lighting conditions change dramatically (for example golden hour turns into blue hour).
Great points and thanks for the kind words! 😊I agree that 4-6 stops is the most useful range, which does mean the 1-5 and 5-9 split of the VNDs a bit awkward. Your approach to setting exposure sounds smart and I agree, a perfect 180 degree shutter isn't necessary unless you're shooting something very specific. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Can say that i've noticed that , I was like damn the quality downgrad while using my vndpl even if its convenient. I could clearly see a change of quality.
I would have much preferred if the k&f vnd filter would have been a dual circular polarizer, instead if duel linear polarizer (which I assume this is). Because with dual circular polarizers you don't need to worry about the angle to the sun, as it just creates the vnd effect, whereas dual linear creates a polarization which doesn't fit with the vnd concept imo, because theres no way to really controll this effect on these filters. Only way would be to turn the entire filter, which isn't possible because it's rectangular.
Safest way to adjust it is to turn the camera off and adjust it. I have adjusted the VND and switched fixed ND filters all while the camera is on. My Pocket 3 has been ok, but it might pose some risk to the gimbal motor.
I've adjusted the filter while the camera was on to see the correct dial in but I suggest you do it very carefully which for some will be difficult as the filter is so tiny.
Hey on Amazon UK, you can get the K&F CPL & black mist 1/4 & variable nd 2-32 filters for £34, or you can get the bundle without the CPL for £25, is it worth getting the CPL? or should i just go for the variable nd and black mist filter?. Can you stack k&f filters on top of each other?
I made a video on CPL filters which can help you decide whether it is worth getting or not. I can stack all my K&F filters, but I don't have the Black Mist filter so I'm not 100% sure on that one. However stacking a CPL with a VND would be quite fiddly, as you could accidentally rotate the other dial, and wouldn't be able to see the markings on the bottom filter.
@@captureguide Thanks for your reply, Yes i have seen that video and i don't think I need it to be honest. However, it's cheaper getting all 3 in the bundle. K&F sell the Variable ND & 1/4 black mist filter separately, but they also have a combined version of the 2, I think it would be better to get the separate version for flexibility. Could you stack the ND filter last to avoid the problem of not seeing the dials as you said?
@@vgplay4850 You can stack the VND on top of the black mist filter or vice versa, but the stacking order could make a subtle difference in terms of things like diffusion amount or potential vignetting. While I think the combined ND/Black Mist is more ideal for that very specific use-case, I agree that the flexibility of having them separated makes more sense. There will probably be times when you don't want the black mist filter, and also times when you either don't want any light reduction (since ND2 is the minimum) or want a stronger ND filter (which you could buy separately in the future). And as I mentioned in the video a VND at maximum ND strength can have noticeable polarization artifacts.
@@captureguide Thank you for your reply. Do you think it's worth getting the 1/4 black mist filter or the 1/8? The bundle I mentioned earlier includes 1/4 but I have read that it can be quite strong? It is cheaper to get the 1/4 as part of the bundle with a Variable 2-32ND & CPL but if the diffference of the black mist filter strengths are a lot then maybe i'd get the 1/8 seperately and the VND separately. what are your thoughts?
Why do I feel like the "downside" of VNDs actually contribute to a better picture..? I did like all the right side ones 4:25
I agree. I enjoyed looking at the right more than the left.
I just recently got into playing around with ND filters, and this helps quite a bit. Appreciate the demonstration and use case!
I use the k&f ND/PL kit of 8-32 and I’m ever pleased with it. Nice comparison
The K&F fixed nd filters have a groove at the end of each side to grab them securely and remove them. It takes a few tries to get it right, but once you do it's hard to miss again.
An excellent tutorial! Thank you. I suggest you don't butcher your fingernails down to the bone. Leave 1mm or 2mm of nail. Helps removing the filter. Also keep a fiber cloth handy to wipe the filter. It's difficult not to get fingerprints on them during installation and removal of the filter. And as another commenter wrote, I also wish K&F had a VND 8-64.
Thanks for the tips! You're right about the fingernails, much easier when they're longer!
very well done comparison for these filters .
I agree for the convenience variable ND are great
Great insights, just what ive been looking for. thanks!
Thanks for the informative video! I have the K&F VND2-32 & VND32-512 filters and also the Neewer ND/CPL 8, 16, 32 &64 set. I dislike the color shift of the K&F filters and the X pattern that appears when I get to the upper range of each filter. I much prefer the Neewer filters because they don't alter the colors. I find the Neewer 32 suits my needs during the day when hiking and cycling in either overcast or sunny conditions in Osaka (seems like you live here, too). I set the ISO on Auto 50-800 and I set the PL at full strength. This is what I use 90% of the time. I don't use any filter at night or indoors, but in the late afternoon I might switch to the Neewer 8. I've never used the 64.
For me the K&F VND2-32 was a complete waste of money, but I may try using the VND32-512 for time lapse shots.
Thanks for your insight. I don't have a fixed ND32, which would be very useful, since it is my most used setting on the VND. However, ND32 isn't strong enough for me on sunny days so I do often need to dial in ND64. Perhaps you are shooting with a faster shutter speed than 1/50 or 1/60?
Do the neewer filters allow the pocket 3 to close? Or it hits the gimbal?
I have the same k&f nd/pl 8-32 kit and is awesome. Yes, is closing the pocket 3 without problems
Great video and great explanations. I did not know VND's had a polarizing effect. I really wish K&F (or anyone else) would come out with a 3-7 stop VND that allowed the gimbal to close. That would be more ideal than the 1-5 and 5-9. I find myself using 4-6 stops most of the time. Another thing I've realized is that for vlogging and run and gun (non pro) work, getting a perfect 180 degree shutter is not necessary. I can still see motion blur at 1/100 and it isn't visibly odd until you start getting over 1/200 or 250 (at 24, 25 or 30fps). So, what I do is to get in the darkest part of where I'm filming (or just get in the shade) and set the ND where I'm getting something less than 1/100 when exposure is set to auto at either -0.3 or 0.7 compensation) and then leave it there until the lighting conditions change dramatically (for example golden hour turns into blue hour).
Great points and thanks for the kind words! 😊I agree that 4-6 stops is the most useful range, which does mean the 1-5 and 5-9 split of the VNDs a bit awkward. Your approach to setting exposure sounds smart and I agree, a perfect 180 degree shutter isn't necessary unless you're shooting something very specific. Thanks for sharing your tips!
Won't auto white balance fix the color shift of the ND Filters?
Can say that i've noticed that , I was like damn the quality downgrad while using my vndpl even if its convenient. I could clearly see a change of quality.
Ooohhh this is very informative! I’m a video hobbyist and I really don’t like vignettes. Thank you for this!
I would have much preferred if the k&f vnd filter would have been a dual circular polarizer, instead if duel linear polarizer (which I assume this is). Because with dual circular polarizers you don't need to worry about the angle to the sun, as it just creates the vnd effect, whereas dual linear creates a polarization which doesn't fit with the vnd concept imo, because theres no way to really controll this effect on these filters. Only way would be to turn the entire filter, which isn't possible because it's rectangular.
Is there a way to adjust the VND correctly? Does turning the dial when the camera is on affect the gimbal mechanics?
Safest way to adjust it is to turn the camera off and adjust it. I have adjusted the VND and switched fixed ND filters all while the camera is on. My Pocket 3 has been ok, but it might pose some risk to the gimbal motor.
I've adjusted the filter while the camera was on to see the correct dial in but I suggest you do it very carefully which for some will be difficult as the filter is so tiny.
Hey on Amazon UK, you can get the K&F CPL & black mist 1/4 & variable nd 2-32 filters for £34, or you can get the bundle without the CPL for £25, is it worth getting the CPL? or should i just go for the variable nd and black mist filter?. Can you stack k&f filters on top of each other?
I made a video on CPL filters which can help you decide whether it is worth getting or not. I can stack all my K&F filters, but I don't have the Black Mist filter so I'm not 100% sure on that one. However stacking a CPL with a VND would be quite fiddly, as you could accidentally rotate the other dial, and wouldn't be able to see the markings on the bottom filter.
@@captureguide Thanks for your reply, Yes i have seen that video and i don't think I need it to be honest. However, it's cheaper getting all 3 in the bundle. K&F sell the Variable ND & 1/4 black mist filter separately, but they also have a combined version of the 2, I think it would be better to get the separate version for flexibility. Could you stack the ND filter last to avoid the problem of not seeing the dials as you said?
@@vgplay4850 You can stack the VND on top of the black mist filter or vice versa, but the stacking order could make a subtle difference in terms of things like diffusion amount or potential vignetting. While I think the combined ND/Black Mist is more ideal for that very specific use-case, I agree that the flexibility of having them separated makes more sense. There will probably be times when you don't want the black mist filter, and also times when you either don't want any light reduction (since ND2 is the minimum) or want a stronger ND filter (which you could buy separately in the future). And as I mentioned in the video a VND at maximum ND strength can have noticeable polarization artifacts.
@@captureguide Thank you for your reply. Do you think it's worth getting the 1/4 black mist filter or the 1/8? The bundle I mentioned earlier includes 1/4 but I have read that it can be quite strong? It is cheaper to get the 1/4 as part of the bundle with a Variable 2-32ND & CPL but if the diffference of the black mist filter strengths are a lot then maybe i'd get the 1/8 seperately and the VND separately. what are your thoughts?
how about the k&f nd/pl? they are quite thin too
Critical point he mentions is that 8 16 and 32 needed.