It wasn’t all that long ago that there weren’t many options for a Landscape photographer when looking to buy filters. Most filters had a significant color cast, reduced detail in images, and were extremely delicate, yet there weren’t really any alternatives other than to live with these issues. Nowadays, thankfully, there are many more options, and most are of great quality!
Over the last couple of years, I've tried and tested many filters from several manufacturers. I only use 2 types of filters, Neutral Density filters, and a Circular Polarizer.
What do I look for in a filter system?
Usability
Speed to setup
Image quality (Color Cast, Detail)
Toughness
Water repellency
Size and Weight
Which Kase filter system did I choose?
Since most of my images are created using the Nikon 14-24mm F2.8 Lens, which requires 112mm circular filters, I chose the Kase KW Revolution Magnetic Circular 112MM Pro Kit (Nikon Z 14-24MM F2.8 S Adaptor). I then use step-down rings from 112mm to 77mm to use my other lenses.
Key Features
Magnetic Stackable Mounting
Toughened Pro HD Optical Glass
No Discernible Colour Cast
Scratch Resistant
Metallic Nano Coatings
Water and Dust/Dirt Repellent
Easy Clean
The Kase KW Revolution Magnetic Circular Filters are tough, and the innovative design allows you to combine the filters.
What’s in the Box?
112MM NIKON Z 14-24MM F2.8 S Magnetic Lens Adapter
Magnetic Circular Polariser
Kase Revolution ND8 (3 stop) Neutral Density Filter
Kase Revolution ND64 (6 stop) Neutral Density Filter
Kase Revolution ND1000 (10 stop) Neutral Density Filter
FREE Magnetic Lens Cap
Cary Pouch
Usability
I will start off by stating that the Kase Revolution magnetic system is the best filter system I have ever used, without a shadow of a doubt. Nothing I have tested ever came close to how quick and easy to set up this system is.
How do the filters attach to the lens?
By simply attaching the included mounting ring to the filter thread of your lens. Each of the circular filters and the protective lens cap can be attached to this mounting ring as they are magnetic.
The polarizing filter can simply be rotated by hand to give the desired polarizing effect.
Stacking multiple filters is extremely easy. When I shoot waterfalls, I generally use both an ND filter to control my shutter speed and a polarizer to reduce glare/reflections.
Build Quality
The Kase Revolution Magnetic filters are made using toughened B270 Optical Glass, this ensures that these filters are scratch resistant and robust. Kase calls this special formula Kase KW optical glass.
Are magnets strong enough?
They sure are, In the months of testing I have done, I have never come across a situation where it felt like a filter would fall off.
My Usage of filters:
The filter which I use most often is the 3-stop filter, followed closely by the 6-stop filter. I do not use the 10-stop filter very often anymore, this is because my intention is usually to slow down my shutter speed to be in the range of 1/5 to 3 seconds. Since I don’t usually shoot during the day, therefore the 10 stop filter is way too strong.
Vignetting
Even at 14mm on a full-frame camera, I could not see any vignetting caused by the filters, even when I stacked both a Neutral Density filter and the Polarizer. This is pretty impressive as most other filter systems leave a slight vignette.
The Kase Revolution Magnetic Polarizer
The Kase Revolution Magnetic Polarizer is very effective at cutting out glare and reflections. It really helps saturate the greens and blues and really makes scattered clouds pop against a blue sky.
From what I can see, the Kase Revolution Magnetic Polarizer does not have any color cast or loss of detail. Using this filters tends to result in a loss of about 1 stop of exposure, this is normal and is the case with all other polarizers.
I have tested several different Polarizers, and I think its safe to say that the Kase Revolution Magnetic Polarizer is the best polarizing filter I have used thus far.
The coloured outer rings helping to identify each filter
Kase Revolution ND1000 (10 stop) Neutral Density Filter
The 10-stop filter is usually the yardstick by which we judge the quality of a filter system or brand, it is the most commonly used Neutral Density filter and has become an essential part of any Landscape Photographer’s gear. I’m glad to say that Kase does not disappoint with their 10-stop filter, there is no visible loss of detail/sharpness, no significant color cast, and with their magnetic system, it is the easiest 10-stop filter I have ever used.
Kase Revolution ND64 (6 stop) Neutral Density Filter
The 6-stop filter is a part of most people’s arsenal, however, it is usually used less than the 10-stop filter. Just like with the 10 stop, I was impressed with the results I could see on the back of the screen, even whilst on location. I could not see any significant color cast or loss of detail when using this filter.
Kase Revolution ND8 (3 stop) Neutral Density Filter
This is the filter that I use the most when in Iceland, Scotland, or Slovenia. I find that in most cases it gives the perfect balance of bringing the shutter speed down just enough to smoothen out water in rivers and waterfalls or waves crashing on the shore.
Throughout my tests, I could not see any significant color cast or loss of detail when using the Kase 3 Stop magnetic filter.
Pros:
The most usable filter system that I have ever tested
Quick to swap filters
Less chance of dropping a filter
Top quality filters
Super Lightweight and compact system
Nano coating to ensure filters are easy to clean and water resistant
Colored bands make it super easy to know which filter you are picking from the pouch
No vignetting
Knurled edges make it easy to pick up and rotate the filters
Cons:
The filter pouch is made out of nylon and is quite heavy
I would prefer if the pouch was lined with velvet or another soft material to ensure filters aren’t scratched
Final Thoughts
With so many filter systems on the market, its never been more difficult to choose the right filter system for your needs. Luckily, Kase has made that choice much simpler! I can honestly say the Kase Revolution Magnetic Filter system is the best filter system that I have ever used and can’t think of any way for them to improve it further!
Ever since I stopped using graduated filters in favor of bracketing for my landscape photography, moving back to the round filters was an obvious choice to reduce both size and weight of my filter system.
Below is a gallery of images captured using the Kase Revolution Magnetic Circular 112MM Pro Kit:
Please Note: This is not a paid review or product endorsement. I have used and tested the Kase Revolution Magnetic Circular Filter system and the above review is my honest opinion about it.