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Posts Tagged ‘holder’

Moondog Labs launches a 52mm filter holder for smartphone cameras

06 Feb

If you’d like to use your collection of lens filters not only with your DSLR or mirrorless lenses but also your smartphone camera, Moondog Labs’ latest product might be worth a closer look: the company’s new Multi-Camera Filter Mount lets you attach photo filters, for example neutral density or polarizing filters, with a standard 52mm diameter to your smartphone.

The holder works with any phone for which bayonet mount cases from manufacturers such as Moment, Rhinoshield or Sirui are available. The Moondog filter holder then clips onto the bayonet mount and, with a filter attached, covers all lenses in a multi-lens array, allowing for use with smartphone ultra-wide, standard-wide and tele lenses. Larger filters can be attached using a step-up ring.

The Moondog Labs Multi-Camera Filter Mount is available now for $ 35 on the Moondog Labs website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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News: Irix Offering 15mm f2.4 Lens with Edge IFH-100 Filter Holder Combo

27 Jan

The post News: Irix Offering 15mm f2.4 Lens with Edge IFH-100 Filter Holder Combo appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

 

irix-15mm-f2-8-lens

If you haven’t heard of Irix, you should check out their products; the lens company combines fresh, modern designs and stellar optics to create some amazing third-party lens options.

And until February 14th, Irix is offering an equipment combo deal:

When you purchase the Irix 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone, you can pay just one extra Euro and receive the Irix Edge IFH-100 filter holder (normally 69 Euros in value).

Irix produces the 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone lens for three camera mounts: Canon EF, Nikon F, and Pentax K. It’s a fast prime lens that has received raved reviews, which makes it a perfect choice for landscape or architecture photographers looking to add an optically-impressive prime to their bag, not to mention astrophotographers.

The Irix 15mm f/2.4 is a manual focus only lens, which means it isn’t optimal for fast-paced genres such as street photography. But street photographers rarely shoot at ultra-wide focal lengths anyway, and all the photographers that would actually appreciate a 15mm prime probably work in manual focus most of the time.

One more thing you’ll appreciate about the Irix 15mm f/2.4 is the build quality. Irix is unique among lens manufacturers in that it offers two versions of the 15mm f/2.4: A rugged “Blackstone” lens, and a less rugged “Firefly” lens.

While the optics in the two versions are identical, the Blackstone is perfect for photographers who frequently take their gear into rough situations and who don’t have time to baby their equipment.

As for the Irix Edge IFH-100:

It holds 100mm square filters, including Irix’s hard and soft graduated neutral density filter lines. And it’s billed by Irix as “the lightest filter holder in its class.”

The Irix Edge IFH-100 should mount on lenses with a diameter between 52mm and 95mm.

So if you’re interested in grabbing a high-quality wide-angle prime, as well as a square filter holder, then take a look at Irix’s offer.

But act fast, because the deal expires 14th Feb 2020!

The post News: Irix Offering 15mm f2.4 Lens with Edge IFH-100 Filter Holder Combo appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


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LEE100 is a next-generation filter holder with a modular design for easier operation

19 Mar

LEE Filters has announced the LEE100 filter holder, a next-generation filter holder that improves upon the design and interface of its predecessors to help improve the experience of working with photography filters.

Made from injection-moulded composite materials, the holder is both rigid and lightweight. Like its predecessor, the LEE100 filter holder relies on a spring release for easy one-hand operation when an adapter ring is mounted to a specific lens. This release can be used in three different settings to accompany different shooting needs: neutral, half lock and full lock.

The neutral setting keeps the filter holder attached to lenses, but allows it to both rotate freely and detach itself in the event the filter holder gets hit, so the camera and lens doesn’t fall to the ground as well. Half lock keeps the filter holder secured onto the adapter ring, but allows for easy rotation of the ring to better account for the horizon and other elements. The full lock setting keeps everything locked in place so the filter holder will neither rotate nor detach from the adapter ring until it is unscrewed and released.

New on the LEE100 filter holder are modular filter guide blocks that come in one, two and three-slot configurations. Unlike previous versions of LEE’s filter holders that required screws to hold the guides in place, the LEE100 features snap-in guides that can be quickly changed without the need to carry around a screwdriver. The guides themselves are also tapered now, which not only lends to a more streamlined aesthetic, but also improves the resistance, which helps to better keep the filters in place when making adjustments.

LEE says up to three filters can be used before any vignetting is visible. All of LEE’s 100mm filters can be used in the new holder as well as the new LEE100 Polarizer.

The LEE100 filter holder is available at as a single unit and in various kit arrangements. Alone, the LEE100 filter holder is available at B&H for $ 96. The Deluxe kit, which includes the LEE100 filter holder, LEE100 Polariser, Big Stopper, LEE 0.6 ND medium grad, LEE 0.9 ND hard grad, LEE 1.2 ND medium grad, 50ml ClearLEE filter wash and ClearLEE filter cloth, is available at B&H for $ 739.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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B+W releases 3-slot filter holder for 100mm filter system

17 Nov

German filter manufacturer B+W has announced a new filter holder to go with the 2mm thick 100mm square filters it launched this year.

The new holder is made from aluminum and offers three slots so users can use multiple filters at the same time. The holder has a light seal on the rear to prevent leaks during long exposures, and the system has adapter rings for lenses with threads of 52mm to 82mm.

You can pick up the new filter holder now for £95 (~$ 125 USD), while the adapter rings cost £25 (~$ 33 USD) each. For more information visit the website of distributer Manfrotto.

Press Release

B+W Filters Announces New Filter Holder

Perfect Addition to B+W’s Square Filter Range

B+W filters, one of the world’s leading filter manufacturers, has announced the launch of the new Filter Holder.

Excellent Quality with Increased Stability

Launched to complement the range of the square filters that were released earlier this year, the new filter holder fits 100 x 100 x 2mm filters. It features an aluminium frame which means increased stability and has the capacity to hold up to 3 square filters. The light seal avoids incidence, and adapter rings for Ø52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77 and 82mm are also available.

Full Filter System

The release of the Filter Holder means that B+W offer a full filter system. Along with the Filter Holder, the Square Filters guarantee excellent image quality due to the finely ground, polished special glass that is used as the base. The 3 layer combination coating optimises the filter to deliver results, and the combination coating (MRC Nano) prevents troublesome reflections by including a multilayer anti-reflection component with seven layers on each side of the filters.

Stable and Resistant

Both the Filters and Filter Holder from B+W ensure stability when taking photos – the aluminium frame of the Filter Holder makes it stable when in use, and the ND filter series are dimensionally stable thanks to the glass substrate which means they cannot warp or distort.

The new B+W Filter Holder is priced at £94.95, with the rings being £24.95 each.

For more information on the full range including the filters please see www.manfrotto.co.uk/bwfilters

About B+W

B+W Filters have been made in Germany since 1947 with a passion for optics, precision, quality and longevity. Produced in Bad Kreuznach under the umbrella of Schneider-Kreuznach, B+W has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the world’s leading filter manufacturers.

Today, in the manufacturing plant in Bad Kreuznach, state of the art production equipment, precise CNC machines and highly advanced reflection reducing technology guarantee top quality products. Comprehensive know-how and start of the art production technology have made a name for B+W filters throughout the world, and the company is widely known for guaranteeing perfect image quality. www.manfrotto.co.uk/bwfilters

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma can install a rear-mounted filter holder on your Canon 14mm F1.8 Art lens

12 Sep

Lens manufacturer Sigma has announced an interesting new service: users of the company’s Canon mount 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art lens can now pay the company to fit a rear mount filter holder onto their lens. The FHR-11 filter holder is designed to allow gel filters to be held over the rear element of the lens so photographers can enjoy “more freedom of expression.”

Those who want to fit the holder themselves can buy it without the installation service, but keep in mind that damage caused by erroneous fitting will not be covered by the lens’ warranty. Sigma says the time the fitting will take depends on local services, but in Japan users are being told to expect the lens to be away for a week.

In the UK, the FHR-11 on its own costs £35 (~$ 45 USD), while the filter+install service costs £60 (~$ 80 USD). Sigma USA has yet to release official US pricing. For more information see the Sigma website.

Press Release

Chargeable service for installing the Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 on SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for Canon

The Sigma Corporation is pleased to announce a chargeable service for installing the Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 on the SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for Canon.

From September onwards, Sigma will be able to install the Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 on SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for Canon.

The Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 is an accessory exclusively designed for the SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art for Canon, and it enables photographers to use a filter sheet with the lens.

By attaching it to the rear of the lens, it will allow more freedom of expression.

The Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 will be available in the UK towards the end of September for a Suggested Retail Price of £34.99 including VAT. The Rear Filter Holder FHR-11 and installation service by Sigma Imaging UK Ltd is £59.99 including VAT.

Please contact Sigma Imaging (UK) Ltd for further information. Customers who do not own the appropriate tools or who do not feel confident in attaching the filter holder themselves may take advantage of the chargeable installation service.

PACKAGE CONTENTS
1. Rear Filter Holder FHR-11
2. Guide template
3. Fixing screws (3 pieces)
UPC Code: 0085126 934866

  • Any damage or faults caused by attaching the filter holder on your own will not be covered by the warranty.
  • This product is exclusive to the SIGMA 14mm F1.8 DG HSM | Art 017 (CANON Mount).
  • Please do not attempt to attach it to any other lens or mount. There is a risk that it may cause damage to the lens and camera.
  • Please be careful to avoid scratches to the lens or the electrical contacts when attaching the filter holder.
  • Please ensure not to drop the small fixing screws inside the lens.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Flexy Paw treat holder phone clip tantalizes pets for better photos

24 Jun

Taking a photo of a dog or cat can be difficult, but here to help is Flexy Paw, a smartphone attachment that dangles a treat above the device’s camera. The treat serves as a lure to catch the animal’s attention, giving photographers a chance to snap to a photo. Because the attachment clips to the phone, it can be connected to nearly any smartphone, and keeps the user’s hands free to compose and take the photo.

The clip holding the pet treat is attached to a flexible armature, enabling the photographer to reposition it out of the camera’s field of view, as well as move it to one side or the other for posing purposes. Once the photo is snapped, of course, the pet can then be rewarded with the treat.

Flexy Paw is being funded through Kickstarter by Paw Champ, which is seeking $ 39,000 in funds. Backers who pledge $ 16 or more will be rewarded with a single Flexy Paw unit, while $ 32 or more gets backers two units. Shipping to Kickstarter backers is expected to start in November 2017.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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TriLens triple lens holder coming to Kickstarter

25 Apr

We’ve seen belt-mounted lens-holders before, but the TriLens from Swedish startup Frii Designs takes things to a new level. This holder lets you attach three lenses to a belt-worn device that is made of steel and fiber-reinforced nylon and can carry up to 100kg weight. 

“There’s nothing worse than coming home from a photo shoot and realize that you’ve missed irreplaceable moments because you struggled with changing lenses, or that you simply were too lazy to go through the process,” Frii Designs founder Jonas Lundin says. 

TriLens arranges three lens mounts on a triangle that rotates around its center. This way the heaviest of the attached lenses always points downwards and one open lens mount will be easily accessible at the top. In addition, the system comes with built-in stabilization to keep things less bumpy when walking or even running. The rotational friction of the system is automatically adjusted based on the weight of the attached lenses. 

TriLens is compatible with Canon, Nikon, and Sony-mount lenses and included in the package is a set of magnets that let you attach your lens caps to an open mount when the corresponding lens is in use. 

Frii Designs is planning to fund initial production through crowdfunding and will launch its Kickstarter campaign for the TriLens on May 9. The company’s goal is to secure around 600 pre-orders to get production going. Photographers  who think the TriLens could make their work day easier can sign up on the Frii Design website to register interest and for pricing information. You’ll also be notified about the campaign launch. If everything goes to plan, shipping is planned to start in October this year.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Review of the New Formatt Hitech Firecrest Filter Holder and Neutral Density Filters

16 Mar

This article is an overview of the Formatt Hitech Firecrest Filter Holder system and their neutral density filters.

Long exposure is one of those magical types of photography that once people start doing it, they nearly always fall in love with the technique. They then begin their quest for the right conditions to take those photos, along with the right gear. The filters you use are important and, so is the holder for them.

Overview of the Formatt Hitech Filter Holder and Neutral Density Filters

Sunset at St. Kilda Pier, this was taken with the Formatt Hitech Filter Holder and their 10-stop ND filter.

Long exposure photography is becoming so popular, but with it come lots of issues to deal with. The most important one is light and stopping any from getting into the camera that may ruin your images. Another one that you hear many complaining about is color casts caused by the filters they are using.

Have the right gear to get what you attempting is so important. Formatt Hitech has been listening to their users and has come up with a new holder system for their 100mm filters that addresses many of these problems.

Formatt Hitech Filter Holder

The new filter holder from Formatt Hitech is designed to completely enclose the filter so no light can get in around it once the filter is in place. It removes the need for the foam gasket on the back of the filter, as the holder has one on it to help seal the filter into place.

Formatt Hitech has put a great deal of thought into what you will need for long exposure photography, and along with the holder come some other surprises.

Overview of the Formatt Hitech Filter Holder and Neutral Density Filters

The Formatt Hitech filter holder in use at Docklands.

What’s in the box

This company does produce some of the loveliest packaging that I’ve seen. The boxes have a soft, almost suede feel. It is hard to throw them away, in fact, I haven’t been able to.

When the package arrives and you open the box you will see the holder, but you will also see an 82mm adaptor ring and a series of step-down rings. So often in the past when buying the adaptor rings you have had to make a choice about which lens you will fit it to and get the ring to fit that one. Formatt Hitech gives you the adaptor ring for the largest possible filter size and the step-down rings to fit other lenses.

Wrapped in paper, you will find a polarizer that fits into the adapter ring. This filter fits in the back of the holder system very neatly, and your neutral density filters then fit in front of it. There is a geared control wheel that allows you to turn the filter as needed.

The added benefit here is the ability to use the polarizer in the adapter ring on its own. You don’t have to attach the holder at all.

Formatt Hitech Filter holder and ND Filters

Everything that you get with the Formatt Hitech filter holder. Photo courtesy of Formatt Hitech

Using it for the first time

When you first open the box it can seem a bit overwhelming and when you try to use the system, it’s a little confusing. It feels like you will break it when you try to pull it apart, but it is designed for rough use.

If you still can’t work it out Formatt Hitech has a video which they recommend that you watch (see below). The brackets around the holder are often a little stiff to begin with, but they do get easier and loosen up with use. Watching the video will help you get past that.

Attaching the holder onto the adaptor ring can take some getting used to as well. It is bit fiddly, but with practice, you will get better at it, and faster. You can do it with one hand, it simply clicks onto the ring. It is quite durable and will take a lot of handling. The holder stays very firmly on the adaptor ring.

Formatt Hitech Filter holder and ND Filters

Using the filter to get a long exposure of Pyramid Rock.

Why is it good to have a filter holder like this?

If you looked at the old filter holder that was available, even with the foam gasket, you could see gaps where it was possible for light to get through. When you want to create a perfect long exposure you need to make sure that there are no leaks. The benefits of this particular filter holder system is that it removes the possibilities of those gaps and creates a more light tight cocoon around your filter.

Formatt Hitech Filter holder and ND Filters

City of Melbourne from across the river. Taken with the new Formatt Hitech Filter holder and their 16-stop ND filter.

Using it

Out in the field, the system does work well. But, having to remove both brackets around the holder just to the change filter, or add one, is a bit harder and takes more time. The benefits the brackets provide in other ways (light tightness) certainly make up for it, though.

There have been a couple of instances of vignetting, but it is very slight and only seems to happen when the lens is very wide, for example at 24mm.

When you first use the bracket it seems like you can’t use graduated filters in the holder. However, there are sections at the top and bottom that can be removed that will allow you to use 100x150mm filters. There are vented end caps that allow the filters to poke through, while at the same time helping to retain that light seal.

Formatt Hitech Filter holder and ND Filters

Wonky Pier at Sullivan Pier. Long exposure using the new holder and the Formatt Hitech Firecrest 13-stop ND Filter.

The Format Hitech filters

It is logical that if you are going to use the holder then you should also use the Formatt Hitech filters as well. Their Firecrest series are very neutral and have no color cast, even when underexposing.

They are made in the UK using high-quality optical glass that is bonded together, so the coating is sandwiched between them. This helps to protect the filters and also makes them much harder to scratch. If you do scratch them then you are just doing it to the outside and not the coating itself.

Formatt Hitech Filter holder and ND Filters

Tenby Point and tree with the tide coming in. Using the holder with the 10-stop ND filter.

Cost

Formatt Hitech filters aren’t cheap, with the filter holder retailing around $ 170 USD, but you do get quite a bit for your money. The filters are pricey, but if you love long exposure photography then it’s worth it. Plus, if you look after them, don’t drop them, you could have them forever.

They also sell kits, which can help you save money on the initial outlay. They all have the filter holder and various filters depending on what you are looking for.

Formatt Hitech Filter holder and ND Filters

Long exposure taken at Princes Pier using the new holder and the Formatt Hitech Firecrest 10-stop ND filter.

Conclusion

Long exposure photography is an addictive style and many who start can’t stop. If you love it and want to get the best possible photos, then you have to consider the new Firecrest Filter Holder from Formatt Hitech. A holder that stops light from entering through your lens is a great start. Combined with the filters, you are on your way to creating some magical images.

If you want to compare to other systems have a look at these as well:

  • Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System
  • Switching from LEE to NiSi Filters: Was it a Mistake?

The post Review of the New Formatt Hitech Firecrest Filter Holder and Neutral Density Filters by Leanne Cole appeared first on Digital Photography School.


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Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

28 Feb

In this article, I will go over why I switched to using the Wine Country Camera filter holder system from others I’d previously used. As well I’ll cover some of the system’s key features so you can decide if it’s right for you as well.

Since the late 60s and early 70s photographers have been using drop-in (slide-in) filters in front of their lenses. The holders which accept such products are usually used for neutral density filters, polarizers, color filters, and sometimes effect filters.

But there has been a problem with this type of holder, even since its inception.  They’re usually poorly made with cheap plastic or mixed aluminum materials. And that’s just the holder’s materials. Other problems are the placement of the polarizers which can cause vignetting, manufacturing errors, and much more.

Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

The Wine Country Camera filter holder and vaults.

Although I inherited a Cokin filter kit from my grandfather, my first self-purchased kit was a Lee Filter Foundation Kit. The product is made of plastic, which makes it light weight. But it also makes it vulnerable to bending and breaking.

Eventually, Formatt Hitech released their newer aluminum filter kit, and I made the switch and used it for a couple of years… until now.

Wine Country Filter Holder Materials

Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

One of the many tactile points of contact on the holder.

Wine Country Camera was born out of the need for quality filter systems and ongoing standards. Every aspect of the filter kit has been deeply considered and well thought-out from the bottom up, or backward to forward.

Instead of plastic or aluminum, premium materials are used, with purpose. For example, instead of a standard dial, a wooden dial is used, so your fingers don’t freeze in cold weather. That can also be said for the wooden grips on the front of the holder. Every part of the holder is tactile so you know when you’re turning, rotating, and pushing. It’s so tactile that you can even maneuver the holder and filters while wearing gloves.

How It’s Unique

By now you likely already recognize that the holder system from Wine Country Camera is unique. But to reiterate why I thought so, I wanted to point out some of the features that are unlike any other holder on the market.

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Coin locks

Many locations around the system carry the Wine Country Camera logo, a wine glass. At first, you might think it’s about branding. While that might be true, the more important reasoning is so that you know when items are right side up. For example, the filter vaults have this beautiful coin which is turned to lock or unlock the filter. When the wine glass is upside down, the vault is unlocked. When it’s standing on its stem, the vault is locked.

Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

The coin which locks and unlocks filters from the vaults.

Vaults

Speaking of the vaults, these are a new concept, already mastered. The vaults are made of a polymer, similar to that found in a Glock. They’re extremely strong. No joke – they can’t be bent. The moment I filled one of my vaults with a filter, I dropped it (I got it on video too). To my surprise, there was no damage to the glass filter inside. The vault serves multiple purposes.

  • The vault seals the space between filters and the holder so that you do not need those annoying foam gaskets.
  • Makes it extremely easy to insert and remove filters from the holder with or without gloves.
  • Protects the filters from normal wear and tear and minor dings.

Vaults are available for 100mm square filters as well as graduated filters. Along with the vaults are two red buttons on the holder. The buttons are designed to remove the friction holding the two outer filters in place. That way you can safely move graduated filters up and down with ease, safely.

Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

The red buttons which help adjust how the filters sit in the outer two slots.

Customer service above and beyond

It’s worth noting that due to the high-quality standards of Wine Country Camera, they have identified a flaw of other manufacturers. Although there are so-called standards among filters, they’re not always followed precisely while making the filters. Here is what they said:

Service Advisory: We are noticing that some Lee grads have been produced at a thickness outside of their specification. If you experience difficulty installing your grad, contact us immediately and we will resolve it for you.

As you can see, Wine Company Camera is replacing their filter vaults with new ones, for customers experiencing an issue of their filters not fitting. It’s not their fault, but they’re correcting the issue for their customers. Lots of thumbs up for that customer service decision!

Using the filter holder

The holder allows for three filters to be used at any given time. The reason for this is that the Wine Country Camera filter holder uses an internal polarizer. Because the holder keeps the polarizer in the back, instead of the front like most filter holders, it opens the doors for a third filter.

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Typically when a Circular Polarizer is placed in front of the Neutral Density filters, you lose a slot and have a giant 105mm ring to attach a Circular Polarizer (CPL) too. But with the Wine Country Camera system, the polarizer is easily removed with two red clips and turned using the beautiful wooden dial.

Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

The wood dial which turns the internal polarizing filter.

Last, and not least is that because of the extremely low profile of the filter holder, and the polarizer being in the back, there is a reduced the risk of vignetting. The system has been tested as wide as 17mm without any vignetting. That’s a huge jump from the 24mm limit I had with the Formatt Hitech and Lee systems (even with the wide angle adapter rings). I photograph at 20mm quite often and have always experienced vignetting, although minor. Until now.

Is it worth the price?

I’ll be the first to admit when the Wine Country Camera filter holder system was initially announced I was shocked by the price. Especially when compared to systems from other manufacturers. But after getting my hands on it, I understand why.

The amount of pride, thought, and effort that went into every millimeter of the product is the highest possible quality. It’s not cheap plastic. It’s not cheap metal. But for the curious minded, I thought I would include a price comparison on my kit before and after. I will leave out my Neutral Density filters for right now I’m still using my Formatt Hitech Firecrest ones in the Wine Country Camera holder. (I’ll likely switch to WCC once they have their own ND filters)

Wine Country Camera System

  • Holder with internal polarizer, two vaults, and one Adapter Ring: $ 449
  • Two extra 100x100mm square vaults (I have four square filters): $ 75
  • One 150x100mm rectangular vault: $ 35
  • Three Adapter Rings: $ 150
  • Total: $ 704

Formatt Hitech

  • 100mm Aluminum Holder: $ 47.99
  • Four Wide-Angle Adapter Rings:
  • Polarizer Ring: $ 19.99
  • 105mm Firecrest Circular Polarizer SuperSlim: $ 229.99
  • Total: $ 481.92

As mentioned, the price for the Wine Country Camera system is more. But keeping in mind the advantages of the system, the materials used, and that you have the vault advantage, it’s worth the extra money up front. The $ 257.08 savings on a different system might save you up front but could cost you in the long term. Maybe on parts falling apart, lower quality materials breaking, light leaks on your photographs, and potentially more.

But I know that not everyone can afford the kit, so it may not be for you. But if you are like me and want the best of the best when it comes to your photography, then you’ll save up and take the plunge when it’s right for you.

Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

Bonus for high megapixel cameras

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Something else to keep in mind, for anyone with a high megapixel camera, like a D810, A7RII or a medium format camera – is that many polarizers have an issue with reflections on higher resolution sensors. The one from Wine Country Camera does not have this issue. The polarizer fits inside the holder body, eliminating reflections and allowing geared rotation. Wine Country Camera worked with a high-end optics manufacturer to develop the highest possibly quality polarizer. Their polarizer uses 2.5mm thick Schott optical glass that is fire polished, and free of surface aberrations. Considering their CPL is less expensive (when purchased alone) than the previous one I was using, it’s nice to know my optics are protected.

Keeping it together

Before theWine Country Camera system, I was using the Mindshift Gear Filter Hive to hold everything in one place. The small bag is incredible, can be stored in a backpack, clipped to a belt, or hung from a tripod.

I was happy to find the Wine Country Camera system almost completely fits in the same bag. Everything but the holder itself fits inside. But fortunately, Wine Country Camera provided a very protective case for the holder and its attached polarizer.

Review of the Wine Country Camera Filter Holder System

Final thoughts

As I mentioned earlier, I was originally a skeptic for the Wine Country Camera system. But I have fallen in love with it. I am so gratefully that this company has now taken steps to improve the lens filter system, as the industry has needed this change for a long time.

I love that every adjustment possible on the holder can be done with the left hand.  That way the right hand can be kept on the camera. To me, the price is worth it, the features are worth it, the quality in craftsmanship is worth it. I hope you recognize the same.

Have you taken a look at the Wine Country Camera filter holder yet? What are your thoughts?

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Manfrotto introduces Xume magnetic holder system to make switching filters easier

08 Feb

Accessory manufacturer Manfrotto has launched a new filter suite that features a magnetic adapter and filter holders that it says make fitting and removing filters quicker and easier. The new Xume system uses a magnetic adapter ring that screws into the front of the lens, while the filter itself screws into a metal filter holder. The two parts then connect securely when they are held close together and can be separated just by pulling them apart. The system removes the part of the attaching-a-filter process where the filter is screwed onto the front of the lens.

The filter holders and lens adapters are available now in eight sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 62mm; 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm and are priced from $ 10.99 to $ 34.99.

For more information see the Manfrotto website.

Press release

Manfrotto Launches Innovative Lens Filter Suite

Providing precision and ease to capture every shot

Manfrotto, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of premium photo, video and lighting support products and accessories, has launched a new, groundbreaking Manfrotto Lens Filter Suite, a combination of Manfrotto’s successful high-quality lens filters and innovative Manfrotto XUME magnetic adapters.

The new Manfrotto Lens Filter Suite enables professional and amateur photographers and videographers to avoid the hassle and frustration of changing filters while subjects wander or light slips away. With the Manfrotto Filter Suite, photographers instantly and precisely connect the filter to their lens so that they never miss the perfect shot.

The Manfrotto Lens Filter Suite is comprised of a Manfrotto Lens Filter, a Manfrotto XUME Lens Adapter and Filter Holder plus an optional Cap (available only for 77mm diameter). It is the perfect choice for long exposures, wedding photography, macro, architectural photography, fine art photography – any style requiring the use of filters.

Manfrotto’s camera lens filters are built to the highest quality standards. They feature flawless multi-coating which minimizes reflection and maximizes light transmission, consistently delivering the effects photographers wish to achieve. Each filter is provided with a practical, reusable storage case, ensuring the highest level of protection off-camera. Depending on the model, Manfrotto filters feature reliable water-repellent, oil-repellent and anti-static characteristics.

  • UV filters block out UV light, preventing it from entering the lens, reducing blurring, haziness and blue casting.
  • Circular Polarizer filters enhance color, contrast and saturation as well as removing undesirable reflections from non-metallic surfaces.
  • Neutral Density filters help control exposure times by reducing the amount of light hitting the camera sensor without altering the color of the scene.
  • Protect filters provide maximum protection against scratches, oil and moisture, without affecting overall image quality.

Manfrotto XUME Adapters are the revolutionary magnetic solution which securely locks filters onto lenses, quickly and easily. Photography gear stays safe in-use with the filter magnetically secured to the lens. Manfrotto XUME accessories are safe for the lens’ focus mechanism, media cards, drives or other electronics.

Unique to the market, Manfrotto’s XUME Adapters:

  • Install in an instant.
  • Are secure; no moving parts and completely safe to use.
  • Have very low profile rings and are completely unobtrusive.

Manfrotto XUME Filter Holders and Manfrotto XUME Lens Adapters are now available nationwide in eight sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 58mm, 62mm; 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm. The Manfrotto XUME CAP is available only for the 77mm size. Manfrotto Filters range in price from $ 19.99 to $ 134.99 and Manfrotto Xume Adapters range in price from $ 10.99 to $ 34.99.

The Manfrotto Lens Filter Suite will be on display at WPPI in Las Vegas, Feb. 7–9, at the Manfrotto Distribution booth, No. 349.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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