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NiSi Filter System Review (For Fujifilm X100 Cameras)

06 Nov

The post NiSi Filter System Review (For Fujifilm X100 Cameras) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.

The Fujifilm X100 camera line has consistently appeared in lists of the best compact cameras over the last decade. This is not surprising; the series boasts a sharp 23mm f/2 Fujinon lens, great ergonomics, and a ton of cool features.

The series started with the original X100 in 2010, but is now in its fifth iteration with the launch of the Fujifilm X100V in February 2020.

The Fujifilm X100F camera — One of the best compact camera options of the last decade: the Fujifilm X100 series.

As a “take everywhere” camera, the X100 line has many advantages. But perhaps one of the drawbacks is that there isn’t a lot you can add to it to increase its versatility.

Or is there?

In this article, I take a look at the NiSi filter system for Fujifilm X100-series cameras.

So if you’re ready for a thorough NiSi filter system review, let’s get started.

Fujifilm X100-series accessories

Until recently, the only thing you could add to an X100-series camera that truly added to its versatility was one of Fujifilm’s teleconverters.

The fixed 23mm lens has a 35mm full-frame equivalent field of view. Adding the TCL-X100 teleconverter, this changes to a 50mm equivalent, whereas the WCL-X100 widens your field of view to 28mm.

Although the optical quality is excellent, the teleconverters are relatively heavy and quite pricey. If only there was something lighter and cheaper yet with excellent optical quality that would add to the X100 camera experience…

Enter the NiSi filter system for X100-series cameras.

NiSi filters

As a long-time user of the X100 series, I was excited to see NiSi recently launch a filter system for this camera lineup.

NiSi has a great reputation among landscape and cityscape photographers, because their filters are made from high-definition optical glass and offer true-to-life color reproduction.

Cleveland Point by Matt Murray NiSi filter system review example — The waves were gently lapping against this old jetty, but with the NiSi ND8 filter attached to my Fujifilm X100F, a 5-second exposure was enough to smooth the ripples out.

I’ve been using the NiSi 100mm system for the last few years with my Fujifilm X-T3 and Fujifilm X-T2. And I have been impressed with the results.

So, as a long-time user of the X100 series, I couldn’t wait to try out this new NiSi filter system.

NiSi filter system for Fujifilm X100-series cameras

For this NiSi filter system review, I tested the filters designed for Fujifilm X100-series cameras on my Fujifilm X100F.

Here’s what’s included in the kit:

NiSi 3-stop medium-edge graduated filter
NiSi HD polarizer filter
NiSi ND8 3-stop neutral density filter
NiSi Natural Night filter
NiSi X100 filter holder
Filter carrying case

There is also a slightly cheaper starter kit that contains only two filters: the medium-edge graduated ND filter and the polarizer. I’m not sure why you would opt for the starter kit when, for a small additional cost, you can get two extra, very useful filters.

NiSi filter system review — The NiSi filter system for the X100 series.

First impressions

My first impression of the kit was very positive: the quality and design of both the packaging and the filters is impressive.

The filters come in a light gray filter case, which has a tough shell and looks to be hard-wearing. Inside, each filter is wrapped individually in tissue paper. The filter case has several divider tabs inside, one for each filter as well as the filter holder.

NiSi filter system — The filters come wrapped in tissue paper.

My next thought was to marvel at how tiny the kit was, so much smaller than my 100mm NiSi filters. Of course, when you think about how big the lens is on the X100, it makes perfect sense for the set to be so small.

The filter set is as light as a feather and very compact. If weight matters to you, you’ll barely notice this new bit of kit in your bag.

Build quality

The build quality of the kit is excellent. The filter holder is constructed with aluminum alloy (the same material used in the popular NiSi V6 100mm filter kit). The filters themselves are made of high quality, precision-annealed optical glass, which is a point of difference as some other companies use resin.

Installation and usability

Getting your X100-series camera ready to use the filters is super easy.

First, unscrew the front ring on your camera’s lens. If you’ve never used a lens hood or teleconverter on your X100-series camera before, you may even be surprised to know there is a ring that comes off the front of the camera.

When this ring is taken off, it reveals a thread mount. The next step is to screw the NiSi filter holder onto the lens. Now you’re all ready to go!

Brisbane at night by Matt Murray — For this image of Brisbane at night, I stacked the NiSi ND8 filter along with the NiSi Natural Night filter.

Using the filters

Once the filter holder is in place, take a filter out of the pouch and slide it carefully into the filter slot closest to the lens.

Note that the holder has two slots so you can add another filter to the holder if you wish.

Quite often, I found myself using filters in combination; for example, at dusk I was using the 3-stop ND filter to get longer exposure times for ferry trails on the Brisbane River, along with the Natural Night filter to correct the color of the light. In very bright conditions, I often used the graduated ND filter along with the polarizer filter.

The filter holder rotates 360 degrees, which is very handy for when you need to use the graduated ND filter in either horizontal or vertical orientation. Of course, for the other three filters, the orientation doesn’t matter.

NiSi 3-stop medium-edge graduated ND filter

The NiSi 3-stop medium-edge graduated ND filter is a fantastic piece of kit to have in your camera bag.

As with all graduated neutral density filters, it helps to darken specific areas of an image such as bright skies. But as a graduated filter, it allows normal exposure in other parts of the image.

The filter is quite long in comparison to the length of the filter holder, allowing you to move the filter up and down in the holder to control its exact placement.

NiSi HD Polarizer

The NiSi HD Polarizer reduces reflections and glare by filtering out light that has become polarized due to reflection from non-metallic surfaces.

This comes in handy when you want to remove glare on the water or reflections when shooting through glass. The filter provides good color and saturation in scenes.

I enjoyed using the polarizer, though the effect is less noticeable compared to the other filters.

ND8 filter

The NiSi ND8 filter is a neutral density filter that gives a 3-stop exposure reduction. This allows you to photograph with slower shutter speeds or wider apertures than would usually be possible.

A neutral density filter is perfect for being able to show movement in your images. For example, you can use the NiSi ND8 to shoot traffic trails or flowing water.

This filter is probably the most fun and most dramatic filter to use in the kit. It’s fantastic to create long exposures using this filter; you can then see the effect it has on moving elements in your photos.

NiSi filter system review ND8 example — Here’s an extreme example of the ND8 filter in use. The longer exposure time makes the sea looks perfectly smooth!

Natural Night filter

The NiSi Natural Night filter is the perfect companion for night photography. When shooting cityscapes, many factors affect the color of the light; these include mercury vapor, sodium, and low-CRI streetlights. The glow from these light sources prevents your camera from seeing the sky properly and can negatively affect your images.

The NiSi Natural Night filter blocks out the most common wavelengths of light pollution, leaving you with a more natural-looking night image.

Here’s an image taken without the NiSi Natural Night filter:

Story Bridge and Howard Smith wharves in Brisbane at night — Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane without the NiSi Natural Night filter.

And here’s the same composition, captured once the NiSi Natural Night filter had been added:

Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves at night (using the NiSi Natural Light filter) — What a difference! Story Bridge and Howard Smith Wharves in Brisbane with the NiSi Natural Night filter.

NiSi filter system review: Conclusion

I’ve really enjoyed using the NiSi filter system for the Fujifilm X100 lineup.

The filters are a fantastic addition for anyone shooting with this series of cameras. They add another layer of versatility without compromising the compact nature of your setup.

Until recently, the only way to add to the versatility of the king of compact cameras was by purchasing a pricey (and heavy) teleconverter. But with this kit, you have multiple creative options to use depending on the conditions.

Boasting excellent build quality, the professional kit contains four useful filters. They are small, light, and come beautifully packaged in their own tough case.

The professional filter set is also fantastic value for money, widely available for around $ 65 USD. The starter kit, with two fewer filters, is available for around $ 49 USD.

In fact, I can’t recommend this filter set highly enough.

So now that you’ve finished this NiSi filter system review, the question is not, “Why would you buy the system?”

It’s rather: “Why wouldn’t you buy it?”

You can grab the NiSi filter system here.

The post NiSi Filter System Review (For Fujifilm X100 Cameras) appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Matt Murray.

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NiSi Optics’ new 150mm Explorer Collection ND filters claim to be twice as durable as other filters

06 Jun

NiSi Optics USA has launched its new 150mm Explorer Collection of square neutral density (ND) filters, which it claims are twice as strong as other glass filters on the market thanks to a ‘special glass hardening process.’

The 150mm Explorer Collection is identical to its 100mm predecessor in all but size and work with any of NiSi Optics USA’s S5 and Q system 150mm filter holders. Like the 100mm options, the 150mm Explorer Collection is made from B270 tempered glass and includes the following 2mm-thick filters: 10-stop ND1000, 6-stop ND64, 3-stop ND8, 3-stop ND8 Medium Graduated ND and 2-stop ND4 Reverse Graduated ND.

What sets the Explorer Collection apart from other glass filters on the market is their durability. NiSi Optics USA says it treats the filters via a ‘special glass hardening process’ that doubles the strength of the glass with ‘no visible loss of image quality.’ While that sounds like quite the claim, the above video appears to back up the claims.

Each of the five filters in the 150mm Explorer Collection retails for $ 198 and is currently available to purchase through NiSi Optics USA online shop and authorized retailers.

Press release:

NISI 150MM EXPLORER COLLECTION FILTER RANGE

Hardened Glass Filters Now Available for The 150mm System

NiSi Optics USA have just launched the brand new 150mm Explorer Collection of neutral density filters which are compatible with all of our 150mm filter holder systems including very popular S5 filter holders and Q filter holders.?

The new range of 150mm Explorer Collection filters include the 10 Stop ND1000, 6 Stop ND64, 3 Stop ND8, 3 Stop ND8 Medium Graduated ND and 2 Stop ND4 Reverse Graduated ND. The Explorer Collection range of filters can be used in combination with the 150mm optical glass range of neutral density filters. Each filter in the NiSi 150mm Explorer Collection is priced at USD$ 198.?

When it comes to durability, the NiSi Explorer Collection filters are stronger thanks to the special glass hardening process that makes them up to double the strength of typical glass filter. For photographers shooting in more adventurous situations and harsher landscapes, the Explorer Collection filters may be the better choice when compared to our optical glass filters as they offer increased durability that will provide a great investment over time.

While using the NiSi Explorer Collection filter range, there is no visible loss of image quality when compared to the NiSi range of optical glass filters. The proprietary manufacturing methods used by NiSi ensure there will be no impact on visible image quality when using the tempered glass within the NiSi Explorer Collection series of filters.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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NiSi launches ‘Starter,’ ‘Professional’ filter kits for Ricoh GR III cameras

31 Oct

Optics manufacturer NiSi has announced a new square filter holder for Ricoh GR III camera systems.

The filters, which are constructed of an aluminum alloy, fit on the end of the extending lens packed inside the GR III and can rotate a full 360-degrees. While a clever solution to adding photo filters to a point-and-shoot camera, this also means the filter holder will pop off when the camera is powered off and the lens retracts, so make sure to remove the filter holder when turning off the camera (and make sure the auto-off functionality is turned off).

As for the filters themselves, NiSi is offering two kits: the Starter Kit and the Professional Kit. The Starter Kit includes a graduated neutral density filter (GND8) and polarizer; the Professional Kit includes those two filters as well as an IR neutral density filter (ND8) and a natural night filter. Both kits include the holder and a cloth carrying pouch for safe transport.

The Starter and Professional NiSi filter kits for Ricoh GR III cameras are currently available on Amazon for $ 49 and $ 65, respectively.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Nisi introduces the ‘Switch,’ a filter system with independently rotating holders

26 Sep

Filter system manufacturer Nisi has introduced a new filter holder that allows photographers to rotate two filters independently of each other, in much the same way that Lee’s Tandem operates. The Nisi Switch attaches to the existing 82mm filter holder and provides an additional rotation point so that the forward filter can be twisted separately to filters in the main holder.

The system is designed for those using graduated filters to make tackling mountainous horizons easier and so that graduated filters can be placed at more than a single angle to allow photographers to control different areas of the scene individually.

The Switch is part of the company’s 100mm filter system and will cost around $ 99. Those without the current 82mm filter holder will also need to buy a V6, a V5Pro or a V5 kit as well. These kits start at $ 169. For more information see the Nisi website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Nisi shares more details on its full-frame cine lenses and launches Mist filter range

19 May

In a bid to clear up online speculation, surprise entrant to the full-frame cinema lens market Nisi has answered some questions about its relationship with brands marketing lenses very similar to its own recently-announced F3 series.

NiSi F3 Cinema Lenses

The company says that it owns the designs of its own lenses as it ‘took ownership’ of them from the ‘now dead’ Bokkeh Bokkelux project. Nisi also claims that it has made changes to the original optical and mechanical designs of the series to make the lenses more reliable, the assembly more accurate, and to reduce their overall weight. Nisi goes on to explain that it is a partner of cinema equipment company Kinefinity, and that it manufactures the brand’s Mavo Prime range of full-frame lenses.

The release doesn’t say it directly, but this is clearly a move that aims to end claims that Nisi is just copying existing lenses and marketing them under a different name.

Further details of the lenses have also been released, including that the five officially announced will be joined by 18mm and 135mm focal lengths in the second half of 2018. We should also expect a ‘new and innovative design for an optical accessory’ in the near future.

As the lenses will cover 46.5mm sensors, the F3 series will be compatible with ARRI Alexia LF, Red Monstro VV, Panavision DXL2, SONY Venice and Canon C700FF cameras (as well as ‘future’ models). Service centers are being established in Europe, USA and South Asia.

Allure Mist Filters

Nisi has also introduced a new series of filters to its cinema range. The Allure Mist filters will come in white and black versions and are designed to soften contrast in movie footage. The white version pulls back highlights and reduces the appearance of skin blemishes, while the black version diminishes the effect of flare and creates a misty atmosphere.

They will be available in 4×5.65in and 6.6×6.6in sizes and can be pre-ordered now

A comparison of the effects of the Allure Mist filters, with the Black Mist on the left and the White Mist on the right. Click to enlarge the view

And here’s a demo of the filters in ‘action’:

For more information visit the Nisi website.

Press Releases:

Five Fundamental Facts about the NiSI F3 Range of Full-Frame Prime Cine Lenses (and other news)

Since the announcement of the NiSi F3 range of full-frame lenses, NiSi’s headquarters have been inundated with questions and queries. In order to address some of these, we have compiled a list of answers around five key subjects. Read on for more, and to discover news in our announcement of the new NiSi Allure Mist Black/White Filters

1. Where does the name F3 come from?

The ‘F’ in F3 stands for ‘Full-Frame’. The lenses are all designed for full frame cameras and are extremely versatile, coming complete with PL, Canon EF and Sony E-Mounts. Mounts for other systems will need to be purchased separately, although NiSi will provide shims to ensure consistent filmmaking.

The number ‘3’ simply means ‘third generation’ and also refers to the range’s three key design characteristics, i.e. high resolution, low dispersion and retro flare.

2. What exactly is the relationship between the NiSi F3 range and Bokkelux?

Let’s be clear; the F3 prime lenses belong solely to NiSi since the company took ownership from Bokkelux. Since this time, NiSi are pleased to report that numerous improvements have been made and, being based on the original Bokkelux design, NiSi’s optical and mechanical design engineering experts have re-optimised some key elements to deliver the excellent new range.

These include:

Improved accuracy with assembly and improved supply chain for the optical elements
Improved physical attributes, i.e. the weight and calibre of the lenses have been improved with reliability and user assurance being of primary importance
Along with these significant improvements, NiSi has developed a new and innovative design for an optical accessory for F3 range. Once this is completed, we will release information, but you can be assured that it will meet the unique needs for many filmmakers.

3. OK, so what about the relationship between the NiSi F3, Kinefinity and Mavo Prime?

That’s simple, really. Kinefinity is partner of NiSi. Our specialist engineers have modified the industrial design for the Mavo Prime while retaining the same performance and quality. The new F3 range and Mavo Primes are manufactured exclusively by NiSi.

4. Will the NiSi F3 Primes come with both imperial and metric markings?

Absolutely. Markings will be in feet and metres.

5. What are the details for the F3 sales warranty policy and can we expect additions to the focal lengths this year?

NiSi is currently in the process of setting up special service centres, specifically for sales warranties. Bases will be in Europe, North America and in South Asia. We will make further announcements about the details of the certified sales warranty suppliers after the third quarter. You can expect to see 18mm and 135mm primes coming to light in the second half of this year.

F3 Lens Range Highlights – (a recap):

Covers Full-Frame Format
PL Mount/Canon EF Mount/Sony E-Mount
T2.0-T22 Click-less Aperture Range
Ultra Low Dispersion
High Resolution
Retro Cinema Style Housing
12-Blade Iris
Same physical attributes across the lens range
Geared Focus and Iris Control Rings
Pure Performance in Film

Launching in 25mm T2.1, 35mm T2.0, 50mm T2.0, 75mm T2.0 and 100mm CF T2.0 formats, the new range of premium lenses from NiSi debuted during NAB 2018, which took place between the 7th -12th April in Las Vegas.

Compatibility

The new F3 prime lenses cover full-frame format which is compatible with ARRI Alexia LF, Red Monstro VV, Panavision DXL2, SONY Venice and Canon C700FF, along with ‘future-proofing’ for other cameras that we will see arriving in the future. They cover 46.5mm format sensors, allowing filmmakers full creative control, opening up a wide range of cinematic possibilities.

Pure Performance in Film

The new F3 lenses offer filmmakers advanced resolution and perfect dispersion control, image contrast and flare; all optimised by their stylish, retro housing.

The entire F3 series of lenses share the same physical attributes, allowing for the simple and time-efficient fitting of lens accessories, along with the native ‘Sensed presence’ technology, which provides users with the ability to shoot with a beautiful bokeh. The native apochromatic optical design results in excellent ratio/axial dispersion performance, giving a pure and natural colour, with almost no purple/green fringing within focus and in bokeh.

NEW: NiSi Announces Allure Mist Black/White Filters

Allure Mist White – Highlights:

* Reduces highlights and lowers contrast* Softens wrinkles and blemishes

Allure Mist Black – Highlights:

* Reduces overall flare and contrast* Produces mist effect

To coincide with the exciting launch of F3 full-frame prime cine lenses, NiSi has also released Allure Mist White/Black and anamorphic filters; adding to their already burgeoning range of cinema filters.

Available in sizes 4×5.65”, 6.6×6.6”, the new filters will further assist filmmakers to capture their intended artistic expression with every shoot.

Preorders for individual filters available from May 7th 2018

Special kit launch

Along with individual lenses, NiSi has announced that all lenses will be available as a specially designed F3 kit, which will include a complete set of lenses, from 25-100mm, along with a NiSi 4×5.65 Allure Mist white 1/4 filter, a NiSi 4×5.65 Allure Mist Black 1/4 filter and a NiSi 4×5.65 Polarizer, all packaged in a tough NiSi hardshell case.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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NiSi jumps into lens game, unveils five full-frame cinema prime lenses

07 Apr

Credit: NiSi

With NAB 2018 just a few days away, the video gear news is coming fast and furious. Atomos shared some exciting news for Panasonic EVA1 shooters, Apple revealed the new ProRes RAW format, Adobe’s video apps got some major updates, and now the more unexpected of them all: NiSi, the camera filter company, has released a set of cinema primes.

If this news had come out on April 1st, it would have been suspect. Alas, it’s April 6th, and the new NiSi F3 cinema lenses are very much real.

Designed to cover full-frame sensors, the NiSi F3 lenses will come with interchangeable PL, Canon EF, and Sony E mounts. There are five lenses in all—25mm T2.1, 35mm T2, 50mm T2, 75mm T2, and 100mm T2—and each is built within an identical housing for maximum convenience when fitting lens accessories. NiSi plans to add an 18mm lens to the lineup in mid-2018, but here’s a closer look at current lineup, followed by a detailed spec breakdown:

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Regarding the F3 lens line’s performance, NiSi promises that the lenses’ “apochromatic optical design […] results in excellent Axial aberration and Transverse aberration performance. It gives a natural and pure color with almost no purple/green fringing both within focus and in bokeh.”

The company also claims “the lenses contain a unique optical coating design which controls dispersion perfectly while retaining rich details.” This allegedly results in “stylized flare and contrast enhancement.”

Credit: NiSi

The lenses are currently live for pre-order on the NiSi website, where you’ll need to put in a deposit of $ 1,000 per lens. Shipping is expected to start on June 1st, and you can see the retail prices listed below:

NiSi F3 25mm T2.1 – $ 3,000
NiSi F3 35mm T2 – $ 2,500
NiSi F3 50mm T2 – $ 2,500
NiSi F3 75mm T2 – $ 2,500
NiSi F3 100mm T2 – $ 3,000
Full Set of Five Lenses – $ 12,000

Note that if you pre-order before April 30th, you can take advantage of a $ 500 discount on each individual lens, or the full set of five. That means that, for the next 24 days, it’s actually cheaper to buy all five lenses individually because of the $ 2,500 in total discounts you’d be getting.

To learn more about the Nisi F3 cinema prime lenses or pre-order a set for yourself, head over to the NiSi website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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The NiSi Prosories P1 Kit lets you attach square filters to your smartphone

30 Mar

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Chinese accessory company NiSi has started taking preorders for its new Prosories P1 Smartphone Filter Kit, a camera filter system for smartphones. The P1 Kit includes a phone clip, medium graduated neutral density filter, polarizer, pouch, and holder. As demonstrated in the video below, the system involves attaching a mount over the phone’s camera, then sliding a square filter into that mount.

The P1 Kit’s filters are made from optical glass with a nano-coating, according to NiSi, which says its clip is compatible with most smartphone models. Users can rotate the filter within the mount to adjust its angle, and also use a polarizer with the filter when necessary.

The company doesn’t provide the P1 Kit’s filter size, making it unclear whether any of its other filter products are compatible with the mount.

The NiSi Prosories P1 Kit is available now for $ 40 USD. To learn more or order yours, head over to the NiSi website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

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Switching from LEE to NiSi Filters: Was it a Mistake?

17 Mar

Filters are rapidly becoming an essential piece of equipment in most photographer’s camera bag. However, as the demand grows so does the number of suppliers; Lee, NiSi, Formatt-Hitech, Wine Country Camera, and more.

Switching from LEE to NiSi Filters: Was it a Mistake?

Choosing the right filters isn’t as easy as it sounds. High-quality filters are rarely cheap and many of us can’t afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a product that doesn’t meet our expectations. The price of ND Filters varies from $ 10-200+ which means that you don’t need to buy the most expensive (even though the price in many cases does also reflect the quality).

About one year ago I was contacted by a Chinese brand named NiSi and invited to test their products. Initially, I was a bit skeptical as I knew little about them and I haven’t had a great experience with Chinese equipment previously (unfortunately). This is my experience with their filter system and filters one year later.

First Impression

The NiSi Filter System provides a positive impression straight out of the box. The filter holder is contained in a beautiful leather box, just like the filter pouch.

I won’t spend too much time talking about the packaging, as I believe the filter quality is more important. Still, it is worth mentioning that the presentation is beautiful and it looks exclusive right away. The only drawback to these beautiful leather boxes is that they are a bit large and they take up a lot of space in your backpack compared to smaller pouches such as LEE’s. However, if it takes too much space you can just remove the holder and leave the box at home.

The NiSi Filter Holder and Circular Polarizer Box

The Filter Holder

During the first couple of weeks using the NiSi Filters, I wasn’t quite sure whether I preferred their filter holder or the one made by LEE (which I had been using for more than two years). The NiSi holder is made of metal compared to LEE’s which is made of plastic, but it also seemed slightly less stable. Since the clips are so small I was afraid that the filter holder would fall off the adapter.

After having used the system for nearly one year, however, I’m no longer in any doubt that the NiSi holder is better. I’ve had no problems with neither the V5 Holder (standard for most lenses) or the larger holder for my Nikon 14-24mm.

NiSi Filters on my Nikon 16-35mm f/4

Also, the NiSi Filter Holder has one of my all-time favorite features. It has the possibility of having a Circular Polarizer behind the Graduated Neutral Density (GND) or ND Filters, and it is easily adjustable using a small wheel.

I’ve always found it hard to combine a Polarizer and Graduated or regular ND Filters. Either you need to screw the Polarizer on the lens and attach the holder outside, which usually results in vignetting. Or you need to purchase an adapter and a huge Polarizer to place in front of the lens (which also often leads to vignetting). NiSi has completely removed this problem and it’s never been easier to combine these filters. I’ll come back to the NiSi CPL in a bit.

It’s also worth mentioning that you are able to use other brands’ filters in the NiSi holder. I’ve tested with both Singh-Ray and LEE filters and it works perfectly fine, though it can be a little tight to insert them.

The Filters (ND, GND, CPL)

So, the filter holder proved to be of high quality but what about the actual filters?

NiSi 6-Stop Neutral Density Filter on the Nikon 14-24mm Holder

When I evaluate filters there are two main things I look for; colorcast and quality of the glass. This was my biggest worry in the beginning since, as I mentioned, I was already pleased with my current system.

NiSi Neutral Density Filters

One of my biggest frustrations with the majority of filters I’ve tested so far is the color cast. Worst of them all, despite being a great filter otherwise, is LEE Filters. I had used LEE Filters for years and had gotten used to the heavy blue color cast. Even though it’s fairly quick to fix in Adobe Lightroom or Camera RAW, it feels unnecessary to repeat this step each time you bring out a six or 10-stop ND filter.

To the left: No filter – to the right: NiSi 10-stop ND filter.

Even though I initially had no intent of switching from LEE. But I would consider it if I found the color cast to be significantly less and the quality of the glass to be no less. My biggest surprise when taking the first image with my new NiSi 10-Stop ND Filter was that there was absolutely no color cast. Nothing. Nada. I honestly had to rub my eyes a few times to make sure I saw it correctly. No heavy blue color cast, no bright yellow. Nothing.

This is a big reason why today, more or less, I only have NiSi Filters in my camera bag.

Another benefit of the NiSi filters is that the filters are of glass, not resin. This makes them more durable, harder to scratch and (most importantly…) easier to clean! All the ND Filters (regardless of strength) have a soft foam/sponge on the back to avoid any light leaks. This is similar to LEE’s Big Stopper and Little Stopper but NiSi also has it on their lighter ND Filters.

NiSi Graduated Neutral Density Filters

The NiSi Graduated Neutral Density Filters have a slightly warmer color cast compared to LEE. However, the color cast is so little that it’s hardly worth mentioning. The same goes for LEE; the GND color cast is hardly noticeable at all.

Again, the NiSi filters are glass, not resin, which makes them harder to scratch and damage. This is great for outdoor photographers who often find themselves in less than ideal situations. After a year of using these filters regularly, I still haven’t got any scratches besides the few on the edges as a result of being placed in and out of the filter holder. These scratches aren’t visible on images, though, and are completely normal for any brand.

While I do like the NiSi GND Filters, my only issue is that the color cast of the 175mm (for my Nikon 14-24mm) is more visible than on the V5 holder. I only recently received this filter so I haven’t been able to do extensive tests on it yet. But at the first glance, it was a yellowish cast in the upper part of the filter.

NiSi Circular Polarizer

As I mentioned in the introduction, the NiSi Filter Holder has one of my all-time favorite features of a filter system; the possibility of placing a Circular Polarizer inside the holder.

Compared to most other brands, NiSi’s Circular Polarizer is extremely slim. I was actually surprised by how thin it was when I first saw it and, honestly, that gave me a negative first impression.

NiSi Polariser inside the V5 Holder

Being able to insert the CPL within the holder and adjust it by turning a tiny wheel is a brilliant solution, though. Despite the fact that I felt like the filter was a bit too thin and perhaps not as high-quality as the other filters, it’s a more convenient solution than stacking a huge CPL outside of the other filters (and a more affordable option as well).

After testing the CPL for a while I concluded that the quality is in fact as good as my current B+W CPL and the color cast is, again, not a problem.

The biggest drawback is that you’re not able to use only the CPL without the Filter Holder. Since the CPL is placed in a special thread inside the holder you can’t place it on the lens without the holder. I often prefer to keep my CPL on the lens when walking around a city or going on a hike. This isn’t a good option with the NiSi CPL, unfortunately, so I still bring my B+W filter with me.

Besides the fact that it’s not as portable as other options the quality meets my demands. Therefore, I hope that they make an extra option where it’s easy to leave it on the lens at any given time.

Was it a mistake switching from LEE?

It’s been almost a year since I got my first NiSi Filters now and every week I’m asked what I think about their filters and if it’s worth switching systems.

I think it’s important to state that I never considered switching from LEE and I was very satisfied with their filters and I still believe that they are among the best available on the market. However, I do not regret switching and I love using filters that have little-to-none color cast, while still being of a high quality.

The post Switching from LEE to NiSi Filters: Was it a Mistake? by Christian Hoiberg appeared first on Digital Photography School.

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