There are loads of filters: polarizers, variable NDs, UV filters, and more. But at the end of April, a new Kickstarter will be launching for Mount July Filters. These are filters that go onto the front of your lens and add a bit of cross processed fun to them. From the press release, they seem to have a variable effect that can spin around just like a variable ND in a way. You’ll be able to stack them on top of one another for even more different effects–though we’re not sure how much it will cut down on the image quality.
The company is stating that the filters are multi-coated with resin for low diffraction and that the ring itself is made from aluminum. Most filters are made from aluminum, but the reason why some brands (such as B+W filters) are so expensive is because they’re made from brass.
Once they launch, they’ll be available for under $30 each. I’m personally curious about how these might work when you add in a flash (which is generally daylight balanced) and then gel the strobe.
Videographers looking to hold a specific shutter speed for their videos find themselves using ND filters. These are either used in some sort of a matte box or simply owning various sizes for different lenses. HolyManta ND is looking to do what Sony couldn’t do with the FS100 and add ND filters into your camera. The product is essentially mounts in between the lens and camera body like a traditional lens adapter would and has the ability to switch through various strength ND filters and polarizers. The lens mounts that will be available once production begins will be both E-mount and Micro Four Thirds. This is a big deal because these two mounts cover many professional video cameras including the brand new Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera.
The above video demonstrates the HolyMantra ND showing off video recorded with the product as well detailed information about the project. Thomas Läräng is the products creator and he is looking to get it developed once funding is complete. He is asking for a $200 donation and with that you will be one of the first people to receive a HolyMantra HD. Once fundraising is complete the product will be sold for $280 so make the jump if you’re interested.
Via EOSHD
It’s rare for me that a product shot of an item will make me want it. Even though I am a huge filter naysayer, there are definitely benefits to using a high quality filter. So here comes Cokin with a brand new set of filters that claim to be the thinnest and lightest filters in the world. Although I don’t think I have ever cared before now about the size and weight of a filter, Cokin sure has made me reconsider after seeing the Pure Harmonie set. There are three new filters under the new branding and they are the Anti-UV Multi-Coated (UV MC), Circular Polarizer (C PL), and the Variable Density Neutral Gray (ND X).
The UV MC filter (above) is only 3.3mm thick and Cokin says that it’s nearly invisible when on your lens and I believe them. The C PL is 4.5mm thin and was made with no compromise. It has a rotating ring to adjust polarization. From ND2 to ND400, the Variable Neutral Density filter will give you a range of eight f stops without affecting the color rendition.
At the least you should mozy over to their website to check out the details. If you do and you find yourself wanting one you can check them out on Amazon: Anti-UV Multi Coated, Circular Polarizer and Variable Neutral Density Gray Filter. They range from $50 all the way up to $200 for the largest variable ND filter.
