“K&F Concept reached out to us to test the Nano-X Pro square filter system.
Unlike circular filters, a square filter system offers the advantage of needing only one filter of each type, using adapters for different lenses. This comprehensive kit includes a filter holder, three square ND filters, a CPL (polarizer) filter, various adapters, and an organizing pouch.
Included Filters
The ND filters act as sunglasses for your lenses, allowing you to extend the exposure time. Their main purpose is to enable long exposures even in bright conditions, such as smoothly capturing the flow of a waterfall or the surface of a lake.
The polarizer filter serves to enhance contrast and colors while eliminating unwanted reflections. It works when the camera is approximately 90 degrees from the light source (typically the sun) and has no effect when pointed directly at or opposite to the light source. The acronym CPL stands for Circular Polarizer, meaning it’s a circular filter that you can rotate to intensify or weaken the polarization effect.
These filters are made of Japanese optical glass, feature nanocoatings, and are resistant to water, scratches, and oils. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to handle them with care, always using a blower and a microfiber cloth for cleaning.
Overall, the construction of this kit is solid, with no visible color distortions or noticeable loss of sharpness. It’s important to remember that any filter, regardless of its quality, will always have some impact on image quality. However, in a high-quality kit like this one, the loss in quality is practically imperceptible, with the desired effect being more relevant than the slight reduction in quality.
Filter Holder
The filter holder has two slots, allowing for the simultaneous use of two ND filters or one ND filter in conjunction with a graduated ND filter. The CPL filter fits into its dedicated slot, enabling the addition of polarization to the setup. Since it’s circular, the CPL filter can also be used without the holder. The ND filters in this system feature a plastic frame with a small handle for easy handling, protecting them from fingerprints and minimizing damage in case of a drop.
The holder is compatible with various lenses, including wide-angle ones, and doesn’t exhibit noticeable vignetting. The various adapter rings make it versatile for use with lenses of different sizes.
The carrying pouch can be attached to a tripod or belt but is somewhat bulky. Considering it’s a 100mm system, some volume is inevitable, and the plastic frames add to that. This is a choice that balances protection and convenience when replacing filters. It’s worth mentioning that there are 85mm kits available, an alternative that K&F could consider, especially for users of APS-C and M4/3 cameras.
The kit is priced at 260 euros, and you can get a 10% discount by using the discount code “Joao”.
