K&F Concept 52mm ND2-ND32 Filter Neutral Density Variable Filter ND2 to ND32 for Camera Lens NO X Spot,28 Multi-Layer Coatings,Waterproof (Nano-X Series)

I’ve wanted to use an ND filter to achieve some long shutter, waterfall effects and motion blur of clouds in landscapes on my Lumix FZ300 bridge camera. K&F Concept filters appear to have good reviews and are priced competitively for the hobby photographer. I bought this one when a $10 discount was offered. I recently bought the K&F Concept 52mm MC UV Protection Filter with 28 Multi-Layer Coatings HD/Hydrophobic/Scratch Resistant Ultra-Slim UV Filter for 52mm Camera Lens and it is a great filter. So, I took a chance on this K&F Concept 52mm Variable ND Filter ND2-ND32 Camera Lens Filter (1-5 Stops) No X Cross HD Neutral Density Filter with 28 Multi-Layer Coatings Waterproof (Nano-X Series)..This 52mm filter comes in a huge plastic case. Clearly, a common case is used by K&F for all filter sizes, but these are too bulky to carry in your camera bag for just that small filter, especially if you have several. I’m going to have to find more appropriately sized cases..The filter itself is manufactured to a very high quality standard. It threaded on first time, and smoothly, to the K&F UV filter, which I use purely as protection for the camera lens. The filter also screws off easily with no sticking. The knurled filter body is easy to grip for that. There are stops at both minimum and maximum ND positions. Often, the maximum setting does not have a stop..I did see a distinct yellow color bias in my testing. It is slight enough that it will be easily compensated for in photo post-processing, but more problematic with video. There was a small amount of uneven gradation as can be seen in the deck floor. No significant X-pattern though at the extreme ND32 but some vignetting on my FZ300 at the widest, 25mm focal length. My sensor must be offset as the dark corners are only in the left corners. The clarity of the image was not noticeably affected by adding the ND filter. I initially thought the image of the rock in the creek was soft, but the camera had auto-focused on a different area between shots. I didn’t use manual focus! Other images do appear sharp, sharp for the FZ300's 1/2.3 sensor anyway.The landscape photo was initially without the ND filter, just my UV and camera-metered exposure (f4, ISO 100, 1/160s). Then, I added the ND32 filter and retook the shot (f4, ISO 100, 1/20s). So, the ND filter is actually reducing 5 stops of light. 😊 To avoid the uneven shading, especially noticeable on images with little detail, you might have to dial back to 4 stops.The creek images were taken at ND2 and ND32 in shutter priority, adjusting the speed to its slowest until the exposure was just accepted by the camera. At ND2, I was at f2.8, ISO 100, 1/500s. At ND32, I was at f8, ISO 100, 1/5sec. The FZ300 aperture range is f2.8 to F8, with a crop factor of about 5.4 and ISO 100 minimum. In this case, the uneven shading was imperceptible.The creek was just a rippling stream, but the effect on the water is obvious. I would aim for a 2 or 3 second exposure time for a waterfall. In such bright, mid-afternoon conditions, ND32 is not enough to achieve the effect I need at that time of day. I’ve ordered a K&F Concept CPL/ND1000 combo kit to see how that works, either on their own or in combination with this variable ND filter. However, the ND2 to ND32 filter is going to work well in the evening. I will just have to crop out the vignetting..My 52mm Lumix lens cap actually works on the filter, despite the actual need for a 55mm with the front end design of this 52mm filter. It's not a perfect fit, but it does stay in place.NOTE: You cannot stack another filter in front of this VND filter - no thread! Another has to go behind first..CONCLUSION:.I was half expecting to have to return this filter, based on some 1- and 2-Star reviews. However, it’s a keeper. It is well-made, works well, is 5 stops, but does show some uneven gradation at the extreme ND32. You might also get some vignette below 30mm focal length, especially if filter stacking.This will be a useful addition to my camera accessories, primarily for mild light control in extreme sunshine. It just isn't quite strong enough for a good waterfall effect in mid-afternoon sun on a Panasonic Lumix FZ300.I can certainly say this $50 variable ND filter is good value for general light control, if you can accept the yellow bias and the slightly uneven shading at the full ND32 in smooth scenes.

Used the filter on a number of shoots and it gives a nice subtle brown tones, which really emphasis neutral tones. Such a good buy and deal compared to others 5x the price.

I wholeheartedly recommend this product; I bought a full range of sizes for my various lenses, and adore them. They’re effectively a second f-stop option, easy to use and durable. Photographers reliant on sunshades be warned, though: my fujifilm lens set makes an accompanying sunshade highly impractical. As I learned to use these filters, I have only appreciated them more, despite needing to awkwardly reach into my light baffle (doesn’t work with bigger lenses or deeper recesses) to manually adjust the neutral density. Still, these filters have offered significant light control and should be considered for any photographer wanting more precise exposures than those offered by even my nearly-top-of-the-line TX-4’s ISO, f-stop, and shutter-speed’s manual options. Their logistical drawbacks are minimal, and the added ease/maneuverability of losing the sunshade is well worth it. Will consider this add-on a must-have for all future lenses.

I use this for Sports video recording with a Sony FDR-AX53 and also for my older Nikon DSLR D3400.This allows me to use slower shutter speeds in the sunlight, larger aperture, and smaller ISOs. Great adjustments for the 1-5 stops, I'm usually between ND8 and ND16 for the stops.For my Camcorder I do mostly HD and record my daughter's soccer games - I haven't tried this with 4K settings yet but it helps dramatically with late afternoon games where the sun is glaring. Like my camera settings generally use the ND8 and ND16 notches. No issues so far.

This filter is great. I've used it on both my DSLR and my mirrorless camera and it works perfectly with both. The ND2-ND32 range is perfect for most situations, and the 28 multi-layer coatings make sure that there is no cross-talk between the filters. The build quality is excellent, and the fact that it is waterproof makes it even better. Highly recommend!