52mm UV, CPL, FLD Filterkit, ND4

Varenr: SKU0664

  • 135
Overall Rating 4.8   22
Reviews
5
A handy set of 52mm filters and excellent value for money.
Back in the dim and distant past, I became very keen on photography, even to the point of doing an ‘O’ level. I learnt all about the relationship between F-stop and shutter speed, film speeds, dark room techniques, depth of field and filter effects. Then the digital revolution happened and I put away my treasured indestructible Pentax SV, the last roll of film still undeveloped (I wonder what’s on there…). After a number of digital cameras I finally progressed onto a DSLR (a Nikon D3100) with a couple of lenses (18mm-55mm and 55mm-200mm).Now, thanks to the generosity of the nice people at K&F Concept, I received this set of filters to play with in return for an honest review. All have a standard 52mm double thread but, as with all filters, be careful stacking them as you will inevitably get some vignetting at shorter focal lengths (with theUV filter, the polariser and the lens hood there was significant cut-off at 18mm).This set comprises:A simple UV filter / lens protector which, as far as I can tell is no different from the more expensive Hoya Pro item I generally have on both of my lenses.A circular polariser which, in my view, is the most useful filter in the enthusiast’s bag; it cuts haze, deepens the sky colour and reduces reflections. The filter rotates in its mount to allow the effect to be maximised according to your requirements, but I didn’t find it as versatile as the old fashioned optical camera two layer linear polarisers which, unfortunately, confuse DSLR’s autofocus. That notwithstanding, the effect of the filter is noticeable but I would have liked a knurled ring on the filter to facilitate the rotation; I often felt like I was unscrewing the filter (although I wasn’t).An FLD filter to negate that horrible green colour cast you get with fluorescent lighting. I haven’t tried this one yet but, given the filter’s colour, I’ve no doubt that it significantly warms the colour temperature.A dense neutral density filter. This is great when the camera is set for aperture priority to reduce the shutter speed, blurring any motion in the scene such as moving cars at dusk and waterfalls. Real arty stuff and an amazing effect if you’re used to the usual frozen action created by the default camera settings. However, a tripod and using the self timer are essential to reduce camera shake.A flower petal lens hood which is handy for reducing flare when shooting towards the sun. It is not too bulky and works well but it makes getting the lens cap on and off a bit fiddly.Finally, a centre pinch lens cap. This is an advance on my Nikon equivalent as it has a loop and keeper to enable it to be attached to the camera strap – a vast improvement over putting the cap in your pocket and/or dropping it.The whole kit is rounded off with a neat & stylish velcro fixing case with elasticated webbing pockets and a handy microfibre cleaning cloth.This little set is an excellent introduction to the world of photographic filters to the budding photographer and occasional use amateur; good quality filters and excellent value for money.
14.06.2015