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 Kase/K&F Magnetic Lens Filter Summary/Overview | |
I promised in the Tamron 35-150 thread that I'd start a new thread to review the magnetic filter systems. This thread will almost certainly be of no interest to anyone that isn't already interested in magnetic lens filters.
So the advent of the Tamron 35-150 has dramatically changed my kit, leading me to consider it with the 16-35 as a two lens backpacking solution that would also introduce the ability to consider a single filter system for everything I carry.
My prior regular setup has been a Sigma 14-24, Sigma 24-70, 100-400GM, 35GM, and 85DGDN all in a Mammut Trion Spine 35L with Kase clip in filters for the Sigma 14-24 and B+W threaded 82mm filters and step-up rings for the rest. I haven't had a CPL for <24mm because I refuse to carry 150mm filters and adapters in addition to everything else I haul on hikes.
I originally hoped to find a 16-35GM that could match my Sigma 14-24. I've had to accept that won't happen for me, but I'm still willing to take a small IQ hit for this streamlined filter solution.
My new regular setup is now the 16-35GM (on an RIII), 35-150 (on an RIV), 100-400GM, and 35GM in a F-Stop Medium Slope ICU inside the Trion Spine. The Kase and K&F 82mm magnetic filters in the K&F pouch work for all of the above. I absolutely love this setup so far.
I read everything I could find online about the various available magnetic filters and decided to buy both a K&F kit and Kase kit, as they are compatible with each other, whereas the Freewell is compatible with neither of the other two. The K&F kit included a UV filter that acts as an adapter, a CPL, an ND1000, and a magnetic lens adapter. The Kase kit included a UV filter that acts as an adapter, a CPL, an ND64, and a magnetic lens adapter. I also purchased a Kase ND8+CPL. Stacking an ND on a CPL will cause vignetting at wider focal lengths (16-19mm on 16-35GM and 35-38mm on 35-150), so the combo is perfect to be able to have both an ND and CPL. I also purchased a K&F 1/4 black diffusion filter. The ND8+CPL and diffusion filters each came with an additional magnetic lens adapter, and the K&F came with a lens cap. The magnetism of the Kase lens caps is MUCH stronger than the K&F, so I ordered additional Kase caps for a total of 4 (one for my wife's 24-70 since she HATES pinch caps). Both the 35GM and 100-400GM have step up rings to 82mm already attached with magnetic adapters and caps. The 35-150 is using a Kase UV magnetic adapter plus Kase cap. The 16-35GM is using a K&F UV magnetic adapter and Kase cap.
Regarding the Kase lens caps having much stronger magnetism. I personally prefer it, but I can see situations where one might prefer K&F's weaker magnetic hold. With a lens hood attached, it can be difficult to remove the Kase cap. I've found a fairly reliable technique to remove the Kase cap with the lens hood attached, but it took me a minute to figure out the best method. It's easier to remove the K&F cap with a lens hood attached. The interior of the K&F lens cap is bare metal, while the Kase lens cap has a felt interior much like Sigma's magnetic lens caps to their contemporary i series. Time will tell whether the felt in the Kase caps attracts more junk than the K&F design.
So far I've noticed zero optical difference between Kase and K&F, but I'll update this thread if I find a difference in continued use. The edges of the two brands have slightly different appearances, but overall they seem to be essentially interchangeable. I wouldn't be surprised if the Kase filters have minimally better lens coatings considering they cost more, but I haven't found myself in a situation where I've noticed an optical difference.
Having all of my lens caps attached magnetically and the same size is extremely convenient, and I really like having all of my filters of one type and in once place. Interestingly, the K&F ND1000 has a slightly thinner bezel than the rest, as does the Kase ND64 - this is likely to minimize vignetting. Interestingly, the bezel of K&F's ND64 filter is the regular size and is more prone to vignetting when at wider focal lengths (16-18mm). As such, I'd recommend Kase's ND64 over K&F's just for the vignetting characteristic. That being said, since the bezel on the Kase ND64 and K&F ND1000 are thinner, they have to be the last filter in a stack.
Although the Kase filter pouch has a nicer appearance than the K&F pouch, I actually prefer the K&F's zipper and 4 sections over the Kase's magnetic button and 5 section pouch. The sections in the K&F are fewer but wider and are therefore easier to access and also to fit double stacked filters. I also found the flip open lid design of the Kase pouch to be more annoying to deal with when accessing filters than the K&F zip-open pouch. Obviously, opinions will likely vary on the utility of each, and I can see pros and cons for each pouch. I personally far preferred K&F's, so the Kase one will just stay in its box.
Here's some shots of the filters and caps. I haven't posted below any comparison shots because I haven't noticed any differences between those with and without, but I can post some long exposure shots to show potential color shift if there is interest in seeing those results. I also haven't noticed any flare issues with either the Kase or K&F filters, but I can take some test shots with the sun in frame if there's enough interest in that as well.
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