I have needed an ND filter for one of my better lenses for quite a while. I have had less-than-good experiences with variable ND filters, but I have had favorable experiences with K&F Concept products in general. I decided to take a chance on this one. I am pleased with this one – it eliminates the main issue I had with other similar variable ND filters.

This variable filter has a range from 1 to 5 stops, and it is a continuous (smooth) gradient so it can be set exactly as needed for any given scenario. The outer plate turns smoothly but is a bit stiff which in this case is a good thing as it cannot be accidentally adjusted (bumped) like some of the others I have tried. What is interesting about this one in particular is that the plate does not turn a full 360 degrees – it is physically stopped in both directions.

Every other filter like this I have tried has had the problem with the big “X” pattern when close to the maximum darkness setting. I can’t afford really nice, professional grade filters, so this might be a function of using cheaper and lower quality filters. However, I was quite surprised that this particular filter doesn’t have the problem from what I have seen so far, and that’s a huge positive right there. This is claimed in the product description, and it has proven to be true.

The icing on the cake for me is that when I have the filter on my lens, I can still put on my lens cap.

I am very pleased with this filter, especially at the asking price. It outperforms more expensive variable ND filters I have used in the past, and it doesn’t suffer from the big X pattern at even the darkest setting. I can’t recommend this filter highly enough if you need a variable ND filter.