Little of the photography I do calls for an effects filter of this type. But I'll keep one on hand that offers high quality and performance. As the most recent of a number of K&F filters I own, this 18-layer, multi-coated, four-point, short-ray star filter does exactly that. The filter threads securely on the front of the camera lens, allowing the effects ring to smoothly rotate and produce light rays at different angles and apparent lengths. At the end of a session or at any stopping point, a lens cap fits easily on the filter front and can remain there protecting your glass while packing gear or until resuming the shoot. The star effect is most pronounced when shooting bright, pinpoint lights and reflections. Focusing can get tricky, though, any time you are shooting toward a light source. Generally, I’ve found autofocus to be effective, nonetheless. Manual mode, however, may work best in some situations. Aperture is also a factor. Experiment with higher, f/16 or f/20 settings and try varying the ratio between the light source and existing light. The effects of a short-ray, four-point filter are more on the subtle side. As with any effects filter, trying to compensate for that by over-using it can quickly produce a gimmicky look. Enhance the scene, don’t recreate it. Included with the filter are a greeting and three microfiber cleaning cloths. There is also a plastic filter case whose difficulty to open is made manageable only by anticipation of the quality filter inside.