This is an absolutely great filter for portraiture. I would say it works well and doesn't soften the image... but it does. Thats actually the purpose for getting a black diffusion filter. For me the 1/4 strength is just enough for a change in the image without being over stated and drastic. The blooming of the highlights with an ever so slightly softening of the image creates a dreamy effect that works extremely well when photographing women. I don't use this in the studio, but more so on on location shoots. Solid filter imo and definitley worth the asking price

I recently picked up the K&F Concept 2-in-1 82mm Black Diffusion 1/4 & Circular Polarizing filter, and overall, I’m really happy with it. The materials are top-notch—both the metal frame and the glass feel very high quality, which is reassuring for regular use.

In terms of light reduction, it cuts about 1.1 stops of light based on measurements I took using a professional light meter. While it wasn’t a lab test, I measured it in a fairly controlled environment, so that’s something to keep in mind if you're concerned about exposure adjustments.

One thing that surprised me is that the filter isn’t as color-neutral as I had hoped. Using a professional spectrometer (colorimeter), I noticed it introduces a slight green cast. This is especially worth noting if you're shooting under lighting that already has a green tint (like certain nonprofessional fluorescent lights). It’s not a dealbreaker since color shifts like this are easily fixable in post-production, as long as you're aware of it and know how to compensate.

As for the Black Diffusion 1/4 effect, it’s exactly what I expected. It adds a nice soft glow to the highlights without messing with overall clarity or sharpness. There’s no weird texture or unintended effect, which is great. The filter keeps the image quality under control while still giving that subtle misty effect.

One of the best things about this filter is the space it saves in my camera bag. Having both the diffusion and polarizing effects in one filter means I don’t need to stack multiple filters, which can lead to vignetting on wider lenses. It’s a smart and practical 2-in-1 solution.

It also comes with a very nice protective case, plus a couple of cleaning tissues, which is a nice bonus to help keep it in top condition.

Despite the slight green cast, I think this is a very good filter. It’s a smart space-saving solution, and the Black Diffusion effect is subtle and well-executed. Just be mindful of the color shift, and you’ll be set!

I have a few filters from all brands and price points, and these K&Fs really punch above their price point and run with the top European and Japanese brands. The glass looks perfect and the fit and finish are just as good as those costing many times more than these.

You do have to be a bit careful about mist filters because it's hard to tell on your camera how much diffusion you are getting. There is a sweet spot in focal length and aperture that will give you that softened look without looking out of focus, but it's also dependent on other factors like lighting direction and intensity, so it's not the same sweet spot for every shoot. You really need to shoot with these in more controlled environments where you can review the results on a bigger screen before committing your whole shoot to being behind a filter, that or duplicate shots without a filter. This particular filter is awesome near the water where the reflection can make shots extremely harsh and blow out parts of your image. I also got some good results in hazy weather to increase contrast without harshness. To be honest, you can duplicate most of the misty effect pretty easily in post, but knocking down harsh reflections is not as easy because those areas are most likely completely blown out, so this filter will help with that.

I have worked with K&F Concept filters and camera accessories for a few years and the large majority of my experiences with their products has been positive. I needed a CPL filter for a relatively new-to-me lens, so I had good expectations of this one. I have not worked with it long but so far I have had good results with it.

This is more than just a CPL filter but also a black diffuser and softener. I was primarily interested in the circular polarizer, though having other features is not unwelcome. My lens has a 67mm thread size, so I selected that size filter and it fits perfectly as expected. As a bonus to me, my lens cap fits snugly on the filter too so I can leave my filter and lens cap on the lens together.

In testing I pointed my camera at a 45-degree angle to a window in bright sunshine, and I was picking up all kinds of reflections. I turned the filter ring and the reflections faded out completely. On another surface at a different angle it softened the reflections but did not completely fade them out, but enough to make a noticeable difference. I have not found a CPL filter that is 100% effective at removing all reflections but this one does just as well as more expensive ones I have used with other lenses.

I have not experimented with the diffuser traits of this filter yet.

The filter comes with three microfiber cleaning cloths which are always useful.

I am pleased with this filter and will be using it more in the coming weeks. It fits my lens perfectly and so far it has worked well.

I have come to rely heavily on K&F Concept filters and wares. Their quality is excellent and, as with this lens filter, are definitely forward thinking/looking in their product offerings.

The 77mm filter I received is super cool.. mating up a circular polarizer (CPL) and a 1/2 black mist filter to deliver some softened dreamy images! The result of the filter is on the more subtle side softening some details and features. You will lose sharpness in your images but that's sort of the point..

The CPL is excellent and easy to use - spin the rotating portion of the filter to get the desired effect. The filter ring is manufactured in such a way. that turning the filter is effortless and easy on your hands (doesn't feel like you're spinning a hacksaw!). Installation is a breeze - the machined screw bezel is perfect and screws on oh so smooth!

NOTE: Do not over tighten filters!

The images would be great for senior portraits or even environmental portraits. I wouldn't use for a lot of commercial work as they typically want everything (at least the subject) to be tack sharp... but for some of my freelance or more creative work this filter will be a huge hit!

Thanks to the Team at Vine and K&F Concept for the great products!

This 1/4 Black Mist has a built-in CPL filter, which has been very useful to me. The filter adds a cool, foggy effect to my shots, especially around bright lights, giving my photos a dreamy, cinematic vibe. However, being a 1/4 mist filter, it does soften some details, which can be a downside if you're aiming for super crisp images. On the other hand, this actually works well for portrait shots, as it makes skin look smoother and more flattering.

The 2-in-1 design is pretty convenient; combining both a mist and CPL filter means I don’t have to stack filters and risk losing image quality. The CPL filter is useful for cutting down reflections, and I’d say it does a good job. The filter is slim and lightweight, and it has a nanocoating, which is said to help keep it clear of scratches and fog. There are also threads on the front of the filter, so you can stack it with other filters if needed. Overall, it’s a great option if you're looking for that cinematic, dreamy effect