This filter is a revelation. I own a 1/8 K&F Black Mist 58mm that basically lives on a portrait lens, and it just works. The Black Mist just eliminates the digital "edge" and harshness and gives images a subtle film-like quality, optically (which is better than post solutions—always opt for the optical). THIS latest variation adds a variable ND filter along with the Black Mist as an all-in-one filter. This K&F is a must-have, especially for video shooters looking for a film-like quality at the cinematic 24fps frame rate. (If you don't know why this inovative 2-in-1 filter is a revelation for video, it might not be for you.) Chinese brands like Neewer and K&F have really taken the photographic accessory world by storm via innovative products and fair pricing. This K&F filter is just another example. I will likely pick up several more in different sizes. At these affordable costs, there is no need for the "step-up filter ring trick," imo. Just buy them in the sizes you need. Photo dawgs will know what I mean.

I ordered this K&F Concept 82mm Black Diffusion Mist 1/4 & Variable ND2-32 in-1 Filter to use with my Fuji GFX100s.

I love my Fuji GFX, but GF lenses are so sharp that they can be problematic for portraiture. A diffusion filter can produce results that require far less editing. This filter is dual use -- it offers a 1/4 strength diffusion filter with a variable ND2-32 neutral density filter.

I've used many different variable ND filters before. They all share one characteristic: at the highest ND setting, they produce a black X across the entire image. That does not happen with this filter. Has K&F Concept discovered a new technology for variable ND filters? No. They eliminate the X by limiting how far you can rotate the ND filter. In other words, this filter could produce an even heavier reduction in light, but a hard stop on the filter prevents you from accessing it and, consequently, from reaching the point at which the X will appear.

At its max, the ND filter will provide a 5 stop reduction in exposure. This is sufficient to allow for wide open apertures or relatively slow shutter speeds in anything but the brightest light.

The filter itself seems well constructed. It screws on and off easily and smoothly. Even when tightened down, the filter could be removed without having to resort to a filter wrench. Rotating the ND filter is smooth, and the filter holds its position. Coatings are well done; I did not notice additional flare when the filter was attached. I used this on a 20-35mm lens and did not get any vignetting. I can't say that the filter maintains sharpness because it is designed to reduce sharpness.

All in all, this is a useful filter to add to your kit.

This filter fits my 24-105 perfectly and easy to adjust with no x issues. I like that it has markers on the ring and well made. The ring turns smoothly and stays in place. Love the effect this filter produces.

All the K&F camera equipment I've tried is terrific quality and a great value. This is no exception. Don't get pulled into paying more for a name with this kind of stuff, this is every bit as good as some of the more premium priced brands, but at a much more reasonable price. Fits well, nicely machined and top quality glass.

I have been a professional photographer for the last 25 years and I've learned that it's almost always better to get what you are looking for in the shot in the camera and not rely on post processing..

I frequently use various ND filters to stop down light, generally to allow me to use a longer shutter speed. I love motion blurring water, cars lights or more creatively like children with sparklers or running with light straps on their wrists. That's what ND can do for me.

This K&F filter gives me more than a standard ND by adding the softening effect of Black Diffusion. This diffusion adds a beautiful softness, especially to any high brightness areas of the frame.

Lastly, I have 5 different variable ND filters, most from big brands and most suffer from the same X pattern issue that is demonstrated in K&F's product photos. I detected NO X pattern at all with this filter which is FANTASTIC for me! This alone makes this filter stand out.

Easy 5 Stars and easy for me to recommend this filter.

I will update this review if anything changes within 1 year. A 5-star rating indicates the product meets my expectations for its purpose.

I'm guessing by the 5 star rating, you can tell where the Headline is going to end up... so I'll keep it short.

I have been very happy with ALL my K&F Concept products so far, and this filter is NO EXCEPTION!

The build quality is on par with the best I've ever paid (too much) for... no names mentioned, and it functions exactly like you would expect a piece of Japanese Glass would work... that being said... this is their entry level offering, and they do offer a PRO version (amongst others) that when 'pixel peeping' you MAY notice a difference between... however I have found the most times it's user error or hardware malfunction where most filters fail their photographers. If the environment is conducive to the lens without a filter... I will Always shoot that way, however WHEN a filter is recommended/required ... for my usage K&F Concepts beats many many others Hands Down No Questions FULL STOP.

I find the operation to be extremely easy and the ND End Stops make it Impossible (in my usage) to manifest the dreaded "X" . I have yet to find a reason to buy another brand of filter since finding K&F years ago, their quality, along with 'reasonable' price points, make them (for the foreseeable future) my Go To solution.

There is 1 thing I'm a bit perplexed about with this specific filter... it DOES in deed fit an 82mm lens mount... HOWEVER once installed, you are unable to use the 82mm lens cap you had on your lens, as the filter goes up in size from the mount to the front of the filter... and the cap is now too small. So you'll either 1) have to buy an additional cap if you intend to leave this on camera, or 2) Remove/Install it every time you reach for that 24-70mm (for example).

If My Humble Opinion matters... K&F Concepts has my full support!!

I hope this helps.

This thing is worth it for the ND aspect alone. The ND filter works great and has hard stops if you're into that. What I like is the effect of the mist filter is just subtle enough that you could get away with just using this as an ND filter even if you're not going for a diffusion look. This captures more detail than competing mist filters and is subtle and you'll only truly notice it with backlighting and on camera lights being visible etc. It also helps soften the transition into highlights, which can be nice for skin without looking like a cheap 1980s effect.

Two in one functions make this a useful filter for use as an ND and soft focus effect.

It’s available in a range of diameters (9 in total) from 49mm to 82mm, and either 1/4 or 1/8 diffuser.

The ND range spans 5 f stops, which I find useful, and although many cameras & phones have this function built-in I find it useful on a Sony camera I regularly use. Likewise with the soft focus/dreamy effect it can obviously be added in to the picture with editing tools, but if the effect is required for a number of shots then it’s perhaps easier to fit an effects filter to the front lens element.

Fitting (for 49mm) is good and the rotation smooth and positive. Both effects, ND and soft focus, work well.