$249 vs $59 Variable ND Filter Comparison

$249 vs $59 Variable ND Filter Comparison
I've been using the Variable ND filter from JJC for the entire length of my career and was really eager to see how it performed against PolarPro Peter McKinnon variable ND.
This is just my personal opinion and experience and i hope you'll find the video useful.
JJC VARIABLE ND: geni.us/a6KXKD
POLARPRO VARIABLE ND: geni.us/QAAlWyZ
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[@PeterLindgren1]

This video is not ment in ANY WAY to criticize Peter's work or skills. It is a product review like any other where I compare features between two products. This product just happen to have his name on it. I love Peter and what he's doing and gladly support him in his endeavours.

[@JoseTheRover]

Peter Lindgren you didn’t need to say this bro. That said there is no way that this product doesn’t have a markup on it so that he gets paid...

[@atelierdigitaldenico]

Hi Peter ! I really love your vids ! I have the same problem you encounter at the beginning of the video, with the black shadows around.. I use the Tamron 17-28mm at 2.8 with a good variable ND filter (brand Gobe). Any solution to avoid this problem ? Thanks for your help :-)

[@filmz2052]

I think k&f is better

[@ArtVi89]

Peter please!! can i contact with you? i send a fwe mails on your mail!!!

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Please do Kase filters Kit Sir !

[@johnn1474]

Basically the extra $189 gets you a fancy box with a signature on.

[@krane15]

LOL, pretty much. Which proves packaging is important.

[@MediaWebservice]

It's time for a Mr. Beast filter. More subs, more filter 😄

[@Sam-uw7pw]

Peter mckinnon is overrated

[@krane15]

@@Sam-uw7pw No he's not. His delivery is consistent with his market. And don't make disparages without support.

[@TheRealNebari]

Well, no it gets you better image quality and no X when you rotate the filter -which for professionals working outside in changing light conditions is pretty damn important...

[@granthorner]

Finally someone actually spoke their mind about the over priced filter!! Well done Peter!!

[@billwdwc]

Yea because have P McKinnon's signature on it really makes the image better .. For F%^$# sake.

[@LoodgieterDenHaagStad]

Thanks a lo❤️With your break down I made a decision and I chose for JJC filter. I ordered directly and I choose your link! Keep the good work going.

[@oddkid5847]

Thank you so much for the comparison, everybody's buying Peter's filter like is pure gold. I am not saying is bad or anything but you know, it's too pricey for what it is. Thanks a lot!

[@oddkid5847]

@@JonackFilm I have a cheap one too and it is fine. I think most filters have pros and cons, not for buying a expensive one you are free of color aberrations or changes on the image quality. Every piece of glass affects the image no matter how expensive. I think they just up the price by adding Peter's name😂

[@amaarzafar]

I got all five right, and I have to say, I personally preferred the look of the JJC a bit more on almost every shot, and that was before I even confirmed what filter was used. It was pretty easy to tell due to the slightly warmer tones of the JJC, as you mentioned, but personally I liked the look! This video was super helpful, I definitely know which ND filter I'll be buying!

[@phucmapvlog]

Man, that JJC filter looked way better! More comparison videos like this 👍🏻

[@thanhngangproduction]

Oh hello there.

[@orcusdei]

That is mostly because it's polarized so it removes the cold blue reflections. It has a better bokeh tho which is significant. Also in case you are shooting over coated windows or LED displays, the polarized filter is extremely problematic because it makes ghosts over these surfaces.

[@philippscheithauer]

Could tell every single one cause of the yellow tint. That’s usually a sign of a cheaper filter in general. It’s easier to add that in post if you like the look rather than remove it.

[@Nxzim]

Ever since Peter McKinnon released that I wanted to buy it and everybody was using and the footage looks incredible . Now after watching this I don't think I need it . It's way too much overpriced.

[@angelicaamora11]

Peter Mckinnon is a big brand ambassador. He's a well-known Photographer/filmmaker everything he says get valued literally

[@RafaelLudwig]

The biggest giveaway between the two was the highlights, the JJC, at least in the clips you showed, felt a bit flat. But not a deal breaker, there could be a bunch of variables (pun intended) how the footage could have been processed, exposure, color grade etc. The PMVD is a luxury item and a nice to have, but for 99% of most shooters, a wider range variable ND is better for run and gun shooting. Thanks for your insight on these Peter!

[@PeterKae]

Nice comparison of the two. I’m using a B&W ND for my A7SII and it works really good. I like the look through a ND even more than without. 👌🏻🎥 Nice video Pete

[@GraphicMill]

I simply chose the best looking image and the JJC won every time! Thank you for this Peter, and I agree with your review. And the fact that your own videos look fantastic, I think you should continue with the JJC! 👍

[@CRUZFILMS.]

thank you. been looking for a new ND filter because I cracked my last one shooting off road racing lol. I appreciate the straight forward and honest review.

[@NunoSilva3d]

It does comes down to personal taste, but I do prefer the look of the JJC. Was looking to buy one, thanks for the video!

[@GiggaVega]

You are pretty much my go to channel for videography. I am just now learning about all this stuff. I used to do just video clogs on my channel, but since I got a GoPro Hero 8 I started shooting actual videos and opened another channel just for that, Blue-Tap. I'll sub from there as well once my video is uploaded. Thank you for all the great tips Peter.

[@Francisco_Otero]

Just as I am looking for a filter omg. Thank you!!

[@positivewarriorbyfreddytal3688]

Thank you for doing this video! It absolutely helped me make a decision on which one to buy

[@sweetsavorywords3506]

I would buy the JJC, thanks for the rundown.

[@pirakandas6931]

Thanks man, i really needed this vid!

[@fildavis2024]

Great info! I didn’t know about the jjc. Thanks!

[@DaniDo]

Yess!! Got all the guesses right! Such a detailed comparison on those two ND filters by the way!

[@houseofintent]

Lookin for new VNDs and JJC is on top of my list. Thanks

[@vigneshmohan722]

I was sort of searching for a good not so pricey ND myself, thank you for that!!!

[@Josteinvaege]

Great video. Love that you are showing this. I was think of buying new nd filter for my outdoors tent movies.

[@Josteinvaege]

Looks like i have to look up jjc. Liked the warmth color Its give 👍

[@iancraig]

I just received a JJC filter to try out and quite honestly, for the price, it’s terrific. I usually have a Hoya filter on the front but to be honest, I think this might be better! Thanks for the comparison.

[@CommanderEscapist]

Love to see a comparison, though you did not test the filters in enough use cases. Especially when used agains direct light, cheaper filters tend to show a significant drop in contrast as well as ghosting and flaring. Another factor - difficult to test though - is the durability of the coating and if it has certain properties like being antistatic. I'm personally using the B+W variable ND, which isn't cheap either but works great in nearly every scenario. Disclaimer: There are just two ways of making a variable ND filter: stacking two polarized filters, so depending on the rotation angle against each other they cut out light. Second option is similiar to having an LC Display and decreasing the transparancy by applying voltage, as it is done internally in the Sony FX9. So with any mechanical variable ND you will get a polarizing function, as well as the cross effect close to the maximum angle. If you need more stops, there is no way of getting around of combing two polarizers with fixed ND values, like they did in the other PolarPro PM filter. Still a decent test that shows that you can actually save a lot of money depending on your use case, thank you Peter :)

[@simonf943]

Thänks for helping me decide on buying the JJC hörru!

[@rickf4401]

Thank you so much. Just the information I need.

[@blue-tapvideography9063]

I said I was going to subscribe from my NEW videography channel & here I am. You are the first channel I subscribed to with the new one. All the best & thank you for ALL the amazing tips.

[@pterrydactylpterror]

Thanks Peter, a valuable comparison and your presentation was top notch!

[@odirileseageng763]

The JJC is my favorite. Subjectively I love the colours and the detail retained in highlights. More video like this !!!

[@0xBerto]

Thank you Pete!!! Honest review and logical. Definitely a flex piece and money maker for PM

[@reagankai9945]

I have been using the Tiffen variable ND filter. I think it works great and the price is reasonable, USD 99.95 for a 67mm. Not to mention Tiffen is a well renowned brand trusted by film industry professionals for decades.

[@marcusmartensson]

Like always, super helpful!! Have been planing to buy the Polarpro. Now I’m saving a lot of money 💰 thanks man! 🙌🏼

[@gsdtong]

I prefer the JJC myself too. Thank you so much for testing these out!

[@ChristopherAlbone]

Great comparison video, Peter. Thank you.

[@davethedaygames2899]

Love it. Super helpful. I'm shopping around for VND's now and it's a headache!

[@wangmedia]

JJC was the first ND-filter I bought mainly because it was affordable. I have tested much more expensive filters since but always come to the conclusion that the JJC is the best. Peter recommended the JJC 1,5 years ago after I got it and I still agree with his opinion on this filter. Will buy another one for convenience so I don’t have to change everytime I change camera. I also had to raise the shutter speed on my second camera when doing a two camera interview because i sold the other way more expensive filters I had since they were not as good as the JJC. This test confirms my impression of the JJC!

[@gabeminetti]

Great video Peter! For the first time I actually guessed all of the images, the JJC does give a yellowish cast. I notice it as I use a K&F and it also gives it. Honestly not an issue worth 200€ for me. If I'll one day have unlimited budget for some reason I'll get the Polar Pro

[@SBBLURAY1]

Thanks so much for this. I'm ordering a JJC right now. I was going to buy a K&F one. Thanks

[@CrazyAboutLife]

Really impressed by the JJC. I just purchased a Gloxy VND and can see a very noticeable colour cast. Pity I didn’t wait for this video!!! My heart when you dropping that filter.....!!

[@emmanuelOfilms]

I’m definitely buying the JJC Variable ND filters.

[@patrick-mwit3537]

Thank you 🙏🏽. Great review. You saved me a lot of money 💰.

[@svenmotzkus7920]

Nice Video! And really cool comparison! Thanks for saving me some money with your honest review!👍

[@gaylordcervales6040]

I love watching your videos and I learned a lot thank you

[@los5manantiales]

Gracias Peter! I bought the set of ND Filters from Polarpro for my Iphone. And they are awesome. That was an awesome comparison you did!

[@balboa0621]

I agree. I noticed the warmer color cast and preferred it.

[@GuysontheGrid]

Thanks for such a useful video! I’ve been needing to buy a variable ND but couldn’t stomach the cost of the Polar Pro one. Glad you provided an affordable alternative!

[@pauldittus4587]

Great review. The colors on the JJC were natural and would be my preferred option. I was surprised by the green cast on the PM ND filter.

[@MakingTracks]

Sweet! im getting the JJC thanks for all the info!!

[@f0t0b0y]

Oh man! I picked the JJC for the overall look for every shot. Your videos alrock man! Thank you!

[@aronisvisions]

Thank you so much for this video!

[@andrewlunn]

Very useful - thanks for sharing

[@epvan2movies]

This was very useful. I was wondering if the JJC filter was any good and I'm happily surprised. It seems great value for the money. Thanks!

[@sergiojmazure]

Thanks for the fair comparison! :)

[@RealDirectorofAwesome]

Honestly... best comparison video I've seen on this. JJC (to me) looks a hell of a lot better and saves buyer's regret to boot. Great job!

[@cohoonatube]

Great review, Thanks! Would love to see a Cinebloom 10%, 20%, and Black Mist comparison! Love your uploads!

[@AustinDavisYT]

JJC takes the cake for me. You helped me decide on my next ND! And saved me a lot of money lol.

[@LookitsTook]

I'm planning on getting this filter next week so good timing 😎

[@dscraft6358]

I really liked this video and your honest review. You don't wanna pay that extra for a fancy box. Great work!

[@majinkeyboards]

Really like the colors in this clip itself. Beautiful color grading.

[@jasonnguyen4981]

I’ve been using K&F filters for a while and I JUST bought a set of Freewell variable ND filters! There’s a slight difference in colors but I love how smooth the rings turn on the Freewells. I think they’re great at $110 USD per filter! You can’t go wrong with K&F, too. I, too, think the Peter McKinnon filters are overpriced :/ Thanks for your review, Peter!!

[@shootingwithcashen]

This video saved me $200! Thanks man. Great video

[@alek-adzie]

Thanks for the honest review man! 👍

Great test 👌 I had a jjc that I left back because it did not have a hard stop. bought freewell magnetic with hard stop instead, really happy with them and only half the price against Polar pro

[@Rearend]

Nice review Peter i have been thinking of buying an ND filter for a long time. I can say that my eye have been looking at the Polar Pro PM VND but thanks too you have now discovered a cheaper one with a result that i really like. Keep it going bro !! From a fellow Swed !!

[@pudsboi5203]

I’ve been saying they were overpriced since they were released. All the sponsored youtubers jumped on the bandwagon and basically ripped off their viewers. Great vid 👍✌️

[@nuiyoubysusanametzger3759]

I made a like before the video started playing just because this is exactly what I wanted to see! cheers

[@jaysway2346]

Thanks for the honest review.

[@IVMTAB]

Wow! Amazing comparison. 4/5 of those sample photos that I liked more were from the JJC filter.

[@remyh88]

very clear comparison video!

[@brandonfernandes4978]

Mate I'm pretty new to the channel. You always seem to add videos covering the exact topic I need that day 😂🙌🏼 well-done brother keep it up.

[@team_sixthree8956]

awesome i was looking into getting a polar pro but I'm glad I ran into your video great comparison im ordering a JJC ND filter 👍

[@JimmyHuynhdesign]

got the jj. Thanks man!

[@juanpaz7991]

The JJC looks amazing I was able to get it right all the time

[@bestalternativesneakers2022]

Thank you for this I was going to get the polar pro but I will get now the jjc

[@Themazcorner]

Thanks for the vid! I have the Freewell equivalent incoming. Hope it will work out well. Was also much cheaper than the Polarpro but more expensive than the JJC though...

[@MrSaidaqqa]

Man, because of your video I'm going to get JJC, plus I did like your video,,,,, great work

[@ChrisMitchells_FlyingCameras]

Thank you Peter!

[@dominik6234]

You dropped the video like one week to late I‘ve bought the peter mckinnon filter but I‘m quite happy :)

[@ClintonFordGray]

Hello Peter - awesome content as always - nearly had a heart attack when you dropped the Polarpro.... Yikes! I use a Marumi ND2 - ND400 77mm dia. priced $125.00 - great quality at a reasonable price.. Keep up the great content.

[@pf4773]

What a useful video! I love saving money so the $30 JJC filter is so close in quality, and in fact better, than the $250 filter that it is an easy decision. One can see how packaging and marketing a "brand name" results in an over-priced product (seriously overpriced). By the way, your studio is just incredible, your English skills are crazy good, and the quality of your videos are wonderful. I was in Sweden a long time ago and absolutely love the people and country. Thanks again!

[@VavanB]

Thanks for this video, I’m just thinking to buy one of those 😃 I saw this in right moment 😎

[@KaraAshleyThrace]

I did get them all right because of the color difference, as you mentioned, JJC being warmer. I also prefer the warmer tones but usually that is something I do in post.

[@officialdouglife]

Your reaction after dropping Peter's filter is priceless haha. Great video boss.

[@sudhive]

Ordered the JJC ND filter right after watching this video... Thanks for making this video Peter

[@religionishipocrisy]

I got 100% correct. The JJC has a more golden, warm color to it. I think the Polar Pro might have more accurate color. But only slightly. They both looked fantastic. Thank you for sharing this comparison! The grass photo and the fern photo were the toughest to figure out, very similar results on both of these photos.

[@moisesmvera]

¡ Un video muy aclaratorio ! Entendible para los que somos iniciados en éste mundo ¿ Enhorabuena por el trabajo!

[@AxelSiemens]

Thanks PL! you could do a video editing tutorial (specifically how you edit your voice in post)

[@Stahlengelmusic]

Thanks for this comparison

[@mayankraghuwanshi01]

It was an easy differentiation. It is overpriced. I personally would go for JJC. And also, did the filter break??🤣🤣🤣

[@PeterLindgren1]

Haha, it survived 😂

[@chamithathukorala1985]

Please DO Kase Filters Kit Sir !!!

[@GS-vb3zn]

I’m betting I can find a filter as good (if not better) than the PMcK for a $100 less. Super cool packaging does not impress me. Where was the money spent, on the filter or the packaging? Simple and sturdy will do.

[@666hobart]

@@GS-vb3zn You probably can find a set of 3 as good for $200 less...

[@GaryJahman]

5:21 always cracks me up when you're dropping things haha Also I'm using the JJC for professional use because its cheap and it works

[@krane15]

Its easy to drop filters since you handle them by the tips of your fingers. One reason why I always move to soft ground or carpet when changing them.

[@tombuck]

Oh man, I had a really bad cheap variable ND so the PolarPro filter was a huge step up. I do definitely notice that it tends to make the footage a bit warmer, but that’s not a huge deal for me.

[@chrismartirosyan]

Great review. Thanks Peter! Definitely JJC

[@AJVLlaxus90]

as long as it has polarizer..its a snap!!and by the way..i've been following ur channel when u till got 25k subs..n now boom!!!godjob bro!!

[@WilfriedSDV]

Did you bought it ? I've been looking for it on Amazon but there is nowhere indicated that it has a polarizer... :( Can you tell me about it before i buy it ? :)

[@volt416]

@@WilfriedSDV all Variable NDs are made of two opposite facing polarizers. When you turn it to adjust the filtration, it also turns the polarizer (you can't control them separately) That's actually also what causes the X pattern (it has nothing to do with the focal length and is unavoidable with VNDs). All VNDs have a usable range, that's why the Polarpro is only 2-5 stops with hard stops. Even though this filter advertises a ND2 - ND400 reducing in light, the actual usable portion of that is much smaller (probably similar to the polarpro). If you want that polarizing effect, I suggest buying a separate polarizer and stacking it. This video is honestly kinda ill-informed and misleading. If you are looking for an actual budget VND + Polarizer, I suggest the K&F Concept filters, that's what I use. You can get them on amazon for a similar price, just make sure you get the ND2 - ND32 and NOT the ND2 - ND400. Hope this helps!

[@nancygillespie7014]

I've never used filters but am in the market for one. I guessed JJC in every test that you did. I like the coloring of that one. So will be looking for a JJC.

[@bushwackerfilms2601]

I use K&F Multiple Layer Nano Coated ND2 to ND32. I am very happy with what you get for the price. 32 is enough because in full sun I am not shooting at full open. I agree that PP is a bit too expensive, especially for this "special edition". Greetings.

[@wanderdomi]

Amazing video, more like this one please 👍

[@danielbeleski]

Great video peter!

[@StianBerntsen]

I really like the protective rubber cover you get with the polar pro. My camera feels like tank when I have it on. It is very smooth to turn and i would be suprised if the case it came with ever broke.