Freewell K2 review: One filter system for everything

Freewell has introduced K2, a new "all-in-one" filter system designed for videographers, filmmakers and photographers. The system supports just about every type of filter (variable NDs, solid NDs, graduated NDs, diffusion mist, etc), and allows users to creatively combine and mix together filters. In this review, I demonstrate how K2 works, how it performs, and share my opinion on who would be the best fit for the product.
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📦 PRODUCTS MENTIONED
Freewell K2 Filter System
www.indiegogo.com/projects/ve...
📕 CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:19 Disclaimer
0:41 Filter holder
1:44 Variable ND filters
3:00 Diffusion mist filters
3:57 Light streak filters
4:17 Solid ND filters
4:37 Graduated ND filters
5:10 Circular Polarizers
6:50 Optics
9:56 Design and construction
13:19 Pros and cons
15:23 Outro
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LEGAL DISCLOSURE
Freewell provided K2 for this review. They have not paid for or sponsored this video, and have had no editorial involvement. All opinions are my own.
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[@notaturkey2607]

I love my older original VND's by Freewell, but then I bought the magnetic solid ND and enjoy them even more. Freewell is my favorite filter company out there. But let's be clear, I just make high quality family home videos.

[@joenicklo]

This thing has me wishing I had said yes when they approached me to review it! Great video as always Todd. The product looks very intriguing.

[@ryejack]

It's pricey, but I do really like how this all works. I added it to my wishlist and might have to pick it up at some point. Thanks for the review!

[@luisjg2628]

Yes, certainly the variable filters generate certain anomalies to put it in a way, for this reason many film producers do not use them.👍👍

[@snaprifice]

Even so I think most people can get away with VND's, like I think for the majority of youtubers a VND is perfectly acceptable. The convenience can outweigh the drawbacks. I'd agree if the stakes of a shoot increase then it's probably better to have a good selection of solid ND's, again though, a lot of youtubers have photo lenses, where the diameter varies from lens to lens, fiddling with step rings and the fine threads of filters can be a bit tedious.

[@shaycostigan2091]

Great video. I appreciate your honest opinion on the K2. I was wondering if it is waterproof

[@Auhana50]

Good point being cumbersome. I use Kase Wolverine Master IV very compact and I don’t have to deal with slide in filters and packing it separately great vlog

[@SILBERTOR]

That is, if I use the K2 system, I must always use this ring of this system. I can't use the ND and CPL filters stand alone on the adjustment ring without this red button holder? But a ring can be purchased to use these filters from the K2 package for quick photography when I don't need the ND10.

[@emeregildo100]

Hi Todd, great video! Certainly, it's a nice new system. I was wondering if you could fit a rectagular filter from Polar Pro in the Freewell system, since Polar Pro filters also have a metal edge and perhaps, they could fit; not sure though. Look forward to your reply, thanks!

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Todd: Thanks for creating and sharing this video. How would you compare this product to that of Polar Pro's Summit Kit? I really enjoyed your videos on the Polar Pro system. Cheers. . . Keith

[@zapsizzle]

Would love to know out of all the filters you've looked at, what you end up using the most? Maven? These ones or another?

[@snaprifice]

I've been running a Gobe and "photo republik" set, and they're each kind of disappointing in their own way. The "Photo Republik" ones I have actually seem to be worse than my Gobe! They promise 1 to 11 stops and I think it just pushes them too far, they suffer the most from color shifting and softness I find. I ordered one of the freewell k2 kits and I'm quite excited for it.

[@hubertdendraak9313]

Pleasant review of a smart filter system. I might be wrong here, but it seems to me that one drawback is it would be pretty challenging to use a matte box (depending on the type of matte box) with this system.

[@snaprifice]

I think the use case for this isn't targeted towards users of matte boxes. I think this is a decent compromise, in the sense that it appeals to photographers and videographers alike, but a step down from a full blown professional shoot, more so for the intermediate people who like to "run and gun".

[@kimeriksson7445]

Hm! Interesting. Does this system get in the way of me accessing the manual focus rings at the end of the lenses?

[@RolandPajfilm]

how we can put the mattebox?

[@marclabro]

nice presentation. If i understand, to have a polarizer, we must flip the 1-5 or 6-9 ND filter ??? it is not a separate filter to add ? no indication of angle with polarizer ? (in case we need to know)

[@levischuurmans9400]

Does it work on the Canon R50? I'm considering getting that one, but read it doesn't allow for third party lenses, but this may be the exception I've been looking for

[@creativetom413]

How would you compare it to the Polarpro helix maglock and the Nisi true color swift? and does it feel like the filters could drop?

[@creativetom413]

So you can have at the same time, mist + nd (+cpl?) or ,instead of mist, gold/blue streak or gnd But not mit + streak + nd

[@creativetom413]

We can combine the k2 solid nd's with their vertical filters right?

[@notaturkey2607]

Quick Question, which freewell nd system do you think is best for legit landscape photography?

[@alexsobrino]

Interesting. But how do you bend your thumb like that??

[@dominey]

Umm…dunno! Is there a particular part you’re referring to?

[@AntonDimovStudio]

Hello! Great review! Can I trust the Indiegogo campaign for the K2 system and order from there? Is it legit and is there a guarantee that I will receive the filters if I order from Indiegogo? Thanks!

[@snaprifice]

I ordered last week and I have confirmation from DHL that it *should* be arriving May 31st. I don't think the risk is too great as Freewell is an established brand. I'll try not to forget to tell you if it actually arrives if you like, lol.

[@snaprifice]

So hey, I'll make good on my word. My Freewell K2 kit actually arrived a day early via DHL. DHL did charge me $20 CAD or so for customs and stuff, but anyway, it arrived. The packaging is professional and looks consumer ready, instructions, stickers, a little cleaning wipe. I haven't had a chance to go out with it just yet but I have no complaints so far.