PolarPro Helix MagLock: The World's FASTEST Filter System?

[@matthewtomlinson9853]

Ok i would like to make sure i got everything correct here. So a mag system that is $100 dollars more that the reg 2-5 PND filer, the kit does come with the rigs and that's great but so say i have a lens with a 70mm thread and a 82mm thread but, great both lenses get a adaptor ring. If i take the filter off of one lens now i don't have a cover on it or vs versa if i leave the defender plate off a the filter now i have a unprotected filter in a bag that will definitely not fit into a filter case (not a normal one anyway). and if i want to revert to a reg lens cap well now I'm unscrewing something anyway. The 2-5 is the only one that comes in a kit the others you must purchase the needed adaptor ring and lens cover ($19.99) and or possibly a few more defender covers ($14.99) each. So at the end of the day just to have a 2-5 and a 6-9 VND im looking at close to $700+ for a 2 filter VND system? If by chance someone needs the entire filter line system..........that's clocking in at about $1800 for all the filters and that's not counting extra rings and defender caps that might be needed. Help me out with why this is a good investment?

[@poppincam]

This is trash lol. 1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality. 2. Takes the same amount of time. There is no difference. Depends on how agile the individual is. 3. You be paying for something that is not a problem at all. Just a gimmick. 4. Moment cinebloom is universally agreed as the best defusion filters besides tiffen pro mist/prism fx dream filter. In 6th place, are these poor quality polar pro mist. There's been comparison videos to prove this.

[@JaySea]

These are great and all but is there a package for the VND system and mist like its competitors (e.g. Nisi Swift and Freewell Magnetic?) They are sold separately for $500 AUD each filter and most of the time I need the whole range of 1-9 stops. The price is extremely greedy by Polar Pro

[@SebbyClemens]

Such an insightful and helpful video man! Keep at it!💪🏼

[@kylemeshna]

Happy to help

[@AmmonCluff]

great video. straight to the point, gorgeous b-roll! I loved seeing so many iconic Utah spots. made me nostalgic

[@creativetom413]

How does it compare ( including with wider angles lenses and photography) to the new Freewel k2 vnd, the Nisi vnd true colors and the kase Wolverine revolution vnd ? ( those seem to be the very top vnd, mostly magnetic filter, except the nisis) in terms of optical quality, colorimetry etc

[@KeepingThisTech]

LMBO!! Box Squad, I'm glad I'm not the only one!

[@kylemeshna]

One of us! One of us!

[@iamReedicus]

@@kylemeshna went through three old (2005) Mac Pro tower boxes and all were loaded with camera and table boxes.

[@shakkaphillips2444]

As well as video I do photography particularly street, long exposure and landscape would the magnetic lens be good option still or would you recommend a normal non magnetic ND filter on the photo sidev

[@booth529]

Have you tried the VND + PL? If so, what are your thoughts?

[@kylemeshna]

Yeah I actually use the ND PL Mist almost every day. It’s fantastic

[@DeanBartley_]

Can you stack them? For example a regular 2-5 ND then stack the mist one on whenever I need that look rather than having it in the ND.

[@kylemeshna]

Yep they’re stackable!

[@DeanBartley_]

@@kylemeshna for lenses less than 67mm can I use step up rings to get it to the 67mm needed for this system and it works fine?

[@kylemeshna]

Yep exactly! Works perfectly with that setup

[@cj050395]

Can the lens hood attach with the filter base on the lens?

[@kylemeshna]

Unfortunately not. I’ve never been a big fan of lens hoods though tbh

[@LanaOkeaness]

Do we need to buy those step up rings or can we use the ones we have? Thanks!

[@kylemeshna]

You need the system rings yes. That’s the part that has the magnet on the lens. So I’d get one ring for each lens you have and then you’re able to swap between all your lenses

[@kylemeshna]

Here’s the link to the base plates btw www.polarpro.com/products/helix-base-plates

[@LanaOkeaness]

@@kylemeshna they are so thin though, I didnt even see it at first, compared to what I currently have LOL This is such a good design!

[@LanaOkeaness]

thanks!!

[@poppincam]

​@@LanaOkeaness This is trash lol. 1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality. 2. Takes the same amount of time. There is no difference. Depends on how agile the individual is. 3. You be paying for something that is not a problem at all. Just a gimmick. 4. Moment cinebloom is universally agreed as the best defusion filters besides tiffen pro mist/prism fx dream filter. In 6th place, are these poor quality polar pro mist. There's been comparison videos to prove this.

[@_rhapsodist]

is there a way to use the previous VND with this new maglock system?

[@kylemeshna]

No this is a new system. The filters are all larger than the older versions

[@_rhapsodist]

@@kylemeshna so no not even an 82mm version of the previous VND can be converted somehow?

[@RustyShackleford9000]

Didn’t the new Maglock filters remove the clicks between VND stops? That’s why I’m sticking with the screw-on polarpro vnd’s

[@dasignarts]

The Examples you showed are really stunning!! Didn't know that the blue and gold filters look that amazing!! Also having the unified System where you can switch the filter from one lens to the other albeit of different filter sizes. That sonuds fun being in the field!

[@kylemeshna]

Soooo nice in the field. Or even when you’re in a bunch of different situations. Inside vs outside for example. Just pop it off and stick it in your pocket real quick.

[@dasignarts]

@@kylemeshna Exactly! Thats really convenient!

[@poppincam]

This is trash lol. 1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality. 2. Takes the same amount of time. There is no difference. Depends on how agile the individual is. 3. You be paying for something that is not a problem at all. Just a gimmick. 4. Moment cinebloom is universally agreed as the best defusion filters besides tiffen pro mist/prism fx dream filter. In 6th place, are these poor quality polar pro mist. There's been comparison videos to prove this. Moment also already made the blue and gold cine flare anamorphic filters 😂😂

[@lunarvue]

Excellent review! Thanks for the info

[@bc_views]

I noticed on my last VNDs PMPP Edition II, they had a colder look to them, I was just interested in knowing if that is the case with these as well? Great video by the way, thank you for sharing!

[@kylemeshna]

I didn’t have any color issues

[@BCPCamerasTech]

There’s definitely a shift to green. In both the 2-5 and 6-9. More noticeable than the first edition PM VND 2-5 too.

[@levyherczeg2423]

Any experience on the PL ones ? Is there a blue or gold shift in windows ? Until now best video on the filters and i watched all of them. Have a great day 😊

[@ryanrootphoto]

So, I can’t use the Polarpro 2-5 mist filter I already have? I would have to buy a new one per this new system?

[@kylemeshna]

They are indeed entirely new filters

[@tadhgbrady]

I have a lens with a 55mm threading size. How do I get the helix filter on that?

[@kylemeshna]

They sell step up rings!

[@tadhgbrady]

Thank you!

[@thorien]

Wish they would have made a CPL for this system also

[@kylemeshna]

Maybe it’s coming soon 👀

[@thorien]

@@kylemeshna Hope so 👀

[@iaf_fnd]

Yeah this new system looks great. But just, is it optically better ? Is it as good as the nisi true color ? If it does then it's a game changer !

[@kylemeshna]

Optically they look fantastic. Easily the best VND in the game imo

[@iaf_fnd]

@@kylemeshna waiting for deep reviews then ! But nice to hear 👍🏼

[@LifeAsAlex]

Hey Kyle, when you are switching from one lens to the other, do they provide a lens cap to fit on the lens without the VND while you have the other lens with the VND on?

[@kylemeshna]

Yep every adapter ring comes w a normal lens cap (called a lens defender)

[@poppincam]

This is trash lol. 1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality. 2. Takes the same amount of time. There is no difference. Depends on how agile the individual is. 3. You be paying for something that is not a problem at all. Just a gimmick. 4. Moment cinebloom is universally agreed as the best defusion filters besides tiffen pro mist/prism fx dream filter. In 6th place, are these poor quality polar pro mist. There's been comparison videos to prove this.

[@hugolopez-rios2129]

Heyy do you have some helix to sell because the Polar Pro shop si out of stock for at least 2 months ...

[@lightexplorer]

For clarification, do they vignette on the Sony 16-35mm f2.8 GM? That lens specifically has mechanical vignetting when stacking the adapter + filter on other systems. PolarPro even said on their website no vignetting down to 19mm so I wanted clarification on this because the PolarPro filters are a deal breaker if they do.

[@garrettgoerlvisuals]

I think they meant no vignetting down to 19mm if you double stack filters. I could be wrong though.

[@SamThao]

Awesome video, thanks for sharing! Was about to buy one, then i noticed there was no 95mm baseplate for my canon 28-70. :( Hopefully polarpro makes one!

[@poppincam]

This is trash lol. 1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality. 2. Takes the same amount of time. There is no difference. Depends on how agile the individual is. 3. You be paying for something that is not a problem at all. Just a gimmick

[@john3Lee]

I would be concerned about the magnetic effects on the sensitive SD cards, or whatever storage units you store your images on....

[@kylemeshna]

lol do you know how strong of a magnet you’d need to damage an SD card? These magnets are tiny. They’re not gonna damage anything you’re storing your data on

[@lowrobb]

Tried this on my RF 24-70 f/2.8 and I returned it. Apparently, it’s not for me-too bulky, and the magnet isn’t spot on.

[@JACKnJESUS]

I own some PP filters and love them. However, I don't see a way to protect my lenses after I put on the PP filter mag step up ring. Once the filter is utilized, and put away ...my lens is sitting there with just a step up ring. Now what?...since my lens cap no longer fits.

[@kylemeshna]

Pick up one of the extra Maglock lens caps

[@JACKnJESUS]

@@kylemeshna I was afraid that was going to be the answer. I have well over a dozen lenses. I think PP would sell more if they raised the price a tad and added one in the kit...since you have to have one. Nice video...thanks.

[@DanYosua]

Box squad baby!

[@kylemeshna]

One of us! One of us!

[@PolarProFilters]

Hell yeah!! 👊

[@JonnyRoams]

I could be wrong, but I think these are a game changer

[@kylemeshna]

I think they changed the game

[@MyFriendlyPup]

I worked for 2yrs in television. We did fine with filter pouches.............

[@kylemeshna]

much more controlled lighting in TV. smaller productions and solo creators have to quickly adapt without a grip helping them out. These are amazing for those folks. People did "fine" with the 5Dmk2 back in the day. should they still be shooting with it?

[@JonnyRoams]

@@kylemeshna he probably shoots on a Nikon

[@DavidStokes-j6t]

Is the only difference between the PM Filters and the Chris Burkard Helix, the magnet locking system? I have spent, A SHIT LOAD on filters. When I started using the PM filters I fell in love with them. They are the only filters I carry. My only negative is on the PM filter lens cap. When you are walking with the cover on, they DO COME OFF! And at $40.00 USD a cover to replace, well, that freaking HURTS! I am not sure it is worth changing to this system because of the cost. But on the Polar Pro webpage, it doesn't really tell you what the differences are. HELP?

[@kylemeshna]

So there are the original PM filters (screw on filters), and then there’s the PM Helix and Chris Burkard Helix (locking magnetic filters). The glass is basically the same, but the mechanism is different. I now only use the helix system, but it is indeed quite expensive

[@DavidStokes-j6t]

Thank you for the reply! Thanks for the video! GREAT JOB! Is the PM Helix and CB Helix the same thing? Meaning, there is only ONE HELIX system. Again, the webpage really doesn't provide you information on the differences.@@kylemeshna

[@kylemeshna]

@user-xu5nk2sd6w correct. The only difference between PM and CB is the filter type. PM has variable ND and affects. CB has standard ND and polarizer

[@DavidStokes-j6t]

I just sent an email to Polar Pro to explain the difference IN DETAIL and stated I would post their answer online when they reply.@@kylemeshna

[@DavidStokes-j6t]

OK, FROM THE HORSE MOUTH! BLUF - PM filters are VND and CB filters (besides the CP) are set ND filters IE. ND8. The Helix system is the same. Oliver (PolarPro) Jan 26, 2024, 5:23 PM PST Hi David, Thanks for reaching out. We're happy to provide more detail on those filters. Both of them are part of the Helix MagLock system, since both use the magnetic locking mount system on the frame and both are compatible with any of the Helix Base Plates found here. The difference is in the type of glass each filter contains. The Helix Burkard CP filter is a circular polarizer. Its sole purpose is to help remove glare, flaring, and other reflected light from the shot. It won't appreciably make the shot lighter or darker, except to remove those specific kinds of light. The color saturation tends to become deeper as a side effect of the CP, and the contrast stronger. The CP can be rotated to fine-tune the polarization effect. The Helix McKinnon 2-5 VND, on the other hand, is a variable ND filter. It doesn't target glare or flaring, instead it makes the whole shot darker by whatever stop value it's set to. Rotating it changes the stop value. VNDs tend to be ideal for video, since folks like to keep their shutter speed low for that. For photos, the CP mentioned above tends to be more ideal. They're definitely very different filters in regards to the glass, and the effects they provide. If you have any further questions or concerns, please let us know. Best Regards, Oliver PolarPro Support

[@coffeewithdamian]

Thanks for great video! Question, do you shoot VND or ND for video projects? I can’t stand loseing quality with VND

[@kylemeshna]

I use VND for video projects all the time. I don't find the quality degradation on the polar pro VNDs to be that bad -- the versatility far outweighs it

[@coffeewithdamian]

@@kylemeshna hmm I feel like there are always darker spots because of polarization, I can't belive that you achieved such a good look with 2-5 stops on a sunny day, there is a short clip in video, how is that posibble? at 1/50 shutter speed, you need at least 6 stops and you need to bump up aperture.

[@kylemeshna]

@@coffeewithdamian I'll often compensate by shooting in 60fps if its not a shot w/ talking. but yea, usually don't have any issues! There's also the normal ND versions of the Helix system available now as well if you want to stick with those

[@coffeewithdamian]

I see, definitely, so many options and limited budget, would love to buy ones and for good I have some k&f and I had polarpro 2-5 but it was not dar enough and I could see sky getting darker in some spots

[@DanielGonzalez-zy4uw]

6:00 what are VDN filters lol

[@kylemeshna]

We call it a “typo” in the biz

[@justinanderson6287]

Box squad!! I didnt realize this was so normal, lol.

[@thedronescene7474]

Wouldn't the magnet magnetize the glass and attract more dust?

[@kylemeshna]

I don’t think that’s how magnets (or glass) work

[@poppincam]

Yes

[@robertblackettt]

Is anyone able to tell me if they have front filter threads? I want to be able to use an IR Cut filter on my lenses (BMPCC4K user). I'm aiming towards the NISI models now because I know it has front threads. Also I'd rather have my IR Cut on the front of my lens instead of behind the VND as it isn't as valuable as the the VND system.

[@kylemeshna]

There are not normal threads on the front of the filters, no

[@robertblackettt]

@@kylemeshna thanks for letting me know!

[@4purs]

Hold up am I supposed to buy the kit AND the filter? So it’s like 500$??

[@kylemeshna]

What do you mean? The VND kit has everything included

[@codyconk]

Let’s gooo baby

[@kylemeshna]

Lfggg

[@strippedlist]

Color cast?

[@kylemeshna]

Nope! Just like previous versions of the PMVND, the best color of any VND

[@strippedlist]

@@kylemeshna you make me laugh, just google/youtube pm vnd vs nisi true color

[@HITESHGG]

@@strippedlist these are highly professional liers Also, he says World's FASTEST which is Freewell magnetic filter came 3 years before, so you are paying for peter's name as I have used polarpro & Freewell both Freewell is way better & less than 70% of the price.

[@BCPCamerasTech]

Yes both the maglock 2-5 and 6-9 shift towards green. More so than previous PM VND filters too

[@hellohogo]

box squad is so real

[@shavonnblueitt]

BOX SQUAD 📦

[@kylemeshna]

Assembling quite the squad here

[@pr1sm155]

these are great

[@kylemeshna]

They’re the best. Seriously obsessed with em

[@Thenelsoncarmona]

Glad to see I’m not the only one who keeps my box inside a box 😅 P.S : shout out JakobLR

[@kylemeshna]

Just need a box for that box of boxes 😂😂

[@jl-rt5it]

I am guessing you lose all lens hood capability?

[@ExtremeAerialProductions]

spell check VND not VDN in the lower third call outs - good video

[@pavelooof]

Box Squad 1000%

[@TamarackFilmCo]

Box squad!

[@billw4481]

Thanks, Kyle! Good, clear presentation with the necessary dash of wit so unavailable with most discussions of technology. B U T Yep, the inevitable ‘but’… I am sure if you do the calculus on, say, a typical “trinity” +1 or 2 additional lenses, the cost would pretty quickly become prohibitive, for many of us, anyway. Like about $2k+! And what about our lens caps and hoods (Mm…good name for an urban music group: “Caps & Hoods!) Sorry about that. Also, you are such a conspicuously nice guy, I think you need to be much tougher. The very best critics are both very smart and hyper-critical. It’s a job best left to knowledgeable, accurate, tenacious ball busters, which is why very few nice guys can really do it well. After all, the job is not about winning friends, it’s about influencing people in order to prevent them from making the mistakes that you have made for them! Toughen up.

[@kylemeshna]

Why would this cost $2k? You just need the filter base for each lens. One VND kit comes with an 82 and a 77. So there’s 2/3rds of your trinity. Then an additional $20 for your third 82mm thread.

[@michaelchiaretta]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 box squad!!!!!!

[@alfe_laga]

Correction (possibly) You said in the video [6m:45s] the VND Mist version comes with a diffusion strength of 1/8. I asked PolarPro via Instagram what the strength is on the 2-5 VND Mist version (before seeing this video) and they said “1/4 strength Mist on that”. Maybe their Instagram person was wrong? 🤷‍♂️ Just thought I should say something, specially since these filters aren’t cheap

[@kylemeshna]

Confirming that it is actually 1/4. And they have a normal mist version that’s either 1/4 or 1/2

[@JOSEKmb]

The HELIX added a dark shade on the top left of my footage. PP said it’s because of the polarization on their ND. Don’t recommend this.

[@Bobbylopezcreative]

Whenever people start using the word, “investment”, you know it’s gonna cost you 💸

[@Chanslam]

Box squad my wife hates it hahaha

[@kylemeshna]

Box squad has been known to break up marriages. Gotta be careful out there. Maybe find a spot in the attic 😅

[@Chanslam]

@@kylemeshna my car trunk is my second spot 😂

[@HunterReynolds]

box squad 😂

[@kylemeshna]

The squad is strong

[@texture_papi]

Did you just change the game?

[@kylemeshna]

The game was changed

[@strippedlist]

so 2-9 is 630 dolars + base or whatever it needs ...when i could buy all this for 300, and no color cast like first itineration, for that money i screw myself 20 times a day if needed

[@landofnorth1]

You only buy for the name !

[@compaadres88]

Beautiful. But not for me.

[@poppincam]

This is trash lol. 1. Freewell done this already and the glass is much better quality. 2. Takes the same amount of time. There is no difference. Depends on how agile the individual is. 3. You be paying for something that is not a problem at all. Just a gimmick

[@droptheframemedia]

Hey…the man @jonnyroams making a cameo

[@kylemeshna]

Yessir!