SLR Magic Variable ND mkII Review

[@NarekAvetisyan]

Very useful review. And what looks like a great product. I'll definitely get me one of these. Thank you. I'm surprised this video is not very popular at this moment. Only 1000 views. It deserves a lot more.

[@_tographer]

+Narek Avetisyan Thanks! Hopefully people looking for better Variable NDs will come across it

[@miketing6971]

Really good review Stronz. To the point and the comparison shots are just what you need. Thanks !

[@PaulHarwood856]

Price drop from $179 to $129 for 77mm version on Adorama! Free Shipping in U.S. and no tax other than New York and New Jersey. So hyped to pick up this deal. Thanks for the super helpful review Stronz! - Paul

[@davidp158]

Excellent review, with all the information I was looking for and a lot of details I wasn't aware of. I can see how the SLR Magic variable ND is worth the extra $. Thanks!

[@_tographer]

+Dave Patterson Thanks! Yeah it's really nice to have a variable ND without the problems associated with many other brands. The SLR Magic isn't the cheapest but you can find a lot of other more expensive ones too. Fits in a nice "middle of the road but does everything well" price range.

[@mikeb6736]

Awesome in-depth review. I was hesitating with a Genus Eclipse VND/ Hoya UV-IR combo. SLR Magic handles IR very well! This 77mm (with step up rings) will be a great addition for my Lumix 12-35mm/ 8-18mm lenses. Thanks!

[@YourStoryStudios]

Very helpful! Looking for a variable ND for our 24-105 F4 on the Panasonic S1. Have used cheap ND filters in the past and wasn’t very impressed with the results. This SLR Magic looks like it might do a great job!

[@pauldhadialla]

Excellent review Stronz, thank you !

[@DynamixWarePro]

Very good review! (and I just checked out a few of your other videos and subscribed)I have been looking for a ND filter to use with my GH4 for video and just found your video. I tried a B+W XS-Pro Variable ND, a more expensive filter and it had a slight green color cast and was noticeably soft on my Panasonic 100-300mm lens (which isn't the sharpest telephoto lens) . This one looks like the best option out of the ones I have looked at and definitely a plus that you can adjust the amount of polarization separately, so will defiantly be getting one.

[@FlashOnTwos]

Thanks for your great review! It convinced me to go with this model of variable ND filter.

[@p.k5096]

thank you very much for making this detailed review! the comparisons are very useful

[@my2cents198]

Great review....lots of details and just facts....well done !!!

[@TadasMelody]

What do you think, Is it a good idea to stack on top of it a good quality solid IRND 86mm filter when more ND stops is needed?

[@drw2024]

There is a 1.6 to 8-Stop version of this filter. Have you tried it? It is even cheaper. I am trying to find out how good it is. In general, the longer the density range, the lower the quality (especially at the extremes).

[@alessronow]

Great comparison! Really good and down to the point. Thanks

[@mervynjack4108]

Excellent review and demonstration of the filter thanks, just what I've been looking for. I would agree with some others, during the first part of the video the autofocus kept shifting from your face or hands to the guitar on the back wall and was quite distracting. Whoops, just realised how old this video is...

[@mississippidragonfly7159]

The lens cap is great when you'd want to keep the filter attached to the camera and in the bag .. or on the go with camera in hand but not actually filming. thanks for the review!

[@MrBazsi888]

this is also a polarization filter built in ?

[@rick535xi]

Great write up, Thanks. I added it to my Christmas list.

[@thuytrinhnguyen8497]

Thank you for this video! I'm a newbie with BMCCP 4k + Art Sigma 18-35 f/1.8. I like all the scenes I shot indoors, but not outdoors. When it's not sunny enough, the footage becomes blurry. Yesterday, I couldn't even focus on some leaves on a tree + flat footage. I guess it happened that way because my camera needs a filter. I watched tons of filter comparisons on KZbin, and feel like I should take an SLR Magic Variable ND filter. I have a silly question: My lens ring size is 72 mm, but SLR filters only offer other sizes, which means I cannot use this filter for my lens?

[@PaulHarwood856]

You can use a step up ring. I would buy a 72-77mm or 72-82mm step up ring, depending on which size filter (77mm or 82mm) you buy.

[@victorlin4645]

Great review! You mentioned that a lot of other variable NDs produce ghosting. Which ones? I'm also looking at the Tiffen variable ND because it's able to go a bit darker than the SLR magic.

[@joseadrianvalera5568]

can you do croos polarization video or photography with this nd filter?

[@unethicalcouk]

Brilliant review. Thanks.

[@davidsteege4119]

Does SLR Magic Variable ND MkII also cut IR? I'm looking to put it on an URSA Mini 4.6K which needs an IR cut filter with some NDs.

[@ArctisTheMonk]

Hey... nice Video but it's 4 years old. Is this still one of the best variable NDs? I'm searching something for the PanaLeica 8-18 f2.8-4 i planing to buy soon.

[@skymakai1486]

Did you skip showing the SLR Magic ND filter at maximum to demonstrate the X pattern that's typical of Variable ND filters?

[@ryanyu5051]

Such a detailed video. Thanks!

[@carlesbargues6663]

Thank you so much for this thorough review! Yesterday I thought the Tiffen VND was the best option, this morning I knew that the slr magic shifts the colors even less than the Tiffen, but both had this polarizing effect and kill the highlights. Of course I'd hate to expend nearly 200€ and deal with that awful issue. So much happy I found that this MkII pretty much solves the problem. I suppose it's the best bang for the buck at the moment, what do you think?

[@_tographer]

+Carles Bargues Yeah I really like this filter, sharp, no ghosting, and you can dial in the polarization angle. Much better than some of the cheaper variable NDs you can find online.

[@carlesbargues6663]

+Stronz Vanderploeg Sorry to be picky here but do you think there's a better value for the money choice? (A filter in the same league that doesn't cross the 200$ barrier)

[@_tographer]

+Carles Bargues I'm not sure, there are so many variable NDs out there that it'd be hard to test them all. The cheaper ones I've used in the $30-$80 price range have been pretty bad - useable if image quality isn't important but not suitable for professional use. I've also seen variable NDs as much as $500 and they might be amazing but I think that's pretty expensive for what you're getting. You'd really have to look around at a bunch of reviews to figure out what's going to be best for you but for me, this SLR Magic does everything I need it to and I've got no complaints even after using it on multiple shoots.

[@michaelfrymus]

I just bought this.... And this does not seem to be changing the POL effect for me. Instead it is only changing the color shift; going warmer or cooler. I have a POL and I was comparing it, and that one was removing the reflections and darkening the blacks. The SLR vnd did not.

[@KahHwangSite]

Just got this in the mail and tested it in front of my monitor. Same issue for me. Have you found a solution ?

[@MichaelCampbellPhoto]

What is the range of ND densities. I use a 67 mm and a 72mm size do they make those?

[@DynamixWarePro]

No they only do a 52mm, 62mm, 77mm and 82mm, you'll need a step up ring to use it. See: www.slrmagic.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/?q=Variable+ND+Filter Would have been nice if they had a 67mm since my biggest lens has a 67mm thread, so I just got a 77mm filter and a 67-77mm step up ring. Many lenses have a 77mm filter thread anyway so that size seemed like the best choice for me.

[@david243121]

Does it bother you that you can't use a lens hood? Or did you find a work around? Thanks. How would you compare this to Tiffin's VND?

[@david243121]

Just read your post responding to Shaka. Hmm... Kind of a bummer as I'm buying this for outdoor / boat shooting and would really like to have a lens hood, and would like to stay low profiile and not have a matte box.

[@thatchinaboi]

Get a rubber hood the same thread size as the filter and screw it on the front of the filter. Viola! (Thank me later!)

[@julientaylor]

Before you follow the 180 rule. You need to follow rule 1, deactivate autofocus!

[@unethicalcouk]

OOOH - Picky! - noticed the couple of times autofocus kicked in there myself, but the point in making the issue is? A brilliant video well reviewing the SL Variable ND filter. For the maximum quarter second the autofocus pulled there was no real distraction regarding the content (and point) of the video. You got to think about the whole picture and not limit yourself to inventing a rule guidebook related to anything based on what you have heard. The fact that the video works SO well while being filmed on autofocus is really commendable. I imagine he may have used autofocus to cut down on time needed to keep setting up the camera for different shots. Just because a component of technology is often used by amateurs to make their task in any way even accomplishable does not necessarily render that same component useless for more experienced users. Glass half empty type of guy huh? ;-) Excellent review, but you managed to find a fault.

[@a-onefs4740]

Awesome video 👍

[@RolandsBriedis]

Thanks for review, Do You think this ND would be great for Ursa mini 4.6k? Also which IR cut You recommend to stack with this one? (If it needs IR cut for IR pollution)

[@davidsteege4119]

Did you ever find an answer to this question? I have the same interest.

[@ajrc1987]

Hi Stronz Vanderploeg, I just received my variable ND and realised that I can't twist the second ring. Idk if it's either a little be hard and am afraid to break it or its a defective piece. Did you hear any problems like this? Thanks.

[@_tographer]

+Aj Ramirez the Version I didn't have the rotation ring, you may have bought the V1 instead of the version II

[@ajrc1987]

It is the version II, I think it was glued somehow but I managed to unlock it. Thank you!!!

[@Stargaze79]

I got my SLR Magic filter today and had the same problem. For a moment I freaked out, thinking it's not the second version, but it turned out the rear element just sticks the way step up rings do sometimes. All it needed was a little more force.

[@DeejaySlamBB]

Hi, after watching your review, i've bought the SLR Magic Variable ND mkII. But i don't understand how to adjust polarization. Do i have to unscrew the filter ?

[@_tographer]

+Bruno Slam there's a twisting mechanism that adjusts where the threads line up. when you screw that piece, you can change the final thread position of the adapter

[@itsgussy]

+Stronz Vanderploeg I just received my ND. great review BTW. I thought I could adjust the polarization on the fly, but you need to set it first, lock the rear ring then choose Your ND strength. I had it wrong

[@DeejaySlamBB]

+itsGoosie lucky you. I still did not find out how to set the polarization. To me there's 2 rings, One that allow to set ND strength, and another one that allow to screw or unscrew the filter. Maybe my piece has an issue....

[@itsgussy]

Bruno Slam No yours is fine. To test it screw the filter on normally how you would any other filter. Make sure you are at the lower ND setting. Point the camera to a reflective surface, like your computer screen while it is on. Then while looking at the screen rotate the entire filter and you will see that the computer screen itself darkens without affecting the Exposure. Once you see it working, then tighten the second ring to set it. You can't adjust polarization on the fly like the ND.

[@GrandpaSStudio]

No ghosting? WOW

[@shaka-surf]

Hey Stronz! I want to purchase this ND filter after your review, but I am concerned about how the lever might interfere with a lens hood. What do suggest as a workaround?

[@_tographer]

With this and most filters, lens hoods become a problem. I typically use a mattebox to block any rogue light but that may not be ideal in all situations if you're only doing photos or you're concerned about staying low profile. There may be some "extra wide" lens hoods out there but none that I have experience with.

[@shaka-surf]

Yes, a matte box might be overkill for my needs. Thanks for the feedback, Stronz!

[@david243121]

Sooo what if I don't want to use a matt box? Should I not get a variable ND..? Just stick to the basics and get a non-variable?

[@mikeb6736]

If you absolutely need lens hood then you have no other choice than going for contender #2 => Genustech ND Fader filter 77 or 82mm. They have a huge choice of accessories. This is the one that could interest you if you go this way => store.digitalrev.com/product/genustech-genus-hood-for-nd/MTEwNDM4OA_A_A www.genustech.tv/collections/polarizer-nd-variable-filter Genustech ND Fader filter shoutout frankglencairn.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/nd-fader-shootout-heliopan-vs-the-new-genus-eclipse/ if needed you even may add UV/ IR cut filter www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?8271-Filming-in-the-desert-which-IRND/page2 www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?8271-Filming-in-the-desert-which-IRND/page3 Hope that helps..

[@creamrich]

if you do figure out how to get a lens hood over a variable nd, you still have to turn the ring which means bending in your hand and maneuvering your fingers around the ring without smudging the lens

[@SullyCortez]

yes 180 degree rule! haha I follow that to a T! Love this testing.... I too was looking for a good variable ND. I've been using 4x4 ND's (LEE) and Tiffen and yea they're SUPER expensive and you NEED a mattebox to use them... personally a variable ND that you can rely on would be super beneficial when flying on a small gimbal/steadicam or trying to use a small camera like the GH4. Cuz they one's I've tried are just garbage

[@_tographer]

+Sully Cortez Yeah I love the simplicity and versatility of variable ND's but a lot of them just aren't worth the low quality performance you get out of them. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of this SLR Magic Variable ND, a variable ND you can actually rely on.

[@nielslesliepringle3143]

Turn it around, it will close I think

[@jasonlindquistmedia]

Ok im buyin it right now, $130

[@BitsOfBoris]

I'm sold on it.

[@_tographer]

+Boris D. It's really nice, I bought another one for when we shoot with 2 cameras

[@eladbari]

*The only thing that SUCKS is that due to lowering your cost- you're pushed into buyinh the 82mm model so it will fit all of your lenses [with step up rings]. And this cumbersome process of switching the ND between lenses may discourage you from using this ND.* Also, It doesn't feel nice to use a bigger ND filter [say 82mm] on a 77mm filter lens or even worse- a 58mm filter thread lens. Yet, you just can't spend 200$ on every lens. it's outrageous... :\

[@zeeninetynine]

I am half in and it's hardly a review -- it's anally painful lesson on what an ND filter is. Should have gone into a separate video.

[@iDealMedley]

how much bigger does it 77mm look on the panasonic 12-35mm? because I'm shooting on a gimbal if it's too big it might just be a problem to mount it