K&F Concept Nano-Xcel Pro Series Filters Review – Precision Meets Creativity

Filter Review

by Nino LeitnerNovember 21^st, 2024

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When it comes to capturing stunning visuals, filters often play the unsung hero, subtly transforming light and color to achieve the desired artistic effect. K&F Concept, a globally recognized name in the photography accessory world, has stepped up the game with its Nano-Xcel Pro Series Filters. Ranging from practical solutions like CPL and ND filters to creative tools like streak effect filters, these products promise to combine functionality and durability with exceptional optical performance. We put a range of these filters to the test in our K&F Concept filter review, exploring their real-world usability, optical quality, and innovative features.

Many people keep using the same filters they know and love, but they often don’t realize that especially variable ND filters and circular polarizers often suffer from tinted images or a lack of sharpness. It’s time to look at a highly regarded set of filters, the Nano-Xcel Pro series from K&F Concept, and see in what regards – and if at all – they fare better and can be an “everyday set” of professional lens filters for filmmakers. I hope you enjoy a new filter review from CineD, it’s been a while!

Build quality – taking a closer look

K&F Concept’s filters stand out for their ultra-thin brass frames. CNC-machined for precision, these frames strike a perfect balance of rigidity and flexibility, ensuring smooth installation and a secure fit. The thoughtful design avoids vignetting even on wide-angle lenses, which is a common issue with many competing filters.
The inclusion of a handmade genuine leather pouch for each filter adds a touch of luxury and practicality, emphasizing the brand’s attention to detail. For the creative streak filters, aerospace-grade aluminum is used, with textured CNC trim patterns that enhance grip and usability.

Optical performance: how do they stack up?

The Nano-Xcel Pro Series utilizes advanced multi-layer nano-coating technology, with up to 36 layers on both sides of the glass. This coating ensures:

• Minimal reflectivity: Reflectivity as low as 0.15% reduces glare and ghosting.
• Neutral color fidelity: No visible color casts were observed, even under rigorous testing with a color-checker chart.
• Durability in harsh conditions: Scratch-resistant, waterproof, and smudge-proof coatings ensure that these filters can withstand heavy use.

Compared to other filters on the market, the Nano-Xcel Pro Series achieves a remarkable balance of maintaining optical clarity while protecting against environmental wear.

The lineup in the Nano-Xcel Pro Series

CPL Filter

Designed for landscape and outdoor photography, the CPL filter excels at eliminating reflections and enhancing contrast. In our tests, it delivered vivid skies and clearer water reflections without any noticeable distortion or softening of the image.

ND2-32 Variable ND Filter

The ND2-32 filter offers a versatile solution for controlling exposure, especially for video work in changing light conditions. Its smooth adjustment mechanism and lack of cross-patterning—a common issue in variable ND filters—make it a reliable choice for professional videographers.
However, a notable gap in the lineup is the absence of a stronger variable ND filter (6-9 stops) in the Nano-Xcel Pro Series. While the ND2-32 performs well for moderate light reduction, a higher range would be invaluable for photographers and videographers working in extremely bright environments, such as midday outdoor shoots or long-exposure photography. Including such an option would round out the series and make it even more competitive.

CPL & ND2-32 Hybrid Filter

This combined CPL and ND filter provides a convenient, all-in-one solution for filmmakers and photographers. During testing, the ability to manage both reflection and light intensity simultaneously proved invaluable in dynamic shooting scenarios, such as coastal landscapes or reflective urban environments.

A standout advantage of this combination is how it enhances the versatility of the variable ND filter. By design, variable ND filters are made from two polarizers stacked together, which means they can inadvertently affect reflections in the image. For example, when filming a subject looking at a smartphone screen, you may notice the screen becoming unnaturally dark or black due to the polarizing effect. This can be frustrating in scenarios where accurate reflections are essential. The CPL & ND2-32 hybrid filter addresses this issue by giving you precise control over reflections independently of light reduction. This added adjustability ensures that reflections, such as those on water, glass, or electronic screens, can be fine-tuned or neutralized as needed—an invaluable feature for both videographers and photographers.

By combining these two functionalities, this hybrid filter doesn’t just save space in your kit; it actively solves a common issue with traditional variable ND filters, making it an excellent choice for professionals who demand greater creative control.

Creative Streak Filters

The Blue Streak and Gold Streak filters cater to filmmakers and photographers looking for a touch of anamorphic magic. These filters produce linear flares that enhance cinematic visuals without degrading sharpness or detail in the underlying image. They are, of course, only giving you the “streak effect” typical for many anamorphic lenses, not the actual image squeezing or oval highlights, but that is a “nice to have” effect in some occasions that is not all that easy to mimic in post-production.

Durability and warranty: built to last

With a 10-year warranty, K&F Concept demonstrates confidence in the longevity of their products. The brass and aluminum frames, combined with robust coatings, ensure these filters endure heavy use without compromising performance. Each filter also features a unique identification code for warranty claims, underscoring the brand’s commitment to quality.

Who are these filters for?

Whether you’re a landscape photographer capturing vivid scenery, a videographer seeking control over exposure, or a filmmaker experimenting with creative flares, the Nano-Xcel Pro Series has something to offer. However, for those needing a stronger variable ND option, you may need to look beyond this lineup for now.

Conclusion

K&F Concept’s Nano-Xcel Pro Series delivers on its promise of high-quality optical performance and robust design. While not without competition, these filters stand out for their innovation, attention to detail, and exceptional value. Addressing the lack of a higher-stop ND filter would make this lineup even more versatile and appealing.

Black Friday Giveaway by K&F Concept

As Black Friday approaches, K&F Concept is already offering exciting giveaways—a perfect opportunity to invest in these outstanding tools. Apart from that, the company is also offering up to 50% off on many of their gear. For more info, please visit their Amazon store or website.

What variable ND and CPL filters do you use and trust? How does the K&F Concept Nano-Xcel Pro Series sound to you? Let us know in the comments below.