New Schneider-Kreuznach Filters – RHOdium FSND and Radiant Soft Diffusion

by Jakub HanSeptember 29^th, 2017

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These new Schneider filters are among some of the new products announced during IBC 2017 in Amsterdam. The German manufacturer introduced a new Radiant Soft Diffusion and RHOdium FSND (Full spectrum neutral density) filters.

Radiant Soft Diffusion Filter

The Radiant Soft series of filters are an addition to Schneider’s diffusion filter line. They allow you to tone down skin imperfections, giving your subject a radiant, soft glow while still having control over the contrast, as well as controlling the highlights with very little blooming effect.

According to the Schneider engineers, these filters are the result of a study of how the geometric two-dimensional (planar) particles that make up the interior component of the filter affect the resulting image. Planar particle selection is the key to avoiding the undesired result of a diffusion filter that assaults contrast and over-blooms highlights.

Radiant Soft filters are available in 7 strengths (1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) in both 4X5.65″ and 6.6X6.6″ sizes for prices ranging from $365 for the 4X5.65″ and $469.00 for the 6.6X6.6″.

RHOdium FSND (Full Spectrum Neutral Density)

The Schneider RHOdium Full Spectrum Neutral Density (FSND) filters are a high-end ND filter line made specifically for the critical color standards of 4K, 6K, and 8K-resolution cameras. These filters control the IR leakage within the full visible spectrum and into the near infra-red. As the name implies, rhodium is the material used for this line of Schneider filters.

RHOdium FSND filters are manufactured to finer flatness and parallelism specifications and help resolve all the finest image details. There is a very thin neutral density interlayer sandwiched between two sheets of glass, which results in excellent transmitted wavefront flatness and parallelism. Thanks to this, the coating is also kept safe from abrasions by being encapsulated between the glass, rather than on the surface.

The accuracy comparison of new Schneider FSND filters. Image credit: Phil Holland

RHOdiums are the first filters to undergo a lab-tested tristimulus scan, a more critical color measurement to measure filter quality and further increase the resulting accuracy.

The new FSND Schneider filters are available in ten variations from ND0.3 to ND3.0 in 4X5.65″, with prices ranging from $449 to $499, and 6.6X6.6″ with prices ranging from $699 to $799. For more information, visit SchneiderOptics.com.

In the market for some new high-quality filters? Could the new Schneider filters fit the bill? Let us know in the comments below!