If you’re shooting outside with a DSLR-like camera, you most likely run into problems. These cameras often lack ND (neutral density) filters and therefore, you end up with weird f/22 exposures. You know the drill, though: Use a screw-on variable ND front filter and you’re all set. Or – even better – take a look at the new PowerXND Mark II series over on Kickstarter. This set of two filters offer a total ND range of 11 stops.
There are numerous variable ND filters out there. The PowerXND mark II series, however, stands out a little. It’s a matching set of two filters: the PowerXND 128 (1-7 stops) and the PowerXND 2000 (5-11 stops). Both share the same specs, some interesting features and various thread sizes.
PowerXND Mark II
For Aurora Aperture, the company behind these new filters, it’s not the first successful crowdfunding campaign. Their PowerXND series I was a hit, already. So they pushed hard to improve things and here we are: The Mark II series campaign is now live on Kickstarter and it’s already funded by 160% with 16 more days to go. Watch the video below:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/aurora-aperture/powerxnd-mark-ii-the-best-variable-nd-filters-1-11
Aurora Aperture seem to have observed the market closely and they’ve managed to implement a number of neat features to their latest filters. Both, the 1-7 stops and the 5-11 stops filter offer hard stops, a lever mount option, advanced nano coatings and front filter threads the same size of the filter itself. This is very handy if you want to use your original lens cap, for instance. Lots of other manufacturers fail to offer a filter thread the same size. Oftentimes the front diameter is bigger than the variable ND filter itself, resulting in the inability of using (the original) lens caps.
Both filters offer a ND range of 7 stops (1-7 stops and 5-11 stops). They are also equipped with hard stops, which is very practical, as variable ND filters tend to create strange effects when you rotate them through 360°, due to their design. Furthermore, you can attach a lever for smooth operation.
The applied multi-layer nano coating helps keeping your filters clean and also reduces light reflections. Quality SCHOTT B270 glass is being used for these PowerXND Mark II filters and they come in various thread sizes, ranging from 37mm all the way up to 150mm.
Series II (left) vs. Series I (right)
The guys behind these filters have managed to keep the profile low. The PowerXND Mark II filters are as thin as the original series I. Furthermore, they sport a direct and double reading scale for easy operation.
Pricing and Availability
The Kickstarter campaign will run for another 19 days and is already funded by almost 160%. The price depends on your choice of thread size: One filter (PowerXND 128 or 2000) with a thread size of 37mm, 39mm, 40.5mm, 43mm or 46mm is $45. For filter thread sizes of 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm or 62mm you pay $75 and for large filters with thread sizes of 67mm, 72mm, 77mm or 82mm you pay $109.
PowerXND Mark II filters in comparison to a reference fixed ND filter (blue line).
The larger filters cost a little more. 86mm thread size: $145, 95mm thread size: $189, 105mm thread size: $279 and 150mm thread size: $419. According to Aurora Aperture, production will ramp up shortly after the campaign has ended and the filters will be shipped in September 2018.
Keep in mind that Kickstarter is not an online shop but a crowdfunding platform. Anything can happen and even if everything goes smoothly, you might need to wait a little bit before your filters reach you safely.
Check out the Kickstarter campaign page for various bundle offers and to mix’n’match your dream kit.
Links: Kickstarter | Aurora Aperture
What do you think? Do you already use Aurora filters? Let us know in the comments below!
