Tilta Illusion Magnetic Filters Introduced – Modular Polarization and VND

by Alexandra ThompsonJune 10^th, 2026

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At Cine Gear 2026, Johnnie caught up with Nick from Tilta to look at the company’s new Illusion Magnetic Filters, a modular magnetic system built around polarization and variable ND. Unlike some show floor prototypes, these filters are already in stock and shipping.

We recently covered the Illusion Magnetic Filter Ultimate Kit, which brings Tilta’s Illusion line into a screw-on magnetic format for regular photo and cinema lenses. At Cine Gear, Nick walked us through the thinking behind the system, including Mirage user feedback, polarizer control, and compatibility with existing 95mm Illusion filters.

Why another filter system?

The filter market is crowded, and Johnnie put that question to Nick directly. His answer was that the Illusion Magnetic Filters grew out of feedback from Mirage VND users, who wanted a slimmer, lighter, more color-accurate version that was easier to operate.

Tilta also noticed users tilting their matte boxes to use the VND as a polarizer. Nick pointed to one limitation of the Mirage VND: it is thicker, and using it as a polarizer means rotating the entire unit. The new system addresses that more directly, while also giving existing Mirage users a path to keep using their 95mm circular Illusion filters through magnetically compatible trays.

That means users who already own Tilta static ND, diffusion, or effect filters do not necessarily need to rebuild their entire kit. They can add the adapter and bring those filters into the new magnetic setup.

Glass and manufacturing

The Illusion filters are manufactured at Tilta’s main factory in Shenzhen, China. Nick explained that Tilta worked with outside partners on some of its earlier glass, but production has since moved to its own facility.

That shift is part of a gradual refinement of Tilta’s filter line. Nick described the VND made for the Mirage Pro as an improvement over the original Mirage version, with the new Illusion Magnetic system continuing in that direction while moving into a smaller and significantly lighter form factor.

How the system works

The system starts with a screw-on adapter, similar to Tilta’s Mirage setup, and supports lens threads up to 86mm. From there, the filters attach magnetically.

Tilta currently offers three polarizer options: a standard polarizer, a polarizer with five stops of ND, and a polarizer with a quarter stop of black mist. The polarizer can rotate freely, then lock into place using a magnetic alignment slot and tab. Once locked, users can stack the VND adapter on top.

With the standard polarizer, the VND adapter provides a 1 to 5 stop range. With the five-stop polarizer, it becomes a 5- to 10-stop setup.

A light touch of diffusion

Johnnie also asked about the diffusion option, since many modern lenses are very sharp. Nick described Tilta’s quarter black mist as slightly lighter than some competing filters, sitting somewhere between an eighth and a quarter.

The idea is to take the edge off digital sharpness without making the effect too obvious. In practical terms, that means softening the image without turning every light source into a heavy bloom effect.

A small but useful transport detail

One practical feature Nick highlighted is the way Tilta handles filter caps. The company is making front caps for the filters, but the system also allows users to detach the filters, stack them together, and use front and back caps for transport.

It is a small detail, but useful. Filters are easy to misplace or damage, especially when working quickly, so a compact way to stack and protect them makes sense.

Price and availability

The Tilta Illusion Magnetic Filters are in stock and shipping now. A full kit with all options is priced at around $279 / €271.79 for the Ultimate Kit and $159 for the Creator Kit. Most individual filters are in the $60 to $70 range, adapters are around $20, and the magnetic UV filter is around $40.

Tilta says users can also build a smaller setup for around $100, depending on which parts they need.

The adapters support threads up to 86mm, which is the maximum coverage for this system. Nick noted that the filters work with Atlas Mercury lenses, which have 95mm outer diameters but 86mm threads. Larger lenses will require one of Tilta’s bigger systems, such as the Mirage Pro.

Would a slimmer magnetic VND and polarizer setup make your filter workflow easier? And do you prefer building a compact filter kit piece by piece, or buying a complete system from the start? Let us know in the comments!