When NiSi now has released magnetic filters it is a solid and most welcome upgrade to the company’s filter systems.
To add filters in the field is now considerably faster and far less cumbersome compared to square filters which are inserted in slots.
The included front cap protects the filters while on the lens.
When I have mounted the adapter ring and added the cpl and perhaps one or more filters I can let the filters remain on the lens protected by the included front cap. This truly is a time saver in the field.
The landscape kit consists of:
• FS ND 3 Stops
• FS ND 6 Stops
• FS ND 10 Stops
• True Color CPL
• Jetmag Pro adapter rings (67–82, 72–82, 77–82, 82mm)
• Front cap and back cap
• Pouch
The True Color Cpl (circular polarizer) holds what it promises. When you for example are shooting running water there is no magenta color cast which can be an issue with other cpls. I use a polarizer to enhance colors, add contrast, reduce or remove glare and to accentuate reflections.
True Color CPL + 3 stop 0,4 sec.
In the field I am never worried that the filters will fall off the adapter ring which now also works as the filter holder. The magnets hold the filters firmly in place. Yet, the filters are easy to remove if needed. A new patented locking system makes it possible to further secure the filters so that they don’t come off. I find that the extra locking comes in handy when transporting the camera either when carrying it around or when it is in the backpack.
On a bright day the cpl and the 3 stop filter may be enough to smooth running water like for instance a river or a waterfall. The 6 and 10 stop filters I find best suited for long exposure photography. This means that for the majority of your photography two stacked filters suffice. The cpl plus a ND filter. On my Tamron 17–28 there is no vignetting with two filters and the lens set to 17mm. The filters are ultra thin in order to avoid vignetting even at 15mm.
The only thing I miss in the kit is a graduated ND filter for very contrasty scenes. During such conditions I for now shoot two exposures; one for the highlights and one for shadows which are blended in Photoshop. However, Nisi will soon come with a filter holder for the JetMag system where you can use your 100mm square graduated filters.
True Color CPL + 6 stop 30 sec.
Light leaks can be a problem when you use square filters for long exposure photography. You have to be very careful when inserting the dark filter into the slot. With the new magnetic filters that is not a worry, in particular when you take advantage of the locking function. The cpl needs, however, to be rotated freely so that the desired polarizing effect is attained.
I find that colors and details are very well preserved even when using the 10 stop filter.
True Color CPL + 10 stop 81 sec.
True Color CPL 1/15 sec.
The example images are given a quick edit in Lightroom and Photoshop.
