My journey with filters has been a long and complicated one. From starting out in photography and not really understanding the need for them to spending a fortune on them. I’m probably not unique in this journey. I imagine that most photographers have gone through this torment at some point in their photographic journey. Fifteen years on, find out why I’m switching filter systems again.
Where It Started
When I started my photographic journey, my first real camera was an entry level DSLR. Like most people, it was a crop sensor camera. I didn’t really understand the need for filters at this stage. As I got more serious about my images, I started to soak up knowledge. I was trying to work out why my images didn’t look like the photographers I was trying to emulate. The conclusion I came to, rightly or wrongly, was the use of filters.
My First Filter System
The first filter system I invested in was the Cokin P Series filter system. I owned a crop sensor camera and had no budget or aspirations to move to a full frame body. The 82mm filter size suited my needs perfectly. I invested in a full set of ND and graduated filters as well as a circular polarising filter. I was all set.
When I started using them in the field, I still didn’t get the results I was looking for. Not only that, but they were also cumbersome to work with. The requirements of adapter rings then trying to slide thin filter into the holder all contributed to a frustrating experience.
Switching to Circular Filters
After my frustrating experience with the Cokin square filter system, I did more research online. Mindsets change and editing software improves. A lot of the photographers I sought inspiration from were now advocating the abandonment of graduated filters. They were pushing the idea that the same effect can be achieved in software. The prevailing opinion now was that only a polarising filter and a few ND filters were required.
I invested in a set of Tiffen circular ND filters and a Hoya circular polariser. These were 77mm, and I used these with a set of step-up rings. They served me well but there were still annoyances. I like to keep lens hoods attached to my lenses. This habit means that when I want to use the filters, I have to attach the step-up rings, Then when I’m finished I have to remove them again. This set of filters served me well and was far smaller to carry around with me. I have only recently sold them on.
Upgrading to Full Frame
Fast-forward a few years. My photography had progressed significantly and a full frame camera was the next logical step. The 77mm filters were no longer suitable for the FX format lenses. Most of the lenses I now used had filter threads of 77mm or greater.
Once again, I looked to the photographers I follow on YouTube and who’s work I was working to emulate. As I was switching filter systems again, I wanted make the right decision. I also read every article and blog post I could find about filter systems. I noted the pros and cons of each and came up with a shortlist of manufacturers.
Lee Filters
Lee Filters have long been the been the filter of choice for the majority of professional photographers. Thomas Heaton is a photographer I very much admire. He uses this system. He also explains how he uses them on his YouTube channel. These things all pushed me to invest in the Lee 100 filter system.
I made a considerable investment in this system. I purchased a set of medium ND graduated filters, ND filters, reverse graduated ND filters and a circular polariser. To try some long exposure photography, I also purchased the big and little stoppers (6 stop and 10 stop ND filters).
All in all, I spent around £900 on the Lee 100 filter system and accessories. This included adapter rings for all my lenses. I found a good pack to store everything in and the system worked for me.
The frustrations I experienced with the Cokin system of square filters were still there. It was time consuming to fit and remove the holders and adapters to the lenses. Sliding the individual filters in and out of the holder was fiddly in cold weather. The polariser was difficult to attach and remove and the 100 filter system filters are actually 150mm long. These along with all the required rings and holders, while not heavy, did take up considerable space in my bag.
I invested in the Lee system around 2017, and things change. Fast-forward to 2025 and there have been some innovations and some new players in the filter space.
Switching Fitler Systems, Again
As I mentioned previously, I am a regular viewer of several well known photographers on YouTube. People like Thomas Heaton, Nick Page, Nigel Danson and Hudson Henry. All these photographers are either brand ambassadors or advocates of Kase filters.
Hudson Henry has several videos dedicated to the Kase filter system. These go through every detail including which sizes to purchase and the simplest way to use them. He also provides a ready made system that enables you to use the filters in a way that is the least amount of hassle in the field.
I have been on the fence about purchasing another filter system for a while. This is partly due to the significant investment required. It is also because I really don’t use filters a huge amount. After a lot of research and trying to justify it to myself, I’ve finally made the decision to switch. I’ll be switching filter systems to the Kase revolution system.
Unless you’ve been living off-grid or under a rock for the last few years, you will be familiar with the Kase magnetic filters. The Kase Revolution filter system consists of a magenetic lens adapter which screws into the threads on the lens and circular filters that attach magnetically to the ring.
My Kase Revolution Kit
I’ve opted to pull the trigger and purchase the 82mm pro kit as a starting point and the required adapter for my current lenses. I’ve only bothered with adapters for the lenses I use for landscapes, as I probably won’t be using filters on my telephoto lenses. Switching filter systems is an expensive business, so I’ll spread the cost of any additional accessories over the next few months.
Wrapping up
If you’ve made it this far, I really appreciate you sticking with it and reading my ramblings. Look out for another post once the filters have arrived and I’ve had a chance to get them all fitted and tested.
As always, thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you again in the next update.
