Kase Filters is a Chinese filter company that started life in 2011 and, since then, has become known for creating premium and durable products with its toughened Wolverine range and becoming a world-leader in magnetic filter systems.

I got hold of Kase’s KW Revolution Magnetic IR720 filter, which belongs to the company’s second-generation Wolverine filter series with an enhanced design, stronger magnets, and hardy glass coatings.

To test the Kase Revolution Magnetic IR720 thoroughly, I used a Canon EOS R, which had been expertly converted to full-spectrum by Advanced Camera Services. The conversion removes the camera’s inbuilt IR-blocking filter, making its sensor much more sensitive to IR light and thus enabling 'normal' shutter speeds to be used when shooting handheld, once we've added an IR filter to block visible light.

I took test shots with the Kase Revolution Magnetic IR720 filter attached, both with the converted EOS R and my regular, unconverted EOS R5. In either case, blocking wavelengths below 720nm is most useful for black-and-white photography, but the unconverted camera requires far longer exposure times. Let’s see how it compares to other infrared filters on the market and whether it is worthy of a place in our infrared filters buying guide…

Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared Filter 720nm: Specifications

Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared Filter 720nm: Price

Let’s not beat around the bush: the Kase Revolution Magnetic IR720 is an expensive filter. Available in four key sizes: 67, 72, 77, and 82mm to fit larger 'pro' lenses, the smallest 67mm still comes in at a rather hefty $159 / £145. And the price only goes one way, as you move up the range, with the largest 82mm costing $199 / £182.

Its high price limits it almost exclusively to professional use, as amateur and enthusiast photographers are likely to opt for a product like the Hoya R72, which not only starts with smaller sizes from 46mm, but also has more affordable prices starting from around $52 / £42.

Taking a 77mm filter for example, the Kase Revolution Magnetic IR720 is twice the price of the same-size Hoya R72 filter. But for the extra money, you get better build quality, the convenience of a quick swappable magnetic design, and some really high-quality water and oil-resistant coatings. So for some, the extra money will be worth the investment, particularly if you’ve already bought into the Kase Wolverine system and have other filters you wish to swap between fast on the fly.

Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared Filter 720nm: Design & Handling

The Kase KW Revolution Magnetic IR720 belongs to Kase’s second generation of Wolverine magnetic filters. In addition to stronger magnets, some of Kase’s other Revolution filters now sport an all-new color-coded design, so you can tell them apart more easily.

The Revolution filters are also generally said to be slimmer, though the IR720 is not the best example of this. The filter depth is around 6.5mm on its own, or 1cm with the magnetic adapter ring attached, and in all it protruded from the front of the lens by 7mm.

I had an older-style Kase Wolverine Anti-Laser filter to hand, so it's not a direct comparison, but this filter measured 5mm deep, or 8mm with the adapter ring attached, and only protruded from the lens by 6mm.

However, the glass in the Kase infrared filter is substantially thicker at 3mm, whereas the anti-laser glass is just 1mm thick, so it’s not an exact like-for-like comparison.

One aspect of the new design I do like is that there’s more of a gap between the adapter ring and filter, which makes it much easier to separate them. On the older Wolverine design, I sometimes found I really needed to work a fingernail between them before I could prise them apart.

The filter is available in 67, 72, 77, and 82mm sizes, though Kase does make stepping rings to make these filters compatible with smaller lenses, such as 49mm.

Kase also makes a much smaller clip-on infrared 720nm filter, which sits directly in front of the camera sensor. It is currently only available for Sony mirrorless models, and while it obviously overcomes the restrictions of different lens thread diameters, it's designed as a more permanent solution, as it doesn't enable easy swapping of different IR filter strengths when out in the field.

The magnetic filter design can be swapped and stacked with other Kase magnetic filters, even those with the previous-generation Wolverine design, and I really enjoyed being able to take the filter off quickly and swapping it out when needed. There’s arguably little need to swap out filters when shooting on a full-spectrum camera, as you’ll likely be shooting for the day with whatever filter you’ve attached. However, on a standard non-converted camera, this will be more practical as you might want to switch between NDs, IR, or other filters.

Tipping the scales at 53g with the magnetic adapter ring attached, the filter is over twice the weight of rivals like the ICE IR760, which comes in at 24g. However, the Kase Revolution IR720 does have much thicker glass, as well as the added magnetic adapter ring, so this isn’t too surprising. It feels like a more significant premium product in the hand, and we’re talking an additional 30 grams, so while I generally try to pack light, I don’t think its extra mass is going to break my back.

Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared Filter 720nm: Performance

The coatings on the Kase IR720 gave a solid performance with class-leading oil, water, and dust resistance. The surface is hydrophobic, so water droplets can simply be shaken off and don’t leave a smudgy residue, so it’s very easy to clean.

I also wanted to test its durability, and it survived a drop onto hard concrete from 1.5m without sustaining any damage. I also dragged a sharp metal nail over the filter's surface to test its 'Wolverine' strength, and again the filter impressed – even when pressing with all my might, I couldn't inflict any damage on the filter, so it's a seriously hardy piece of kit. Perhaps it really is made from 'adamantium' after all!

The magnetic design of the filter and adapter ring works well, making it quick and easy to attach and stack filters together. This new design makes it easier to separate them when needed, though I still struggled to get hold of the filter when my lens hood was attached, so I often had to remove the hood first, slowing down proceedings. Kase also makes its own magnetic lens hoods, which may work better, though I didn't have a chance to test one out.

Despite this, its magnetic connectivity stands out as a feature that will add speed to those who need to work fast and effortlessly.

Holding the Kase IR720 filter up to the light showed very little visible light coming through, demonstrating that the IR cut filter is doing its job properly. Everything from the metal finish on the outer rings to the heavyweight 3mm-thick glass and sturdy hard case oozes quality, helping justify its premium price tag.

The Kase IR720 provided one of the best black-and-white infrared effects of any of the many IR filters I have tested, both on a standard camera and my full-spectrum Canon EOS R, though I would expect nothing less at its premium price point. A little softness was apparent with the filter in place, though every infrared filter I have tested also succumbed to this, and I think this is more down to the type of contrast and flare you get from working at infrared wavelengths, rather than a problem with the filter itself. It was on par with its rivals in terms of sharpness, so it was a bit of a moot point. It did, however, provide a better degree of contrast, with really punchy black skies and white foliage for that classic IR look.

Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared Filter 720nm: Verdict

There’s no getting around the fact that the Kase Revolution Magnetic IR720 is expensive. But it is well-made and built from premium materials, with great coatings, glass, and image quality. For those on tight budgets looking to get into infrared photography, I would suggest this is not the filter for you; you’ll be better off with less feature-rich but more budget-friendly options. However, for working pros looking for a top-quality filter that will hold up over time and fit neatly into Kase’s magnetic system, the Revolution Magnetic IR720 is a superb choice, if you have deep enough pockets for it.

Alternatives

It's an incredibly exciting time of year for camera gear. With CP+ 2026 taking place last week in Yokohama, Japan, and The Photography & Video Show happening over four days from this weekend in Birmingham, England, there are dozens of shiny new camera lenses to get hyped about.

One that's been getting a lot of hype online is the Kase Reflex 150mm f/5.6 AF – a lens I was able to get my hands on when it was unveiled at CP+. But while I'm intrigued by this exotic optic, I'm also patently aware of an inconvenient truth: reflex lenses are terrible.

If you're wondering what a reflex lens (also known as a mirror lens or a catadioptric lens) is, I recommend our look at the history of these optics. Long story short, they use pairs of mirrors to replace a number of optical glass elements.

The upside is that this greatly reduces size and weight, enabling supertelephoto lenses – like the Tokina SZ 900mm Pro Reflex f/11 MF CF – to fit in the palm of your hand.

The downside is that this also greatly reduces the optical performance, meaning reflex lenses – like the Tokina SZ 900mm Pro Reflex f/11 MF CF – often perform horribly in terms of sharpness.

Taking the Tokina 900mm as a case in point, its sharpness score was about 63% lower than a conventional 800mm in our lab tests.

The optical compromises don't end there. Due to the mirror-based optical design, these lenses have a fixed aperture – again, great for size and weight but not so great for versatility. Though the double mirrors optics do imbue reflex lenses with very distinctive "donut" bokeh, so they do possess character in the out of focus areas.

The Kase at hand

So, back to the Kase Reflex 150mm f/5.6 AF. This is actually the brand's second mirror lens, following the Kase Reflex 200mm f/5.6 MF. And it's only fair to say that we haven't reviewed the first lens, so perhaps Kase has perfected the reflex formula that every major optics maker has long abandoned.

You might have noticed the difference in nomenclature – and the "AF" on the new lens does indeed stand for autofocus. Which is almost unique; I believe the Minolta AF Reflex 500mm f/8 is the only other mirror lens with autofocus. So that's a cool thing.

Kase is also suggesting that, at 150mm, this is the shortest focal length mirror lens – which it may very well be. Again, a cool thing. And it's quite compact for a 150mm lens; not impossibly small, by any means, but nicely compact.

Of course, 150mm is prime portrait lens territory. And portraiture might be a genre where the lack of sharpness and crazy-shaped bokeh works in its favor, being as you don't typically want portrait glass to be too sharp (unless your subject has flawless skin) and you'll likely be shooting wide open.

Well, on this lens you have no choice as your only option is f/5.6. Which isn't exactly the kind of aperture you typically associate with subject separation and blurry backgrounds – though you do get that donut bokeh. Whether you want it or not.

So color me intrigued by the Kase Reflex 150mm f/5.6 AF – intrigued, but incredibly cautious. It's novel, and exotic, and maybe a first-ever, but I'm definitely going to need a bit of convincing! There's no release date at present, but it's being launched for Sony E, Canon EF and Nikon Z – with a manual focus version for Canon RF.

You might also like…

Do you shoot portraiture? Take a look at the best lenses for portraits along with the best cameras for portraits.

Lasers can be the death of modern digital cameras. That's not an exaggeration. Perhaps you've found this out the hard way yourself, and if you didn't know this fact before you might want to be more careful where you point your camera at festivals, fairgrounds, and light shows.

The highly concentrated light beam from a laser can easily overwhelm a digital sensor and the high frequency wavelengths of a highly focused laser beam can rapidly heat up a digital camera sensor causing irreparable damage. The aftermath of even a brief split-second exposure to a direct laser light source often requires a brand-new sensor and is rarely cost-effective to repair. In short, the damage can be a write-off, requiring a totally brand-new camera.

The tell-tale signs of laser damage vary and usually depend on the strength of the laser that has struck your camera sensor. Common laser pointers can range in strength from 1-5 milliwatts, though much more powerful lasers for stage light shows, or those used to light up buildings and landmarks could reach up to a whopping 40 watts. CMOS sensors are quite fragile and prone to being damaged by powerful lasers as they can burn and permanently change the structure of their surface.

The damage can appear as red, purple, or blue spots appearing on your pictures (and live view feed), but can also appear as vertical or horizontal streaks appearing on the screen, or the picture appearing faded.

But lasers and light shows can make for some truly captivating images, so how can we still shoot them? In this review, I take a closer look at the Anti-Laser filter from Kase, which promises to block out much of the high-intensity laser light and dilute their concentrated beams making it safer to shoot at lightshows and music concerts.

Kase says it's not foolproof and sensor damage is still possible from prolonged laser exposure, but for the fraction of a second a laser might sweep across your sensor at a light show this filter should protect your sensor from damage, where it might be 'killed' without any protective measures in place.

Kase also recommends finding an angle that isn’t shooting directly toward the lasers and using a high aperture value as the aperture blades will help block the light path between the laser and your camera sensor. I would also add that it's worth using an older camera body if you have one, so you don't destroy your latest and greatest camera which will be more expensive to replace in the worst-case scenario.

Here, I put through its paces to see if it really can save my camera from laser damage. The anti-laser filters have a product batch number on them such as CC01 and CD02, I got hold of an EE02 and put it to the test.

Kase anti-laser filter: Specifications

Kase anti-laser filter: Build & Handling

The Kase Anti-Laser is manufactured in China, has an aluminum iron alloy frame which also gives it its magnetic properties, and employs Kase Wolverine (KW) Optical Glass.

The Anti-Laser filter isn't threaded – its mounting connection is smooth and requires a magnetic adapter to screw in and attach to the front of your lens. It comes with the largest 82mm magnetic adapter ring, though you'll need to get a different magnetic adapter if you wish to use the filter on a lens with a smaller front filter thread. With the magnetic adapter ring in place, it has a depth of 8mm, though only protrudes by 6mm when mounted. The filter has an 82mm thread on its front for screw-in filters to be stacked on top but this could cause issues with vignetting, especially at wider focal lengths and if more than one filter is stacked on top of the Anti-Laser, that said Kase also makes its Anti-Laser filter as a clip-in design which sits on top of your sensor and makes it easier to swap lenses without the need to also swap your filter.

Whilst reducing light energy from lasers the Kase Anti-Laser in fact appears to reduce all light by a factor 1 2/3rd f-stops. However, it's not just blocking out all light like a Neutral Density (ND) filter would – looking at the filter reveals a prominent purple, blueish hue – Kase has confirmed this is key to blocking out specific high-frequency laser wavelengths. Kase also says it has the added benefit of reducing yellow tones in night scenes, so they appear more "pure". This does perhaps make it more versatile than a one-trick pony and adds to its value a little if you also need a filter that can make city scenes at night look a little more natural.

The Kase Wolverine employs optical 8HD tempered glass which is also shock resistant and boasts a 26+26 multi-layer HD water and oil-proof coating on both sides for easy cleaning. It also has anti-reflective properties.

The filter comes in a sturdy clear plastic hard case with foam inside to protect the filter and stop it knocking about – no complaints here. It doesn't feature any rear or front caps like some other magnetic filters use, though the front is the same diameter as an 82mm lens, so you can use your existing lens cap to keep it protected. I find the hard case to be a bit bulky and cumbersome, however, you're unlikely to remove your anti-laser filter whilst at the event (unless you want to risk laser damage), so once attached to your lens you shouldn't need to take it off until you're back home.

Kase is clearly very confident in the quality of its product as it comes with a five-year manufacturer's guarantee.

Kase anti-laser filter: Performance

Red and purple lasers tend to be the weakest and will generally be the safest to photograph (though you still shouldn't point your camera directly toward them), green lasers can be a magnitude stronger, and blue lasers can be the strongest and most devastating to your camera. Take care when shooting any lasers but with green and blue lasers in particular you'll want to be really careful.

I got hold of a variety of laser colors and strengths and because I didn't feel like damaging my expensive Canon EOS R5, I had an old smartphone lying around that I could test the anti-laser filter on and compare it to with and without the filter in place.

Kase claims that when no filter is attached, light transmittance on a standard camera and lens is 85%, but this drops to just 25% with the Anti-Laser attached. It's doing more than a light-blocking ND filter though as multi-layer coating is designed to filter out high-frequency laser wavelengths.

Overall, I was very impressed by the image quality of the Kase Wolverine Anti-Laser. For testing I dug out an old smartphone that I could shine a variety of lasers at with and without the filter in place to compare the damage. Even after some pretty rigorous testing and exposing my smartphone to more laser light than I'd normally be comfortable with, I couldn't get either of my cheap and cheerful red laser pen or more serious blue-violet laser to cause any damage to the sensor with and without the laser in place.

Though shining the laser pen through the laser shows it reflects some light back away from the camera and reduces the intensity so I'd definitely want attached if I was shooting a light show for added peace of mind. The official Kase Filter Global YouTube channel has a demonstration with a much more powerful laser than I was able to get hold of and shows how the filter can prevent sensor damage (see video below).

Another aspect of the filter's performance is its usability. It's one of Kase's elite Wolverine series so should be top quality and it's also magnetic. This means the Anti-Laser filter itself doesn't have a filter thread and requires the magnetic adapter ring – it comes with an 82mm magnetic adapter ring in the box. For polarizer and ND filters, I can see the appeal of a magnetic system as you can whip them on and off to change between them quickly. However, this isn't really necessary with an anti-laser filter because you're probably going to have it firmly attached to your lens for the entirety of the gig.

The other issue is the magnetic adapter adds depth to the filter, taking it from 4mm to 6mm (when mounted) and this could make vignetting an issue with wider focal lengths, and if you'd like to stack an additional screw-in filter on the front. Filters such as a black mist can look particularly good at fairgrounds and light shows. That said, if this is a big concern Kase also offers its Anti-Laser filters in the clip-in form, which clip into the camera body so you can change lenses more easily and won't run into issues with vignetting.

Kase anti-laser filter: Verdict

The Kase Wolverine Anti-Laser filter does exactly what it says on the tin and if you put yourself in environments often where you need to take pictures with lasers present, such as music and concert photography, then you'll absolutely want this filter in your kit bag. It may seem expensive at $109, but it's the smart choice if it can save camera-killing laser damage.

The only choice you'll need to make is whether to go for the magnetic version that I got hold of here, or whether to go for the potentially more convenient clip-in variety which sits behind the lens and means you can change lenses safely without also needing to swap filters, though this can be fairly straightforward with its magnetic design.

All-in-all, the build quality is very good, and the image quality is also good, though vignetting could be an issue due to the bulky magnetic adapter ring (especially if you intend to also stack filters on top of it), and the oil and waterproof coatings on both sides of the filter are always welcome.

Remember, this filter isn't foolproof and won't save your camera sensor from prolonged exposure to powerful lasers. But, it does a great job at reducing the intense beams of laser light and should buy you a bit more protection if a laser does sweep over your lens.

Alternatives

Mirror lenses have split opinions for decades with most people falling either for or against, and the design is certainly not ideal for every genre of photography. Despite the contrasting market opinion, Kase has decided to launch its first camera lens, you guessed it, it's a mirror lens!

Kase manufactures some of the best filters and filter holders on the market, and it has made a name for itself in this particular area of interest. Therefore it was a surprise to most when it announced it was releasing the Kase 200mm f/5.6 MC reflex mirror lens for Canon RF, Canon EF, Nikon Z, Sony E, Fujifilm GF, and Fujifilm X mounts. 

A mirror lens is essentially a compact reflecting telescope. It contains a series of angled circular mirrors that gather the light and refract it back and forth between the ends of the lens before passing through the camera sensor. The construction creates characteristic donut-shaped bokeh, which is most visible in bright out-of-focus highlights.

Mirror lenses are always telephoto or super-telephoto in focal length, but due to their construction, they are more compact than conventional telephoto lenses. The new Kase lens however has a very modest 200mm focal length, packed into a lens body measuring ‎98 x 69 x 69mm, and weighing around 425g (exact weight depends on the mount). 

Mirror lenses have a fixed aperture, and the Kase 200mm has a set aperture of f/5.6. Although f/5.6, this lens produces a shallow depth of field and the unique mirror-lens donut effect, which transforms the bokeh balls into spherical torus-like rings.

The manual-focus lens is constructed of 6 elements in 5 groups which play a part in ensuring edge-to-edge neutral color, and that the edges of the main subject are soft and not blurred. The minimum focus is 2m, and it can be used with a front-mounted 67mm filter.

Kase states that this lens is ideal for shooting flowers, landscapes, and portraits, providing a painterly effect to the out-of-focus areas of the image. 

The Kase 200mm f/5.6 MC reflex mirror lens is available now for $749 - $800 / £790 - £850 / AU$1495-1595 (depending on the mount). 

Nevis-born lens-based artist Kacey Jeffers captures life on the Caribbean Island in his first solo show titled Multitudes, on display at The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum-FIU, Miami. 

The exhibition is on show until May 04 2024, and includes 25 photographs from various projects, all captured in Nevis, focused on presenting the "aftermath of colonialism on Nevisian culture". Echoes of colonialism still reverberate through the island, with evidence of its effects apparent today, and the island that many call home is commonly seen as 'just a tourist destination'. 

Jeffers' images include a mixture of portraits and documentary shots, that urge you to change that narrative and see the island as a home of vibrant culture and people. 

Jeffers states that the photographs "examine aspects such as school uniforms, family life, tourism, cultural celebrations, and the act of photography itself – prompting contemplation of the humanity that populates an island often thought of only as a tourist destination." 

Jeffers adds in his accompanying artist essay, "These images express my fascination with using my personal and cultural stories to picture a shared humanness… I hope this exhibition encourages you to reflect on the idea that by rejecting the limitations of singular narratives, we actively contribute to the revival of empathy and compassion for those different from us." 

Kacey Jeffers: Multitudes has been included in the Martin Luther King, Jr Exhibition Series at the Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum, dedicated to exploring new perspectives on race and culture. 

"Jeffers' keen sense of observation and thoughtful consideration of his subject matter will inspire our visitors to think in new ways about the communities in which they reside," says Jordana Pomeroy, director of the museum.

"As a community-oriented museum, we find in Jeffers' practice a respect for humanity, a value that Dr Martin Luther King taught us."

Multitudes is a fantastic exhibition showcasing images full of authenticity providing an important insight into Nevisian life. More information regarding the exhibition can be found on The Patricia & Phillip Frost Art Museum website. I highly recommend checking out Kacey Jeffers' other work, featured in publications such as Vogue and the British Journal of Photography. 

You might be interested in the best cameras for portraits, the best lenses for portraits, along with the best books on portrait photography.

Kase produces a range of filters with different mounting options from the traditional slot-in type of the Wolverine K9 series to magnetic circular filters. The Armour system is compatible with the company’s existing 100mm type filters that can also be used in the K9 holder, but they must first be mounted in a magnetic filter frame. It also accepts 95mm Armour circular filters, but it’s not compatible with the company’s existing/other circular filters. 

Specifications

Filter size: 95mm Armour circular filters and 100mm type filters in frames
Mount: via magnetic attraction to a holder
Construction: Aluminum alloy

Key Features

Kase sells the Wolverine Armour filter holder by itself, but it’s most likely to be bought as a kit with the compatible 95mm magnetic circular polarizer (CPL). The Kase Wolverine Armour Holder Kit also includes two magnetic adapter rings and two step rings to enable it to mount on lenses with filter threads of 67mm, 72mm, 77mm and 82mm. 

There are also two Armour Magnetic Filter Frames in the kit, one for a 150x100mm filter and the other for a 100x100mm filter. The frames can be bought separately or they can be bought ready-mounted on Kase 100mm-type filters.

Build & Handling

Kase makes the Armour filter holder from metal alloy and it has a high-quality feel, but it’s also very light. It’s finished with a smart black coating but I found that starts to rub off from the corners after a bit of use.

Before the Armour filter holder can be mounted on a lens, a magnetic adapter ring (or an adapter ring and step ring) needs to be attached to the lens filter thread. Once this is done, the holder attaches via magnetic attraction. It snaps on quickly without the need for the catch on the back of the holder to be retracted. This catch prevents the filter holder from being knocked off the lens, but it’s still possible to remove it without pulling back the catch if you lift it from the opposite corner of the holder.

There are two circular recesses to house 95mm magnetic circular filters in the filter holder. One faces backward toward the lens and the other faces forwards. You can mount the CPL either way around, but if you want to use a second filter, pop it in the rear-facing recess and put the other in the front-facing one. A small red cog in the side of the holder enables the circular polarising filter to be rotated whichever way it is mounted and without touching the filter itself.

Kase’s (or other) 100mm-type filters need to be mounted in a magnetic frame before they can be used with the Armour filter holder. These frames fit easily enough, but they are a bit fiddly so it’s advisable to mount them at home, before heading out with your camera gear. I also recommend that you have a frame for every filter that you’re likely to use so you don’t have to remove the frame from one filter to fit it on another between shots. 

Once a filter is in a magnetic frame, it snaps securely onto the Armour filter holder. Graduated filters can be pushed up or down in the holder to position the transition correctly. Once you’re happy with their location, tightening the red screw on the opposite side of the holder from the red cog, keeps then in place. There’s space for two filters to be grasped by the screw mechanism.

Performance

The magnetic attraction between the Armour holder and filters or filter frames is strong and the filters are held securely in place, it takes more than a jolt or a tap to remove them.

Examining images shot with Kase neutral density filters and/or the Armour circular polariser filter reveals that there’s no apparent loss of detail or sharpness in images captured by the 61MP Sony A7R IV. Kase’s 100mm ND1000 filter also delivers results with very little or no shift in colour and it reduces the exposure by the claimed 10-stops.

Kase’s 95mm Armour CPL is also very good, just warming the image slightly while boosting the contrast and increasing colour saturation as expected.  

Verdict

The use of magnetic is transforming the way we use filters and while there are several brands using the technology, Kase’s Armour system is one of the best implementations that I have come across. The holder is robust yet lightweight and slim, while the filters are held in place securely.

You’re limited to using just two circular filters, and if you want to remove a rear-facing filter, you’ll have to remove the holder from the lens, but that’s not really a hardship when it's held by magnets.

Read More: Find your perfect filter with our guides to the best neutral density filter, the best protection filter, and the best polarising filter.

Kase offers a huge range of filters with some that are designed to slot into the rear end of certain lenses, circular filters that attach via magnets and holder-mounted square and rectangular filters in a selection of sizes all the way up to 150 x 150mm.

Kase uses Wolverine Glass throughout its neutral density (ND) filter range because it’s tough and scratch-resistant as well as delivering high optical performance. Using the same material through the range means that you get the same results whichever Kase Wolverine filter system you use. I’ve tested the Kase Wolverine 100mm ND1000 (10-stop) filter for this review.

Specifications

Sizes available: 100x100mm, 100x150mm ( or150x150mm)

Mount: via 100mm-type holder (or 150mm-type holder)

Construction: Wolverine glass

Key features

Kase offers the Wolverine ND1000 filter for its 75mm, 100mm and 150mm filter systems - in a choice of square and rectangular shapes. The Kase Wolverine Series K9 filter holder is the most commonly used of those as it accommodates 100mm type filters which are widely used by photographers with full-frame and APS-C format cameras. There’s also a newer Kase Wolverine Armour system which is compatible with 100mm type filters but they must be mounted in a frame.

In some territories, the 100mm-type Wolverine ND1000 filter is available in a 100x100mm square format, but in others is found as a 100x150mm rectangular filter. That means it’s the same size as most graduated filters, including many of Kase’s own.

The Wolverine glass has a metallic nano electro-coating that makes it scratch resistant, water repellent, anti-reflective and easy to clean.

Kase makes neutral density filters of different strengths. The ND1000 filter reviewed here is designed to reduce the exposure by 10 stops, but there are also ND8 (3 stop), ND16 (4-stop), ND64 (6-stop) and ND64000 (16-stop) versions.

Build and handling

Like all 10-stop filters, the Kase Wolverine 100mm ND1000 looks almost impenetrably black, but hold it but to a light source and you’ll find it is possible to see through it.

Also, from some angles, the filters looks to have a blue or purple coating. When this coloration is visible, any fingerprints on the surface are most apparent and they can be removed quickly by rubbing with a lens cloth.

While Kase would like you to use the Wolverine ND1000 filter in its own Wolverine Series K9 filter holder, it is compatible with other holders for 100mm type filters, including the Lee Filters Lee100 Holder. However, the two companies take a different approach to the light seals that are usually used with dense ND filters. Lee Filters puts the seal on the filter while Kase puts it on the holder. That means if the Kase filter is used with a Lee Filters holder there is more chance of light getting into to the lens from around the back of the filter than there is if the filter is used in Kase’s holder.

The corners of the filter are rounded which makes it easy to slip into a holder without having to spend too long lining it up or fiddling about.

The extra 5cm on the 100x150mm ND1000 filter over the more common 100x100mm filter proves reassuring when you adjust the position of a graduated filter mounted in the same holder. Normally you have to take care to not move the square filter out of position, but with the rectangular filter you can move it in tandem with the graduated filter with little concern.

Performance

The most common use of a 10-stop neutral density filter is to enable long exposures to be used in daylight so that moving water, clouds, people or anything else is blurred. Ideally, the image captured using the filter should look exactly same with regards to color, contrast, and sharpness as the image without it. The Kase Wolverine 100mm ND1000 gets very close to that with only a slight cast in some conditions when used with the automatic white balance setting on a Sony A7R IV. This is very easy to correct by adjusting the white balance settings while processing the images, but it could also be done by setting a custom white balance value at the shooting stage.

The camera’s light meter plays a role in the exposure setting selection, for example, with the Sony A7R IV, I found I needed to increase the exposure over what the camera indicates by around 1/3 stop to make the images with the filter match those without. However, the Kase Wolverine 100mm ND1000 cuts out the claimed 10 stops of light, which is the equivalent of taking a 1/400sec exposure to 2.5 seconds.

Importantly, even with a high-resolution camera like the Sony A7R IV, I saw no drop in the level of detail or sharpness in my images shot using the Kase Wolverine 100mm ND1000 filter.

Verdict

While the Kase Wolverine 100mm ND1000 isn’t as quick to use as one of Kase’s circular magnetic filters, using a filter holder gives you the scope to also use a graduated filter if you wish.

The Kase Wolverine 100mm ND1000 is well-made easy to clean and robust enough to survive a drop onto rocky ground. We saw a subtle color shift in some of our images, but it’s not a major issue and can be corrected quickly. Most crucially, there’s no drop in the level of detail or sharpness in high-resolution images.

Read more: 

• Best filter holders
• Best ND grad filters
• Best polarizing filters
• Best neutral density (ND) filters
• Best variable ND filters
• Best lens protection filters
• Best light pollution filters
• Best close up filters
• Camera filters explained 

Kase offers an extensive range of filters with everything from 150 x 170mm filters to rear-mounted filters that slot into the back of some lenses. There’s also a choice of circular magnetic filters and square or rectangular filters that slot into one of the company’s holders.

There are two different-sized filter holders in Kase’s range, a small one for 75mm-type filters that are suited to small mirrorless cameras and two holders that are designed for 100mm-type filters. These are the Kase Wolverine Armour 100mm Filter Holder system that has magnetic frames to surround 100mm rectangular filters and the more widely known Kase Wolverine K9 100mm Filter holder reviewed here.

Specifications

Filter size: 100mm type filters

Mount: Screw-fit via adapter rings

Construction: Aviation-grade aluminum and plastic filter guides

Key features

Although Kase sells the Wolverine Series K9 Filter Holder by itself, it primarily sells it as a kit with the 90mm magnetic circular polarizing filter as the two are designed to work together. The polariser frame has a magnetic rim that holds it onto the magnetic geared adapter ring which has a knurled edge that knits with the cog in the side of the holder. This allows the polariser to be rotated without touching the filter directly.

The holder is designed to take 100mm type square or rectangular filters, and in the USA, it comes with two different sizes of slot, 2mm and 1.1mm. The 2mm slots are fitted as standard as that’s suitable for most 100mm-type filters. In the UK, only the 2mm slots are provided, but 1.1mm slots can be supplied by special order. 

Kase used to offer a small collection of 1.1mm-thick 100mm-type filters, but production has now ceased as 2mm filters are much more widely used.

Kase supplies the holder with two geared adapter rings to mount it on a lens. These are 77-90mm and 82-90mm. This means they can be mounted on the lens with a 77mm or an 82mm filter thread. However, there are also two step-rings in the box which enable the holder to be mounted on lenses with a 67mm or 72mm thread.

Build and handling

The Kase Wolverine Series K9 filter holder is made from aviation-grade aluminum which is CNC-machined, and it has a nice matte-black anodized finish. The filter slots, two on each side of the holder, are made from plastic and there are graduation marks on the front to help guide the positioning of a graduated filter. Should you need it, a third set of filter slots is provided in the kit and can be added to the holder using the supplied hex tool and longer screws.

Because it’s made from aluminum, the holder is lightweight, but it’s also very strong. 

Once an adapter ring is threaded onto a lens’ filter thread, the holder is mounted by turning the small red knob until the red tab is withdrawn. Then it’s just a case of fitting the holder over the adapter ring before turning the knob in the opposite direction to move the tab back into position. It would be nice to have a sprung clip that can be pulled back and then released, but the screw-close clip is very secure. It can also be tightened sufficiently to prevent the holder from rotating, which is handy with a graduated filter.

Performance

The Kase Wolverine K9 filter holder fits easily onto an adapter ring on a lens and, as I mentioned, winding the red knob fixes it securely. Once the holder is in place, the magnetic polarizer snaps into position when it’s offered up. There’s room for the z to move around in the holder as it's the geared adapter ring that meshes with the cog/dial on the holder’s side.

Kase’s Wolverine K9 filters have a fairly wide curved chamfer at each corner. This makes them easy to slip into the filter guides and slide up or down into position. Lee Filters rectangular filters don’t have such a wide curve and as a result, they don’t slip as smoothly into position, in fact, I found they are prone to catching on their way in and need a little wiggle to send them fully home.

Verdict

The Kase Wolverine Series K9 Filter Holder is very well made. It’s light in weight and not as bulky as some other holders, but it’s also robust. The magnet makes it easy to mount the polarizer filter and the cog or dial lets you adjust the degree of polarization while you look in the viewfinder without touching any of the filters.

It’s compatible with any 2mm-thick 100mm-type filters but it works especially well with Kase’s own.

Read more: 

• Best filter holders
• Best ND grad filters
• Best polarizing filters
• Best neutral density (ND) filters
• Best variable ND filters
• Best lens protection filters
• Best light pollution filters
• Best close-up filters
• Camera filters explained 

While it may seem more cumbersome at first glance, a square filter holder system can be much more convenient than a collection of screw-in circular filters. Once the holder is attached to the front of your lens, you can quickly slide filters of different strengths into its slots to see what best suits the scene, rather than laboriously unscrewing and screwing in circular filters. It's also easy to experiment with stacking multiple filters together. Different lenses also have different-sized filter threads, so if you're using circular filters, you'll need to buy separate filters to fit all the lens diameters you own. Square holders often come with a variety of adapters to work around this problem (or you can buy them separately). It's more cost-efficient in the long run.

There's also the fact that some filters work much better in a square system. I'm thinking of graduated neutral density filters (or ND grads for short) in particular: you simply slide the filter up or down within the holder slot to place the gradient exactly where you want it, such as the position of the horizon in your composition.

There are a couple of things to be aware of. Different filter holders come in different sizes. The most common are 100mm-wide systems, designed for those using full-frame cameras; if your setup is smaller than this, narrower systems may be more cost-effective. Also note that some filter systems don't work too well with ultra-wide lenses (wider than 16mm full-frame equivalent), as they cause pronounced vignetting. If you're using lenses like this, get a 'low profile' system that minimizes the issue.

Best camera filter holders

Best premium filter frame

Kase’s Armour holder system uses frames: you place each of your 100mm filters in its own frame, which simply snaps on or off the filter holder mounted on your lens. So while there’s certainly an investment in terms of the number of filter frames you might need, adding and changing filters is a doddle while you’re on location, which is where it matters. The kit includes step-up rings and a circular polarizer. I found it really easy to add and remove filters; at the same time, it was difficult to dislodge a filter by accident, which is reassuring.

The 100mm filters recommended for this system are Kase’s own Wolverine series, which uses toughened glass and coatings for extra protection in the field. But the same filter holder enables you to add Kase Armour Magnetic Circular ND filters in the same easy snap-on manner, for easy long exposures. (Note that these filters are distinct from Kase’s Wolverine Magnetic Circular Filters, which are not compatible with the Armour system.) There’s also a circular polarizer option, and the holder has a geared control to let you rotate the polarizer to the precise angle you need.

Read more: Kase Armour Filter System review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best filter holder for wide-angle lenses

Two things you'll find landscape photographers using a lot are ND filters and ultra wide-angle lenses. However, the two are often not all that compatible, as the thickness of the filter holder and of the filter itself can cause pronounced vignetting at the corners of images, cutting into the usable field of view.

Enter the Cokin NX Series filter system, which has been specifically tested with a number of popular camera/wide-angle combinations. Cokin's tests have reported no visible vignetting, for example, when using the filter system with the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 II on a Sony A7R II, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM on an EOS 5D Mark IV, and the Fujfilm XF10-24mm f/4 wide-angle on an X-T3. The tests found only very slight vignetting with the Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 and Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 wide-angle lenses.

The NX system works slightly differently than other square filter systems, with the filters needing to be slotted into place before the rig is attached to the camera. It's worth noting that the filter isn't universally compatible: it'll take filters that are 2mm thick, but not the ultra-thin 1.1mm type. It'll take popular models like the Lee Filters Big Stopper, but if you've already got some filters from a different brand, it's worth double-checking.

Read more: Cokin NX Series filter holder review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best filter holder kit with a polarizer

It's clear that the NiSi V7 100mm system is a product of thoughtful design. The holder itself, which accommodates three square filters, features a recess for the main 82mm adapter ring, while NiSi also includes 67mm, 72mm, and 77mm step-up rings for other diameter lenses. The star of the kit is the True Color NC CPL (circular polarizer). This polarizer cleverly sits within a recess on the 82mm adapter ring. What I particularly loved was the small, geared wheel on the holder, which allows for smooth and precise rotation of the polarizer, even when the holder is fully loaded with square filters – a fantastic design touch that makes adjustments in the field much easier.

I also appreciated the low-profile design of the holder, which is crucial when using wide-angle lenses as it helps to prevent vignetting, ensuring the filter system doesn't intrude into the corners of my shots. Overall, my initial impressions are very positive; the NiSi V7 feels like a robust, well-engineered system designed with the practical needs of photographers firmly in mind.

Read more: NiSi V7 with True Color NC CPL review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best tough filter holder system

The Kase K9 filter holder kit is a smart filter system, constructed from aluminum and able to accommodate up to three 100mm-wide filters. It's designed to take 2mm filters but can be configured to support 1.1mm filters too. Kase’s own Wolverine filters are made from toughened glass, which the manufacturer says will provide extra protection while you shoot on location.

There's space on the holder for a 90mm circular polarizer, which is magnetic. This makes it easy to snap the polarizer on and off as you need it. The holder uses a geared filter ring, allowing for easy rotation independently. It also comes in a stylish tan leather case, so you can keep all your filters safe and scratch-free.

Read more: Kase Wolverine Series K9 filter holder review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best value filter kit

The K&F Concept Square Filter Holder System X-Pro series is a remarkably comprehensive professional filter kit that comes with a sturdy square filter holder, a polarizing filter, and a versatile set of ND8, ND64, and ND1000 neutral density filters, as well as four adapter rings. The filters need to be placed in frames before they slot into the holder, which allows for easy handling without ever needing to touch the glass, helping to keep them clean and free of fingerprints during a shoot.

The holder is crafted from durable aluminum, giving it a solid and professional feel, while the filters are made from high-quality glass and boast multi-layer coatings, offering good resistance to water, scratches, and oil. Perhaps the most compelling aspect of this system is its price. Considering the number of components, the innovative design features, and the overall high quality of construction, I found the K&F Concept Square Filter Holder System X-Pro series to offer a fantastic value proposition for photographers looking to step up their long exposure game without breaking the bank.

Read more: The K&F Concept Square Filter Holder System X-Pro series review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best starter filter holder

Filter systems can seem bewildering if you’re not used to them, so there’s something to be said for going with a brand that is reliable and good-quality, even if it lacks some of the more advanced features you may find in other systems. Lee Filters has been around since 1967, so it's no surprise that it’s one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to filters and filter holders. It’s the go-to for landscape photographers, and its recently redesigned filter holder makes the setup even easier to use.

Lee has done away with the fiddly screw on its previous holder in favor of a multi-function locking dial, which secures the filter in place and locks the angle of the filter. If you've already invested in the older system, you can use the filters you already own in the new holder. The filter holder can take up to three filters at a time, so you could stack a grad, a polarizer and an ND filter, for example.

Read more: LEE100 Holder review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best for small cameras

Designed specifically for APS-C cameras that tend to use smaller lenses, the LEE85 system offers all the advantages of a slot-in system without the bulk of full-frame gear. At the heart of the system is the LEE85 Holder, which is precision-engineered from aluminum and feels remarkably robust, despite its small stature. It features a three-position locking dial that allows the holder to be either free-rotating, half-locked (rotatable but secure), or fully locked in place. The modular holder enables filter guides to be swapped to accommodate one, two, or three filters simultaneously.

The holder isn't available standalone but comes in various kits. The basic LEE85 Discover Kit also includes a 0.6 Neutral Density (ND) Medium Graduated filter, along with a concertina-style pouch, 58mm, 67mm, and 72mm adapter rings, and a belt loop and tripod strap.

A neat feature of LEE85 filters is a grip tab at the top of each filter that allows photographers to handle and adjust them without leaving fingerprints on the optical surface, with clear labeling making identification easy when stored in the pouch. While made of optical resin rather than glass, the filters offer excellent color neutrality and sharpness. They are also significantly more durable against drops, though they are more prone to surface scratches than their glass counterparts.

Read more: LEE85 Discover Kit review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best magnetic holder

The Marumi M100 100mm Magnetic Filter Holder swaps the traditional slots of a square filter system for a magnetic attachment method. The holder is constructed from high-grade aluminum and has a premium, long-lasting feel. Unlike traditional holders that rely on friction-based guide rails, powerful magnets snap 100mm-type filters (housed in magnetic frames) directly onto the holder. This design makes the holder significantly slimmer than many competitors, reducing the risk of vignetting, even when using ultra-wide lenses.

The big advantage is the ease of filter positioning; because they are held by magnetic attraction rather than tight slots, graduated ND filters can be easily slid up and down to align with the horizon. The magnets are strong enough to support up to three stacked filters securely. This speed and precision make it a top choice for serious outdoor photographers.

The system includes a dedicated slot for a circular polarizer (CPL) that sits at the rear, closest to the lens. A small cog at the bottom of the holder allows the user to rotate the polarizer independently without disturbing the other filters. However, while the square filters are magnetic, the dedicated CPL is a screw-in design, which can be slightly fiddlier to mount.

Read more: Marumi M100 100mm Magnetic Filter Holder review

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best filter system

• Back to the top ⤴

How we test filters

When we test filters, we look at both optical performance and general build quality – how robust the filter feels, how easy it is to use and how securely it attaches to the lens. We use a combination of real-world and lens testing to inform our comments in reviews and buying guides. For filters, we test light transmission levels, color neutrality (i.e. if the filter introduces a cool or warm cast) and the impact a filter has on image quality.

Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

• Back to the top ⤴

Infrared photography is a fascinating discipline. Rather than recording the colors we see with the naked eye, it captures light in the infrared spectrum, where bright skies become jet black, and foliage takes on whitish hues, lending images an otherworldly feel.

Our eyes can see a range of colors occupying light wavelengths between about 380 and 700 nanometres (nm). Colors at the low end of that range appear to us as violet, while those at the high end have a deep red look. As such, light wavelengths below this visible spectrum are referred to as "ultraviolet", while those above it are called, yes, "infrared".

Infrared (or IR) photography enables us to capture details that aren't visible to the naked eye. The technique is mainly used for surreal landscapes. To capture infrared images, you will need a specialized infrared filter that blocks visible light and only allows light in the infrared spectrum to reach the camera's sensor.

However, most digital cameras have an 'IR cut' filter built onto the sensor, which prevents infrared light from fogging images in regular photography. To counter this, extremely lengthy exposures – often several minutes long – are required to enable enough light to pass through.

For the very best results, you can have your camera's IR cut filter removed. This modification turns it into a 'full-spectrum' camera, so-called because it is now sensitive to a wider spectrum that encompasses both visible and infrared light. By then attaching an infrared filter to cut out visible light, you can use much faster shutter speeds that are closer to regular photography. Not only that, but lower-strength IR filters can be used to allow some visible light to pass, enabling colorized IR images.

A full-spectrum conversion is a job best left to one of the many professional companies that perform this specialized service, and as this is a permanent modification that will adversely affect regular photography, this is usually done with older camera bodies to give them a second lease of life. To test the filters reviewed in this guide, I used a Canon EOS R converted to full-spectrum by the experts at Advanced Camera Services.

Infrared filters will appear almost black to our eyes, with maybe a slight reddish tint. Put one on your lens, and you likely won't be able to see a thing through the viewfinder (as visible light is blocked), so you'll need to compose first and use a slow shutter speed to give your camera enough time to gather the light required for the scene.

Best infrared filters for photography

Best infrared filter overall

The Hoya R72 Infrared Filter is designed to block visible light and allow only the infrared spectrum (above 720nm) to pass through to the camera sensor. It is a good budget-friendly entry point for photographers interested in monochrome infrared photography without the immediate need for a costly camera conversion.

The filter is constructed from high-quality optical glass housed in a durable aluminum frame. While the glass appears pitch black to the naked eye, it boasts a 95% light transmittance rate for wavelengths between 760nm and 860nm. One trade-off for its affordability is a lack of advanced multi-coatings; it features only a single coating on each side to manage reflections. Additionally, the filter frame is slightly deeper than standard filters (4mm), which can lead to vignetting when used on ultra-wide lenses or when stacked.

In the resulting images, green foliage appears as a glowing, ethereal white, and blue skies turn into deep, dramatic blacks. The Hoya R72 is a solid and reliable choice with a robust build and offers excellent value, at least for the smaller thread sizes. While it isn't the most feature-rich filter on the market, it offers good value from a trusted name and is my top choice for those starting their journey into the surreal world of infrared photography.

See our full Hoya R72 Infrared Filter review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best square infrared filter

The Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) is a premium filter aimed at professional photographers and serious enthusiasts who prioritize build quality and modularity. Unlike the screw-in filters, this filter is designed specifically for slot-in systems, making it the obvious choice for those already using filter holders.

The filter is crafted from high-phosphate laser neodymium mineral glass, known for its optical clarity. It features Cokin's advanced Nuances coatings, providing exceptional resistance to water, oil, and scratches. In testing, water beads off effortlessly, and the glass proved durable enough to withstand a 1.5-meter drop when protected by its metal frame.

Crucially, this is a square/slot-in filter. There are no direct screw-in versions; you must use a Cokin filter holder (like the Z-Pro or NX). While this adds bulk and cost, it allows photographers to stack the IR filter with others, such as graduated ND filters, without the vignetting often caused by stacking screw-in rings.

While it is significantly more expensive than budget alternatives, its best-in-class coatings, tough and reliable build, and compatibility with professional slot-in systems make it the premier choice for serious IR work.

See our full Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best magnetic infrared filter

The Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared (IR720) filter features Kase's second-generation magnetic attachment system. Unlike traditional screw-in filters that can be fiddly and prone to cross-threading, this filter snaps onto a magnetic adapter ring instantly. This design significantly speeds up field workflow, especially when swapping between standard and infrared setups. The 'Revolution' update includes a larger gap between the adapter and the filter, making it much easier to pry apart than the previous version.

Built for professional abuse, the filter is made from exceptionally tough, 3mm-thick optical glass. In stress tests, it survived a 1.5-meter drop onto concrete and resisted scratches even when a metal nail was forcibly dragged across its surface. It also features top-tier 'Wolverine' coatings that are highly repellent to water and oil, making the glass easy to clean.

The IR720 blocks visible light below 720nm, appearing pitch black to the naked eye. On full-spectrum cameras, it produces sharp, punchy monochrome images with classic glowing white foliage and deep black skies. Light loss is minimal (about 2 stops), allowing for handheld shooting. But on standard Cameras, it functions similarly to a strong ND filter, requiring long exposures (often 30 seconds or more) and a tripod to achieve the infrared effect.

While its high price and lack of smaller sizes (only 67mm to 82mm) may deter hobbyists, the ruggedness and magnetic convenience of the Kase Revolution IR720 make it a top choice for those who need to work fast in the field without compromising on image quality.

See our full Kase Revolution Magnetic Infrared (IR720) filter review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best premium infrared filter

The Urth Infrared Filter Plus+ (also known as the I-Red 72) is a high-quality, eco-conscious lens filter designed for monochrome infrared photography. The filter is constructed from premium German Schott B270 glass and aerospace-grade aluminum. It features a sophisticated 20-layer "CoraNano" dual-side coating, making it highly resistant to water, oil, dust, and scratches. Urth offers the filter in a wide range of screw-in sizes (37mm to 95mm) and a magnetic version for quicker mounting.

While the filter itself operates flawlessly, I had a few issues with the metal storage case. While sleek and eco-friendly, the internal foam padding sheds fibers onto the glass, requiring the filter to be cleaned every time it is removed from the case.

The Urth Infrared Filter Plus+ is a solid and reliable choice for dedicated infrared enthusiasts, particularly those with converted cameras. While it is pricier than budget alternatives, its premium coatings and the company's commitment to sustainability (planting trees for every purchase) make it a compelling investment for high-contrast black-and-white photography.

See our full Urth Infrared Filter Plus+ review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best budget infrared filter

The Ice HB760 is a low-cost filter that's ideal for experimenting with the IR look on a super-tight budget. It features an aluminum frame that is relatively slim at 5mm deep (3mm when mounted), which helps minimize vignetting on wide-angle lenses. Unlike premium competitors, the frame has smooth edges rather than knurling, which can make it slightly difficult to grip if it becomes stuck. The filter uses hardened optical glass for improved drop resistance, but it lacks advanced water or oil-resistant coatings. This means it is more susceptible to water spots and fingerprints, making it harder to clean in the field than more expensive options.

The "760" in its name refers to its 760nm cutoff point, which is slightly higher than standard 720nm filters. This makes it almost entirely opaque to the human eye and more effective at blocking visible light. The results are punchy, high-contrast black-and-white images with the signature bright, glowing white foliage and dark, dramatic skies. Used on an unconverted camera, it acts like a 10-stop ND filter because it blocks so much, requiring very long exposures (often several minutes) and the use of a tripod. A full-spectrum camera allows for faster shutter speeds, though it is strictly intended for monochrome work rather than false-color IR.

The Ice HB760 is a barebones, no-frills product that gets the job done. While it lacks the refined coatings and handling features of big-name brands, its low price makes it an ideal trial filter for anyone curious about the surreal world of infrared photography.

See our full Ice HB760 review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best variable infrared filter

The Fotga 530nm–750nm Adjustable Infrared Filter is a budget-oriented filter for those wishing to explore both color and monochrome infrared photography. Its primary appeal is its versatility, allowing users to shift through various parts of the infrared spectrum by simply rotating the outer ring.

It operates similarly to a variable neutral density (VND) filter. By rotating the frame, you can adjust the cutoff between 530nm (best for vibrant 'false color' IR with orange and blue hues) and 750nm (ideal for deep, high-contrast black-and-white shots).

While the metal-and-glass construction feels decent for the price, the markings on the frame are not precisely calibrated, making it fiddly to dial in exact wavelengths for consistent results. Additionally, the filter is notably thick, which can lead to vignetting on ultra-wide lenses. It also lacks the advanced multi-coatings found on premium fixed-wavelength filters.

On a full-spectrum converted camera, the filter is a fun and creative way to achieve a wide range of IR looks in a single piece of glass. However, there's little point in using it on unmodified bodies; as standard sensors block most infrared light, this filter essentially acts like a heavy ND filter combined with a red tint, resulting in extremely long exposure times and poor IR effects.

The Fotga Adjustable IR filter is a cheap and cheerful entry point for infrared enthusiasts on a tight budget. While it cannot match the optical precision or durability of professional brands like Hoya or Kase, its ability to replace a wallet full of fixed filters makes it an excellent value for those just starting to experiment with the surreal aesthetics of the infrared world.

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best infrared filter

Just like most photographic filters, such as the best ND filters or the best polarizers, infrared filters come in circular or square formats. Circular filters need to be screwed onto your lens, which is more fiddly, but also more light-tight. Square filters, on the other hand, require a dedicated holder. This makes them easier to slot on and off, but adds to the expense.

A circular filter needs to be of the correct thread size for the lens you intend to use it with. Square filters are more flexible, as they can be used with different-sized lenses, just so long as you have a suitable adaptor ring (most square filters come complete with a variety of adaptor rings).

• Back to the top ⤴

How we test infrared filters

We look at a number of different factors when testing an infrared filter's suitability for our buying guides. We check the spectrum of visible light that the filters blocks, measured in nanometres (nm), as this will tell us how strong the infrared effect is going to be. We also look at how versatile the filter is – how many thread sizes it comes in, which in layman's terms means how many lenses it's going to fit. We look at what coatings have been added to help light transmission, and also assess the quality of the filter's construction to see how well it will stand up to long-term use.

Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

• Back to the top ⤴

Some new photography products seem so obvious upon launch that you wonder why they haven’t been invented before. Kase’s Wolverine Double Grad filters fit that bill. The 150x100mm rectangular filters, which have been designed for use in standard 100mm holders, feature two gradations on either end of the glass. There are currently two variations available: a 3-stop soft with 3-stop hard grad and a 3-stop reverse with a 3-stop medium. We had an early demo version of the former, but Kase says that more variations will be coming.

So what’s the deal, and why is this filter such a breakthrough? A traditional graduated filter is of course clear at one end and a neutral grey at the other, offering landscape photographers the ability to balance bright skies against dark foregrounds in-camera. 

Standard grads (which Kase also makes) are available in two variations; soft edge and hard edge – either a smooth or solid transition from dark to light – and this means essentially a lot of the glass isn’t being used in a shot.

Kase has clearly recognized this and incorporated both a soft and hard gradation into one filter. It might seem like a gimmick, but the product is certainly aimed at pros. The Optical Glass that Kase has produced the ND from is scratch resistant, water-repellent, anti-reflective and easy to clean. This is good news for photographers who regularly shoot in inclement weather, and we can vouch for the filters being easy to wipe down after a seaside shoot. We also tried the filters in Scotland and for some urban photography in London. When packing our kit away, the supplied slimline case did a good job of keeping the filter safe and tucked away in a small bag.

This product is a single filter doing the job of two, and because of this, it has several advantages over a standard grad. The Wolverine Double Grad takes up less weight and space in your kitbag, represents a more economical product (Kase sells its standard Wolverine ND Grads for around $265/£190) and it arguably saves you time in the field comparing filters without having to keep swapping out glass from the holder. 

The are perfect for anyone who shoots travel and landscape photography and uses graduated filters to balance exposures. We enjoyed it for seascapes and shooting urban scenes that had clear horizon lines.

Handling

The filter simply slides into a 100mm filter holder, and although we used the Kase K9 holder, the filters 2mm width allows it to slide into most manufacturers holders, including Lee Filters. Once your chosen holder is mounted in front of your lens via the right adapter ring, it’s then fairly straightforward to move the filter up and down to change the proportion of your image that’s covered – we used Live View to see the effect on the composition and which end was best to use. 

The Kase Wolverine 100 X 150mm Double Grad 0.9 GND Soft & Hard gives the same strength of filter at either end (the hard end is labelled just in case you need to check) and you can transition between each end by spinning your filter holder around 180 degrees.

Performance

We tested the Double Grad 0.9 GND Soft & Hard filter grad with a variety of holders and focal lengths, and generally found it easy to slot in and position. The hard portion of the filter is ideal for scenes with a very straight and clear horizon – think looking out to sea or perhaps shooting cityscapes over a river. 

Kase has made mention of one slight compromise to the design of this filter; that is, when shooting in portrait orientation with wide-angle lenses you can start to run out of glass. In reality we only found this a problem at a 16mm focal length.

We did find ourselves having to be more particular with positioning the Double Grad filter than a standard one and this is because each ND section is essentially narrower with a slimmer band of clear filter. It’s not a dealbreaker, though. Enthusiasts will be just fine to work out the best approach.

Introducing any extra glass in front of your lens always bring with it the worry of image degradation, especially for professionals who require the highest standards. Fortunately we have no complaints about the quality of the Wolverine filters or their impact on sharpness. What’s more, RAW images had no color cast.

Verdict

Although not ideal for super-wide lenses, on the whole these filters are an ingenious solution for landscape photographers. They should save you money and space compared to using several traditional grad filters.

Read more: 

• Best filter holders
• Best ND grad filters
• Best polarizing filters
• Best neutral density (ND) filters
• Best variable ND filters
• Best lens protection filters
• Best light pollution filters
• Best close up filters
• Camera filters explained 

Neutral density graduate filters are the must-have accessory for landscape photographers – helping to balance out the brightness difference between the land and sky. But inevitably you find you need more than one type of ND grad filter to cover the range of scenes you find. Now Kase has come up with an ingenious solution to minimizing the number of filters you need to hike around with you.

The Kase Wolverine Double Graduated filters essentially give you two grads in one. Insert the filter one way and it does one job, and insert it the other way up (or rotate it) and it does another.

There are two Double Grads available at at launch (and currently on show at The Photography Show, which runs until tomorrow). The most popular of these may well be the 0.9 GND Soft & Hard. Both ends of this give you up to a 3-stop reduction in the upper area of the image - but one gives you a hard edge (best suited to flat horizons) and the other a soft edge (best suited to a horizon broken by buildings or mountains). 

The other choice is Kase Wolverine Double Grad 0.9 GND Medium & Reverse. This gives an all-purpose medium strength transition grad - plus a reversed gradient that is perfect for shooting straight into the sun (at sunset, say). 

Both filters measure 100x150mm and will fit most 100mm square filter holder systems (including Kase's own). The Double Grads are made of toughened Pro HD optical glass, and have metallic nano coatings. They promise virtually no color cast, and scratch resistance.

Kase explains that some older Lee 100mm holders might not have enough friction in the rails for glass filters, but that if you have an issue with Kase filters in your Lee holder, please contact Kase UK who will supply free replacement rails free of charge. 

The Double Grad filters will retail for $220 / £209 each, and are supplied with a pouch.

Read more
• Camera filters explained 
• Best filter holders
• Best polarizing filters
• Best neutral density (ND) filters
• Best variable ND filters
• Best lens protection filters
• Best light pollution filters
• Best close up filters
• Best diffusion filters

The Kase Wolverine Magnetic filter series is designed to save space compared to conventional square filter holders which take up more room in your kit bag. They work by screwing a magnetic base ring onto the front filter thread of your lens and then the circular polariser or ND filters can be snapped into place using magnets making them much easier to take off and attach each time you want to use them. We got our hands on a sample to put them to the test and see if they should be the latest addition to your photography kit wish list.

What's included?

The filters come in a well made case with individual compartments for each of the five filter accessories. There's the circular magnetic ring that is threaded onto the front of your lens - this is determined by which size filter set you buy as this will be specific to the lens filter thread you want to use. We'd suggest getting the largest option you can afford and then use Kase magnetic step rings to use them with your other lenses that have smaller filter threads.

With the magnetic ring screwed into the front filter thread of your lens you can then attach the circular polariser, ND8, ND64, or lens cap on to it which snap into place magnetically and allow for them to be used quickly without the faff of having to unscrew the whole filter each time you want to take them off or put them on. 

Build quality

Although belonging to the ‘Wolverine’ series the filters sadly aren’t made from the fictional material 'Adamantium', but an anodised steel and aluminium alloy. The edges of the metal ring have a cross-cut pattern that give them a rugged feel and lots of purchase even when a bit wet from shooting in the rain or near waterfalls.

One small detail we love is that the filters have white text on them to show which filter is which - but this is cleverly printed on the front of the base filter, and on the back of the filters that sit on top of it so they butt up together and don't cause any odd flare or reflections.

The filters have an ‘easy clean’ design implementing nano coatings which repel water, dust and dirt. They're scratch resistant and anti-reflective too!

Using the filters

Arguably you need to whip filters on and off the most when using strong ND filters, such as a 10-stop or 15-stop ND which makes the viewfinder and LCD totally black. In this kit you get a 3-stop ND8 and a 6-stop ND64 neutral density filter so it's still pretty easy to compose and see what you're doing with them in place as it's not too dark.

This being said, you can stack the two filters together to block out a more substantial 9-stops of light. This is still half as a strong as a 10-stop ND, like a Lee Big Stopper, but is still useful for when you want to create a little more motion in moving water or moving clouds. 

There is also a five-piece Professional version of the Woolverine Magnetic kit available from Kase that adds a 10-stop ND1000 filter to the four-piece Entry kit that we reviewed here.

Performance

The filters are said to be color neutral though we found a very slight warming effect on all of the filters, though this was easily fixed with the Temperature and Tint sliders in Adobe Camera Raw so not an issue.

There was pretty much no sign of any decreased amount of sharpness with any of the filters in place and chromatic aberration levels stayed identical to our base results - impressive stuff!

Obviously there will be times when you need to stack filters. With the two ND filters stacked together the image quality remained very impressive and we didn’t see any notable detrimental effects, though there was a small amount of vignetting in the corners caused by the filter rings creeping into the corners of the shot.

We used the 82mm filter kit on a lens with a 77mm filter thread with stepping rings, so vignetting could potentially be more of an issue when using filters the same size as your lens' filter thread and also when going super-wide. We only went as wide as 24mm on our full frame test camera.

Verdict

Kase get top marks for presentation, the filter set comes in a beautifully packaged box with a leather case that has a fitting magnetic seal and five dividers for each bit of kit, a microfibre cloth is also included for cleaning. Though we wouldn’t expect anything less given the high price tag that put it amongst the top-end filters on the market. The Entry kits vary in price depending on the filter diameter you choose, with the 77mm kit being the cheapest. We'd suggest buying the kit that fits your largest lens and then use the magnetic step-up rings to fit your other lenses - these are much more affordable (from $19.95 each) and save you buying a kit for every lens’ filter thread in your bag.

We found the image quality to be very impressive and held up well even when stacking the filters together. The overall design and concept is innovative and could mean you're more likely to use filters if you find the conventional circular filters too much of a hassle.

For the high price tag we'd have loved to have seen a graduated ND filter included too as this would have been really useful with the magnetic design and could be turned easily to line up with the horizon.

We also had a slight gripe that the magnetic lens cap didn't fit when other filters were attached to the base ring, meaning you'd have to remove these and put them back in the case each time you want to move location, however this is just a minor niggle.

Read more: 

• Best filter holders
• Best polarizing filters
• Best neutral density (ND) filters
• Best variable ND filters
• Best lens protection filters
• Best light pollution filters
• Best close up filters
• Camera filters explained