Light pollution is caused by the bright glow of artificial lights from towns and cities, which can be a problem for photographers taking pictures at night, adding a yellow color cast, haze, and reducing sharpness and contrast in your low-light shots, whether it's cityscapes, landscapes, or astrophotography.

A light pollution filter is designed to cut out the specific wavelengths of light emitted by artificial lights and the general glow of towns and cities, and should therefore deliver cleaner, sharper shots with impact.

I got my hands on the 100x100mm version of the Cokin Nuances Clearsky filter for this review. Cokin claims “The yellow and orange glow of street lights is removed for urban photography at night, and the contrast of the sky is enhanced for astrophotography by darkening the gradient of the sky background, highlighting the stars or the Milky Way.”

With that in mind, I took it out on some late-night photography excursions to see how it ranked amongst the best light pollution filters. Here’s how I got on…

Cokin Nuances Clearsky: Specifications

Cokin Nuances Clearsky: Price

Let’s not beat around the bush. With a list price of $67 / £69 / AU$133 for the smallest 52mm screw-in filter or $200 / £165 / AU$387 for the largest X (130x130mm) slot-in square type, it can be an expensive option. However, few other filter manufacturers offer the range of both square and circular lens sizes, and working pros will find it worth the asking price for the quality materials and coatings employed.

If you’re on a tight budget or need the smaller circular options associated with more entry-level kit lenses, such as 39mm or 49mm, you may be better off with budget-friendly options from the likes of Rollei, Hoya, or K&F Concept. But if you’re a professional astro or nighttime cityscape photographer, the Cokin Nuances Clearsky is reliable, durable, and capable of producing quality images in low light.

Cokin Nuances Clearsky: Design & Handling

The Cokin Nuances Clearsky filter is available as a circular screw-in option, available in popular filter thread sizes between 52mm and 95mm. While it’s not available for smaller – perhaps more entry-level – lenses with 49mm filter threads, the 82mm filter thread was big enough to use with my Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens.

Professionals will be glad to hear that the filter is also available for square filter holders, with Cokin’s P (100x84mm), X (100x100mm), and Z (130x130cm) sizes covering all the bases.

I got hold of the Cokin Z (100x100mm) ‘L’ size to fit 100mm filter holders, though I ended up putting it in one of Cokin’s metal frames to use it with the company’s NX Series filter holders, which are a little larger. These metal filter frames cost $35 / £26 / AU$55 for a pack of two and come apart with two small screws, allowing the glass filter to be securely locked in place.

The metal frame offers good protection, and the filters are made from hardy glass, too. I’ve dropped Cokin Nuances from a height of 1.5m onto hard concrete before, and they’ve shrugged it off with virtually no sign of damage. Taking a sharp nail to the Cokin Nuances Clearsky showed the same high-quality anti-scratch coatings I’ve become used to in this range, as it’s a seriously hardy filter that’s very difficult to leave a mark on – so it should last you many years.

Whether you go for the circular screw-in or square filter options, Cokin employs a multi-anti-reflective coating on both sides of the filter. This coating is designed to minimize reflections and reduce glare, further improving contrast, along with the improvement gained by cutting out the light wavelengths of sodium and mercury-vapor lights. The coating is also waterproof, anti-oil, and scratch-resistant.

Cokin Nuances Clearsky: Performance

As one of the more expensive light pollution filters, I had high hopes for the Cokin Nuances Clearsky, and the good news is: it didn’t disappoint!

Key to the filter's performance are its double-sided coatings, which not only tame reflections but also make the filter very resistant to scratches. They are also hydrophobic, so water beads off really well and usually comes straight off simply by shaking the filter, rather than having to wipe it down. It's super easy to clean.

I tried the square Z version (100x100mm), so I’m not able to comment on the quality of the metal ring used for the circular screw-in iterations, though Cokin confirmed it uses the same high-quality glass and coatings in both the circular and square variants.

Cokin says the glass is high-res phosphate laser neodymium glass that can block wavelengths of urban light, such as sodium and mercury-vapor lamps. My tests showed the filter does precisely that, and it was one of the few light pollution filters I've tested that made fine details look sharper and more contrasty, compared to having no filter attached at all.

It had one of the strongest purple hues of the light pollution filters I've tested. This means it easily compensates for the yellow and green tint of street lights, though it does take a little more effort in post-processing to correct its purple color cast to get the images looking right. See my raw images straight out of camera, below.

Astrophotographers operating in sub-zero conditions will also be happy to hear the filters are rated for temperatures down to -10ºC / 14ºF and up to 40ºC / 104ºF. So you can shoot safely in the knowledge that you'll be able to photograph without issue on those chilly, clear nights when shooting stars.

My test shots revealed that the Cokin does a good job of neutralizing the yellow glow of street lamps, though straight-out-of-camera images can take on quite a strong purple color cast, so you will need to play around with the temperature and tint sliders to remove this. But once done, the garish yellow-and-green of light pollution is well controlled, and image quality remains very good with sharp details.

Cokin Nuances Clearsky: Verdict

As with all light pollution filters I’ve tested, the Cokin Nuances Clearsky cannot fully combat the light spill and loss of definition in the stars that comes from city lights – there really is no substitute for heading to a dark sky area for astrophotography. However, what the filter is great for is taming the garish color cast you get from sodium and mercury-vapor lights – the effect on LED streets will be negligible as their light is neutral white to begin with.

The Cokin Nuances Clearsky comes packed to the rafters with brilliant features and quality materials. The standout was its double-sided multilayer coating, which is oil, water, and scratch-resistant, and makes the filter super easy to clean and wipe down when it gets dirty. For professionals working in harsh environments and looking for reliable kit that lasts a long time, the Cokin Nuances Clearsky is the filter for you.

Alternatives

Cokin, a company founded by French photographer Jean Coquin in 1978, is famous for inventing the square filter system for cameras. With such a long-standing pedigree in the filter space and kicking off the square format altogether, I was delighted to get hold of a Cokin NX filter holder and Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) filter to put to the test.

The beauty of a square filter system is that it enables you to quickly and easily stack and swap a variety of different filters, such as the Cokin Nuances Graduated ND filters that I also tested recently. I took the Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) out to thoroughly test it on some landscapes and compared them to images taken with and without the filters in place.

The Cokin Nuances IR720 can be used on standard cameras for a long-exposure infrared effect, where the light-blocking properties of the IR720 increase the exposure time to several minutes, because the sensor has an IR cut filter already installed, which reduces the sensitivity to IR wavelengths. However, the resulting red image has to be converted to black and white.

To thoroughly test the Cokin Nuances IR720, I got hold of a Canon EOS R that had been converted to full-spectrum infrared photography by the experts at Advanced Camera Services. This involves removing the standard IR cut filter, and is not for the faint-hearted, so a big shout out to ACS for supplying the infrared camera for my tests, enabling me to properly put the IR720 through its paces.

Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B): Specifications

Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B): Price

The Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 89B is available in a number of different sizes, and while square and circular options are available, these are all to be used with a Cokin filter holder – there are no circular screw-in options to mount directly onto the front filter thread of your lens.

The Square L size that I got hold of is for the Cokin Z-Pro filter holder, though I put it in one of Cokin's metal frames so it would fit inside the slightly larger Cokin NX holder. The metal frame also adds strength and rigidity and allows the filter to be mounted or removed from the filter holder rapidly by clipping it in and out, which I liked a lot.

The Square L option I got hold of costs around $220 / £199, though you may find it cheaper if you shop around. If you’re using the Z-Pro system, you might find yourself better off with the Circular L (Z-Pro) option, which costs $42 / £25.

There are also smaller Medium iterations for the Cokin P filter holder: a square Medium (P size) measuring 84x100x1.6mm costing $150 / £144, and a circular 84mm option for P-size filter holders, which was much more affordable at £49 in the UK.

If you need to bring in the big guns, there are two huge 720 infrared filters available in Cokin’s Nuances range, and both are designed for its ‘XL’ 130mm filter holders for medium format shooters or ultra-wide lenses. I could only find these for sale in the UK, with the square 130x130x2mm option for £229 and the circular XL variant costing £175.

Cokin has confirmed that the infrared glass and treatment in all of the 720 Nuances square and circular filters are of the same quality, so image quality and performance should be pretty consistent across the board.

I should also add that there’s a whole bunch of creative kits available from Cokin that bundle a filter holder with an IR 720 Nuances and various other filters, so this could work out better value if you don’t already have a filter holder. Just be sure to pick up the right one for your camera’s sensor size and your lenses.

Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B): Design & Handling

The Cokin Nuances IR720 is an infrared filter designed to cut out visible light while allowing light in the infrared spectrum to pass. However, because a standard camera has an IR cut filter precisely to prevent excessive infrared light from reaching the sensor, this will require an extremely long exposure to allow the sensor to gather enough infrared light.

On a full-spectrum converted camera body, such as the Canon EOS R loaned to me by Advanced Camera Services, this IR cut filter has been removed, enabling much shorter exposure times. The Cokin Nuances IR720 allows approximately 50% of light through at 720nm and 98% of light at 950nm wavelengths.

The filter is made from some seriously high-end materials, including high-phosphate laser neodymium mineral glass, and is treated to double-sided AR and AF coatings to reduce reflections and also add scratch, oil, and water resistance.

The special multicoating has also been formulated to let 50% of wavelengths pass at 720nm, 95% at 800nm, and a maximum of up to 99% near 950nm.

While I got hold of the Square L size, which measures 100x100x2mm and fits the Cokin EVO filter holder, I actually ended up using it with Cokin’s NX filter holder, but I first had to mount the filter in a metal filter frame to make it compatible.

There are also three circular options for the IR720, though these aren’t circular screw-in types; they’re circular to sit at the back of a compatible Cokin filter holder. The names for these are a little confusing, but here we go...

The smallest is the Circular M size which fits Cokin P filter holders and measures 84x84x1.6mm; next is the Circular L size, which fits Cokin Z-Pro filter holders and measures 100x100x1.6mm; lastly, there’s the Circular XL size, which fits Cokin X-Pro filter holders and measures 130x130x2mm. Phew! So, as you can see, there are quite a few options to choose from – just make sure you pick up the one that fits your Cokin filter holder.

Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B): Performance

The filter boasts a double-sided multi AR Coating + AF Coating for waterproof, anti-oil, and anti-scratch properties. As with other Cokin Nuances filters I have reviewed, the Nuances Infrared 720 coatings give an impeccable performance. Water beads off its hydrophobic coating – this makes it super easy to clean and shake water off.

It's also extremely hardy, and even dragging a sharp nail across it inflicted no noticeable damage. It shrugged off a drop from 1.5m while encased in its metal frame, which likely added extra protection when taking a tumble.

When it came to image quality, the Cokin Nuances 720 (89B) Infrared IR impressed. While very fine details were a little soft compared to pictures taken without the filter in place, this isn't unique; all the IR720 filters I have tested gave a similar result, and this could potentially simply be down to the varying contrast you see with and without the filter in place.

When you're not zooming in to 200% to inspect fine details, sharpness is perfectly fine, and the Nuances 720 (89B) does a great job of producing that classic black-and-white infrared effect, with dark skies and green foliage turning white. It's not quite as strong an effect as a filter like an 850nm, which cuts out all but a very thin band of infrared light, but it does a pretty good job and its results will be less extreme, with more gradation in the sky, rather than it being totally black, and a little more detail in tree leaves rather than being completely blown-out white.

It's also worth noting that the filter is only good for black-and-white infrared photography. Its wavelength cut of 720nm is too high to be used for color infrared; such pictures usually require a lower cut of around 590nm to allow more visible light in. However, you can take striking B&W infrared photos with this filter either on a standard non-converted camera, which will extend your shutter speed, or you can use it on a converted IR camera for faster shutter speeds for handheld photography.

As an example, with a standard camera, my shutter speed went from 1/1000 sec to 30 secs, so it effectively also acts as a 15-stop ND filter, and could be a great choice if you like the long-exposure look, paired with the stylized high-contrast look of infrared.

On an IR-converted camera, like my Canon EOS R from ACS, the filter still blocks out some wavelengths of light, but it's much easier to handle. Here, my standard shutter speed of 1/640 sec slowed to just 1/160 sec; in other words, two stops of light are lost, and this can easily be compensated for by opening the aperture or bumping the ISO up a little. You can, of course, choose to shoot on a tripod too, if you prefer.

The Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) is only available for use with slot-in filter holders. While I would have liked to have seen a screw-in option, shooting with a dedicated filter holder definitely has its perks and means it can be stacked with other filters with ease, without the risk of vignetting.

Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B): Verdict

The Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) put in a stellar performance, and this is something I'm getting used to with Cokin's top-flight Nuances filter range; its Clear Sky and Graduated ND filters also gave a top result.

You'll need a dedicated filter holder to use either the square or circular variants of this filter. Is this a bad thing? Not necessarily. Though it does make the filters a bit more expensive, and the system overall is larger and bulkier than the more compact screw-in options from the likes of Urth, Hoya and Ice.

If, however, you don't mind using a filter holder, then the Cokin Nuances Infrared 720 (89B) is one of the best you can pick up. It has strong image quality, and its 720nm cut strikes a good balance of contrast without making the skies too dark or foliage too bright. The Cokin Nuances range also boasts some of the best filter coatings in the game, with outstanding water, oil, and scratch resistance.

Do you need a converted camera to use this filter? Absolutely not! Some may even prefer the long exposure effect you get from using this filter with a standard non-IR camera. But if you prefer more workable, faster exposures for handheld shooting, then a full-spectrum conversion should be considered.

Alternatives

Cokin is a French manufacturer, founded by photographer Jean Coquin in 1978, and is famous for inventing the square filter system for cameras. With such a long-standing pedigree in the filter space and kicking off the square format altogether, I was delighted to try out a set of Nuances Extreme filters, as well as an NX filter holder.

On test, I had three Nuances Extreme Z-Pro graduated ND filters; the GND8 S soft grad, the C-GND8 'center' grad with the darkest area in the middle of the filter for use when the sun is right on the horizon at dawn or dusk, and the R-GND S 'reverse' grad that is also darker at the center but with a more gradual fall-off towards the top edge for when the sun is visible higher in the sky. I also had an ND1024, ND64, CPL, NX filter holder, and various square and rectangular aluminum frames to fit the filters into the holder.

I took them to the coast to shoot sunsets, seascapes, and put them through their paces as well as compare them to the competition from LEE, K&F, and Marumi to see how the image quality stacked up. Let’s get to it…

Cokin Nuances Extreme Graduated ND filters: Specifications

Cokin Nuances Extreme Graduated ND filters: Price

Cokin’s Nuances Extreme Z-Pro GND filters don’t come cheap, and typically cost $150 / £130 each. You can, however, purchase a multipack of three filters for around $300 / £320, which works out at about $100 / £106 per filter and brings it more in line with other 100x150mm GND filters on the market. There are two multipacks available: Soft or Reverse, each comprising a GND4, GND8, and GND16 filter. Note that there are currently no Medium or Hard options – either as a multipack or singly.

Adding in the other accessories in the Cokin NX range can really start to ratchet up the cost; the Cokin NX Series filter holder costs $90 / £80, it’s $76 / £45 for the CPL, an ND1024 filter will set you back $119 / £100, then there’s the carry case, adapter rings and the aluminum frames to slot the filters into. When all is said and done, you may have racked up quite a large bill.

That being said, I think seasoned pros looking for a reliable, quick-to-use system, plus the brilliant image quality and durability found in the Cokin Nuances Extreme GND filters, make them well worth the investment.

Cokin Nuances Extreme Graduated ND filters: Design & Handling

The Cokin Nuances Extreme Z-Pro soft graduated kit comes with a GND4, GND8, and GND16 soft graduated ND filters – blocking out up to 2, 3, or 4 stops of light at their darkest areas, respectively.

The filters are Cokin’s L-size, so the GNDs on test measure 100mm wide, allowing them to be used with standard 100mm filter holders, though they’re only 143.5mm tall, which makes them not quite as tall as other competitors, which usually measure 100x150mm. This is to allow Cokin’s L-size filters to be inserted into an aluminum frame (available at extra cost) so they can be easily slotted into the Cokin NX System filter holder, which I also had in for testing. This takes them to a size of 107x162mm.

The filter holders are solidly built from very robust metal with no flex in it, and there’s a large 16mm metal tab at the top of the frame, which gives you something to hold when adjusting the gradient or when you need to detach it. A small Philips screwdriver is required to remove the two screws from the locking tab, which keeps the glass filters securely in place.

In real terms, you have 4.3% less wiggle room than 150mm-tall GNDs. The glass filters are also 2mm deep, which is fairly standard.

Cokin sent me its GND8 filter in one of its aluminum frames, which works with the Cokin NX series filter system. While the frames are metal, it’s not a magnetic system, and instead tracks at the side of the filter frame click into place with respective balls on the filter holder. The filter holder cannot be expanded, unlike the LEE100 system (which can be expanded to load up more filters), so the maximum number of filters you could stack together is two square types with an additional circular polarizer, which sits at the rear (closest to the lens).

The Cokin Nuances Extreme series of filters is made from highly resistant mineral glass, which Cokin claims can withstand an accidental fall. A new coating process is applied to ensure uniform density, and a nano-magnetic alloy is applied on both sides of its tempered glass.

Cokin Nuances Extreme Graduated ND filters: Performance

To give my overall performance of Cokin’s Nuances Extreme Z-Pro graduated ND filters, I first have to assess the Cokin NX series filter holder system as a whole. While one of the more expensive filter systems on the market, the NX series filter holder didn’t disappoint. Every aspect of the filters and holder feels premium and super high quality; the metal filter holder weighs 67g, and feels rock solid and robust, with a foam gasket around the top and bottom for a light-tight seal when using an ND filter. The holder also has my preferred setup for a CPL, allowing it to be mounted at the back of the filter stack rather than the front.

While the filter holder is metal, the system isn’t magnetic like the Marumi M100, though it doesn’t use guide rails either. Instead, the NX features two rows of ball joints, which allow the tracks of the filter frames to be slotted in and then adjusted up and down – this is a bit more user friendly than the guide rails you might find on a more traditional setup, like the LEE100, where you have to slot the filters to be carefully lined up with the guides from above and pushed down into place.

Here, you can just whip them off the front. I also prefer its mechanism to mount the filter holder to the adapter ring that screws into a lens’s front filter thread. This is just a simple lever that can be pushed to lock or unlock it from the adapter ring, and a more elegant solution compared to the Marumi M100, which uses two thumbscrews at the back of the holder, and also the LEE100, which has a release knob that sticks out to the side.

So the Cokin NX-series filter holder gets high praise, but can the Graduated Neutral Density filters live up to it? The good news is they absolutely did!

Cokin says that because the glass in its Nuances Extreme Z-Pro GND filters is tempered, it won’t crack or scratch even when dropped, and the tempered glass also helps give the filters high light transmittance and low reflectivity.

A new coating process has been used with a nano-magnetic alloy applied to both sides. This is said to control specific wavelengths of light, create a uniform density, and enhance the coating's durability. The inclusion of this nano-magnetic alloy is designed to make the filters more scratch-resistant and easier to wipe clean.

Cokin was so confident in the durability of the Nuances Extreme Z-Pro GND that they told me, “Even if you accidentally drop this filter, it won't crack or get scratched. Feel free to drop it without any worries!” And how could I not after such an invitation? I dropped a filter onto a concrete surface from 1.5m to simulate the filter accidentally taking a tumble while in use. I dropped the filter in its metal frame, as that’s how it’s intended to be used, and you’d be pushed to see any evidence it was dropped at all, apart from a few minor scuffs to the black paint on the filter frame.

The scratch-resistant coating was seriously hardy too, and even when I mustered up as much pressure as I could apply with a pointy metal screw, I was only able to inflict some very minor damage, and it definitely inspired confidence should it be dropped on to a rocky beach out in the real world – a seriously impressive result!

Cokin only sent me the GND8, RGND8 S, and C GND8 S filters, so I couldn’t test out the entire graduated filter range, but it did give me a snapshot of the quality. However, in my time with these three filters and the Cokin NX filter holder, I was seriously impressed – image quality was excellent with fantastic sharpness, contrast, and flare control. To test the filters, I set up my Canon EOS R5 on a tripod with a Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8L IS USM lens attached, which already has brilliant image quality, though zooming in on my EOS R5’s large 45MP sensor revealed no defects introduced to the image.

Cokin Nuances Extreme Graduated ND filters: Verdict

While putting together my buying guide for the best graduated ND filters, I tested filters from some of the world’s top filter manufacturers. Cokin’s Nuances Extreme Z-Pro GND stood out as among the best quality, and Cokin’s NX filter holder system, which I tested the GND filters with, also gave one of the best performances. The image quality was stellar, and the build quality was rock solid. If you’re a working professional, a set of these filters would definitely do you proud.

However, this all comes at a price. Cokin’s Nuances Extreme Z-Pro GND and the NX filter holder system do not come cheap, but if you make a living from your photography and need the very best image quality, reliable performance and a filter holder that is fast and intuitive to use in moments where time is of the essence (I’m thinking sunrises, sunsets and fast-changing light scenarios), then Cokin’s filters will be worth the money and won’t disappoint.

Alternatives

Diffusion filters are commonly used by photographers in order to soften skin imperfections and reduce the "digital" look that modern high-quality lenses can create. Once you find a suitable diffusion filter, it can significantly cut down on post-production editing time. The aim of these filters is to soften wrinkles while creating a natural overall effect that makes the subject appear more flawless.

If you are looking to purchase a diffusion filter, there are many brands to choose from, including Tiffen, Hoya, Promaster, Cokin, and more. These brands offer a wide range of filters with different densities, ranging from 1/8 to 5. 

Tiffen is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of photographic glass filters and offers a wide range of diffusion filters that use various techniques, including White Halation, Black Halation, Warm Halation, and Optical Resolution. 

Tiffen's Digital Diffusion FX filter with a density of 1/4 uses the Optical Resolution Diffusion technique, which is designed to create a natural and pleasing image. This Tiffen filter is made of Water White optical glass, which is known for its superior clarity and color neutrality - we took it to the test. 

Specifications

Filter type: Circular diffusion filter
Mount: Screw-in 
Thread diameter range (mm): 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82
Density: 1/4,1/2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 
Filter material: Water White optical glass, ColorCore Glass technology
Frame material: Aluminium 
Thickness: 6mm

Build & Handling

The Tiffen Digital Diffusion FX 1/4 comes in a sturdy plastic container that makes it easy to transport. With a two-handed opening system, it reduces the risk of accidental falls while traveling.

Tiffen filters are designed to be durable, and this particular filter is no exception. They offer a 10-year warranty on all their products, which speaks to their commitment to quality. The filter is easy to attach and detach thanks to its grippy ring. 

Tiffen stands out in their production of filters by using ColorCore technology to create the glass. This involves laminating the filter substrate between two pieces of optical glass, in this case, Water White optical glass. The glass is then ground flat with a tolerance of 1/10,000th of an inch, which is an impressive level of precision. 

The Digital Diffusion FX 1/4 filter utilizes Optical Resolution Diffusion technology, which is also featured in other Tiffen filters, such as the Soft FX. However, the Soft FX creates a more evenly distributed softness over the image, resulting in a greater reduction in resolution at a lower density.

Performance

The Digital Diffusion FX's performance in balancing smoothing and remaining detail resolution is excellent. It is effective in softening the wrinkles and lines present on the skin, while the skin-softening effect is quite subtle in this density and not overpowering. 

The colors in the image remain the original, which is especially important for photographic genres like portraiture where bringing back accurate skin colors can be a major challenge in post-production. The filter does reduce the overall contrast of the image, but not significantly.

Furthermore, there's no visible halo effect around light sources within the image composition, which is often the case with other diffusion filters. It also reduced any stray lights.

While taking photographs, the camera's autofocus functioned normally as if no filter was attached. In manual focus, it is easy to adjust the focus and sharpness accurately on the subject's eyes. 

If you want to check out the effects of different strengths of Digital Diffusion FX filters then Tiffen has provided some useful comparison videos on their website that illustrate the different density levels in the series. 

These videos effectively demonstrate how skin details remain visible while the skin appears subtly smoothed out using the density of 1/4. Additionally, the light bulb in the background does not create a halo effect. 

Verdict

The Digital Diffusion FX filter has a significant advantage - it is designed to remain undetectable, giving the impression that no obvious filtration is being applied, and Tiffen has kept this promise. The high-quality filter is visible in its performance, as the Water White optical glass delivers excellent clarity. 

With a density of 1/4, the smoothing effect of the filter is not overpowering the photograph. It is an excellent choice for photographers who aim to achieve a balanced and natural-looking image without compromising on the output quality. 

Moreover, the filter does not impact the image color but slightly reduces the overall scene's contrast. This effect is not significant and can be easily adjusted in post-processing. More importantly, the skin smoothing effect does not reduce detail resolution, resulting in a natural-looking outcome. 

Due to acid etching in the glass, there was no halo effect around visible light sources in the background created as the light gets bent across the image's surface. However, other diffusion filters like Black Pro-Mist from Tiffen perform differently in this regard. So, if this effect is desired, investing in the Black-Pro Mist filter instead of the Digital Diffusion FX filter may be a better option to achieve your visual goals.

Cokin offers three series of filter holders, the Creative and Evo holders which are available in a range of sizes and the newer NX Series Filter Holder which is designed for use with 100mm-type square and rectangular filters from a range of brands including Cokin. 

What sets the NX Holder apart from most other filter holders is that the filters need to be mounted in an aluminum frame before they can be used. Cokin makes these frames to fit 100x100mm square filters and rectangular graduated filters. In an odd quirk, Cokin’s graduated 100mm filters are 143.5x100mm whereas most competitors’ filters are 150x100mm. Consequently, Cokin makes two sizes of rectangular filter frame and one square frame, so it’s important to ensure you have the correct size. Cokin sells the frames separately and as part of a kit.

The holder is made of aluminum and is able to accept a Cokin circular polarizing filter (CPL) and up to two square or rectangular filters in their frames. Before it can be mounted on a lens, an adapter ring must be screwed onto the lens’ filter thread. The low profile of the holder and the filter frames mean that the system is suitable for use with focal lengths as short as 16mm.

Cokin NX Series Filter kits

As well as selling the Nuances Extreme filters and filter frames individually, Cokin offers a selection of five kits with them and the holder, these are:

The Starter Kit (£219/$219.99) with the holder, a circular polarizer in a pouch, a 100x100mm frame, a 100x143.5mm frame, three adapter rings (72mm, 77mm and 82mm), an adapter ring cap and a filter system wallet. 

The Long Exposure Kit (£279/$279.99), which adds a Nuances Extreme (10-stop) 1024ND filter to the Starter Kit.

The Landscape Kit (£360/$379.99), which adds Nuances Extreme ND1024 and GND8 Soft filters to the Starter Kit. 

The Expert Kit (£540/$569.99), which adds three graduated ND8 filters (Soft, Reverse and Hard) and the 1024ND filter to the Starter Kit. 

The Professional Kit (£689.99/$699.99), Cokin’s largest kit, includes seven filters, with three Nuances Extreme NDs (8, 64 and 1024), Soft, Hard and Reverse Nuances Extreme graduated 8NDs in addition to the CPL.

Build and handling

As I mentioned, the NX Series Holder is made from aluminum and while it’s lightweight, it feels strong and looks well-made. Most filter holders have slots for accommodating the filters but the NX Filter Holder has two rows of four ball bearings on either side. These ball bearings fit into slots in the filter frames so that the filters slide smoothly into place.

Before you use a filter, it needs to be mounted in one of Cokin’s filter frames. This is not something you want to do out in the field. It’s also something really only want to do once, so it’s well-worth ensuring that you have a frame for every filter that you’re likely to use.

The filter is held in the frame by a small aluminum tab which must be removed to allow the filter to be slipped in. The tab is secured on the frame by two tiny screws and though they are easy to remove, refitting them is a frustratingly fiddly job. I lost a screw or two in the process, but thankfully, Cokin provides a couple of spares with the frames.

Once an adapter ring has been mounted on the lens filter thread, the holder can be clipped onto the adapter. It’s held by two metal tabs, one of which is sprung to allow it to be pulled back while the holder is aligned on the adapter before the clip is released. It keeps the holder securely on the lens.

With the holder on the lens it’s time to mount a filter. If you want to use a polarizing filter, this should be mounted first as it pushes neatly into dedicate circular area in the holder and sits close to the lens. A small metal cog in the Filter Holder engages with teeth in the CPL filter’s frame so that it can be rotated easily while you look in the camera’s viewfinder.

Now you’re ready to slide a framed filter into the holder. I found it helpful to touch the end of the filter frame onto the top of the holder and then slide it onto the row of ball bearings closest to the lens. This avoids any misalignment or straddling the two rows of ball bearings. If you want to insert a second filter, rest its frame against the first filter’s frame and then slide it into position.

Performance

As soon as you start using the NX Series Filter System any frustration with mounting the filter frames is forgotten because they make the filters much easier to handle. The broad tab at the top makes an ideal holding point so you can adjust the filter position or remove it easily with less chance of covering it in fingerprints than with many other filters.

I used the holder with both Cokin Nuances Extreme filters and filters from Lee Filters, and aside from the difference in the length of the graduated filters from the two brands, there’s no difference in how they slip into the filter. They push in easily and are held securely yet are easy to adjust if necessary. 

Cokin claims that the NX Series Filter Holder is suitable for use with lenses of focal lengths as short as 16mm. I found no reason to question this and although there was slight vignetting in some images that I shot with the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM at 14mm on the full-frame Canon R5, it wasn’t problematic.

The Cokin NX-Series CPL works very well with the holder as the cog mechanism makes it easy to adjust the rotating precisely, plus there’s no danger of touching any of the filters in the process. The only slight hiccup is that it’s awkward to remove the CPL from the frame, you either have to hook it out with fingernail or poke it through from the back after the holder has been removed from the lens.

In a nice touch, the filter holder has a light seal that does a good job of excluding light when an ND filter is fitted for a long exposure during the day.

Verdict

While circular filters, especially those with a magnetic mount, are quicker and easier to use, a holder is required for proper use of graduated filter. The Cokin NX Series Filter Holder makes a great choice, having delightful build quality and holding the filters securely.

There are only really two issues that count against the NX Series Holder, the fiddly screws for mounting the filter frames and the awkward way in which the polarizing filter has to be removed. Neither of these is insurmountable. With patience, good light, a decent precision screwdriver, and a clear table, the filters can be mounted in their frames ahead of their first use, and it doesn’t take long to work out a way of removing the polarizing filter. After using the NX filter system, these points seem a small price to pay for the performance.

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 

Cokin is a well-known filter manufacturer that dates from the 1970s, but it has a reputation for being the amateur’s choice rather than a professional’s. The Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filters, however, have some high-end features that broaden their appeal.  They are made of tough mineral glass, for instance, and can withstand a drop or two. A new coating process also ensures that they have uniform density and a nano metal-alloy coating is used to ensure there’s no colourcast.

Cokin makes the Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filters in three size, L (Z-Pro series), M (P-series), and XL (X-Pro series). I tested the mid-sized L-sized filter which is also known as the Z-Pro series size. These filters measure 100 x 100 x 2mm and are designed to work with the 100mm-type filters and holders that are produced by several brands.

There are also currently three strengths or densities of filter available with the densest being the ND1024 which stops 10EV of light. There are also 6EV and 3EV versions. I tested the 10EV filter which is ideal for enabling long exposures in daylight.

While the L (Z-Pro) Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filter will fit in a 100mm-type filter holder from the likes of Lee Filters, I used it in Cokin’s NX Series Filter Holder. Unlike most filter holders, this requires the filters to be mounted in an aluminum frame that then slots into the holder.

Specifications

Size: L (Z-Pro series: 100 x 100 x 2mm), M (P-series) XL (X-Pro series)

Mount: via holders, L in Cokin NX-Series Holder

Construction: glass

Price: $119.95-159.90 / £89.99-£129.99 

Build and handling

Unlike some ‘dense’ neutral density filters, the Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filter ND1024 doesn’t have a light trap or felt gasket on it, that’s built into the NX Series Filter Holder.

Although it’s a neutral filter, the surface of Nuances Extreme ND is bronze in appearance from certain angles.

It has rounded corners which means it slides smoothly into the average filter holder, but as I mentioned earlier, it needs to be mounted in a frame to be used with the NX Series Filter Holder. In principle, this is easy as it’s just a case of removing two screws to release a tab in the frame, slotting the filter in and then reattaching the tab using the two screws. In practice, however, it’s very fiddly as the two screws are tiny and it’s not something you want to do out in the field or on a frequent basis. 

Fortunately, once the Nuances Extreme ND is in the frame, it’s held firmly and the whole thing slots smoothly into the holder. The frame also has a broad section at the top that makes the filter easy to handle and you don’t end up covering it in fingerprints.

Performance

One of the key requirements of a neutral density filter is that it should be neutral so the image has no colorcast. The Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filter ND1024 raises no complaints in that respect and there’s no change in the collier of my images when the filter is used.

Cokin’s NX Series Filter Holder uses frames to enable the filters to be used with wider angle lenses than the average filter holder. I saw a little vignetting creep into some images when shooting with the Canon RF 14-35mm F4 L IS USM at its widest point on the full-frame Canon EOS R5, but it wasn’t problematic. It certainly wouldn’t stop me from using the lens at 14mm with the filter mounted.

The Cokin Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filter ND1024 also cuts out the requisite 10EV of light enabling an exposure of 1/60 second, for example, to be extended to 13 seconds. That’s more than enough to blur moving water.

Crucially, provided the camera is firmly attached to a tripod, the filter doesn’t have a noticeable impact on image quality and there’s plenty of detail visible. 

Verdict

Using a filter holder lacks the speed of use and convenience of a circular magnetic filter, but it brings the ability to use graduated filters as well as solid or uniform filters, which is a significant bonus.

It’s a bit of a faff to mount the Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filter ND1024 in the frame that enables it to be used in the Cokin NX Holder, but it only needs to be done once and it means you can use it with wider lenses than many filters or holders can cope with. The neutrality and high optical quality of the filter also make it well-worth doing. If you love long-exposure photography, the Nuances Extreme Neutral Density Filter ND1024 could be just what you need.

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 ⤴

The best ND grad filters can be a landscape photographer's best friend, making it easier to achieve smooth, even exposures when the light isn't playing ball. Sick of overexposed, washed-out skies, or muddy, underexposed foregrounds? An ND grad filter is the ideal solution – and I've picked out the best ones here.

Essentially, an ND grad is a piece of glass that's clear at one end and grey at the other. It's placed in front of the lens, and then by adjusting it so that the darker section of the filter covers the brighter portion of the scene, it restricts the light by several f-stops, thereby ensuring an even exposure in difficult lighting conditions. While this effect can be replicated using HDR (taking multiple exposures and merging them in post-processing), an ND grad filter gets it right in-camera.

Different ND grads offer different intensities of effect, which you may want to use depending on how sharp the contrast is in the scene you're capturing. You also have other filter options: hard grads and soft grads. Hard grads have a sharp transition between light and dark – useful for straight, well-defined horizon lines – while soft grads transition more gradually, which works better for more cluttered scenes, including cityscapes or mountains. Medium grads, as the name suggests, sit between the two extremes. There's also the reverse ND grad filter, which has a dark section across the middle that fades towards the top, and is the filter of choice for capturing sunrises and sunsets, when the sun is close to the horizon.

Whichever you choose, ensure you get a filter that physically fits your lens. The larger the filter, the more lens diameters it will cover and the more flexibility you'll have in positioning the transition area; larger filters tend to cost more, however. My advice is to avoid very cheap filters, which can affect image quality by introducing color casts or other distortions. All these filters will deliver optical quality with little to no color cast. I've tested them out, and I'm confident you'll be happy with any filter on this list!

Best ND grad filters

Best overall ND grad kit

While Cokin has historically been associated with affordable resin filters, the Z-Pro Nuances Extreme Graduated ND filters line utilizes high-end tempered mineral glass (Schott glass). This toughened glass is four times stronger than previous versions. In testing, the filters proved to be virtually indestructible, surviving drops of 1.5 meters onto concrete and resisting scratches from sharp objects. This makes them a tank-like option for outdoor photographers who work in rugged environments.

Optical performance is outstanding, with the filters maintaining high resolution on 45MP sensors. A nano-metallic alloy coating prevents the color casts often associated with cheaper filters, flare and ghosting are well-controlled, and the filters accurately cut the specified amount of light (available in 2, 3, and 4-stop strengths).

While the filters work in standard 100mm holders, they are optimized for the Cokin NX-series holder. This all-metal system uses a unique ball-joint track and requires filters to be mounted in dedicated metal frames, which provide protection and make handling easier (fewer fingerprints).

In addition to the Z-Pro 100mm-wide filters, Nuances Extreme ND grads also come in P-Series (84mm-wide) and X-Pro (130mm-wide) sizes.

Read our full Cokin Z-Pro Nuances Extreme Graduated ND filters review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best value ND grads

K&F Concept Nano-Xcel Pro GND 100mm filters are designed specifically for its award-winning X-Pro filter holder. The 100x150mm glass filters are encased in protective plastic frames featuring tabs at the top and bottom, allowing the filters to slide into the holder without ever touching the optical glass. This effectively eliminates the danger of getting greasy fingerprints on the filter.

The filters are constructed from high-quality optical glass and treated with a 36-layer nanocoating on both sides, providing excellent resistance against water, oil, and dust, while also acting as an anti-reflective film to minimize glare. The hydrophobic coating allowed water to bead off effortlessly, and the surface proved exceptionally scratch-resistant, even when subjected to pressure from metal tools.

They are a top-quality choice that delivers stellar image quality and thoughtful ergonomic design without the prohibitive cost of industry-leading brands, making it one of the best value-for-money options on the market. However, the filters are only available in a limited range of transition types and densities.

Read our full K&F Concept Nano-Xcel Pro GND 100mm review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best resin ND grads

Unusually for high-end ND graduated filters, LEE’s grads are made from hand-dyed optical polycarbonate resin rather than the more commonplace optical glass used by many premium competitors. The resin construction makes the 100x150mm filters remarkably light, at under 40g, which is typically less than half the weight of glass alternatives, making them ideal for landscape photographers who prioritize a light kit for hiking.

A key benefit of resin is its durability; unlike glass, these filters are virtually shatterproof and can survive drops on hard surfaces. However, the trade-off is that resin is softer and significantly more prone to scratching, requiring careful handling. The filters deliver exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color neutrality that rivals high-end glass. They are available in various strengths (0.3 to 1.2 ND) and four different transitions – Soft, Medium, Hard, and Very Hard – providing precise control over exposure in high-contrast scenes like bright horizons.

The primary drawback is the price. Despite being resin, they are priced similarly to glass competitors from brands like Marumi or Cokin. However, for photographers who want a proven, color-accurate system that won't shatter in the field, the LEE100 ND Grads remain a top choice.

Read our full LEE Filters LEE100 Neutral Density Grads review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best magnetic ND grad filters

Marumi Magnetic Graduated ND Filters use an innovative magnetic mount that prioritizes speed and portability. Unlike traditional slot-in systems, these filters utilize the proprietary M100 holder, allowing filters to snap into place via permanent magnetic frames.

The 100x150mm filters are constructed from premium Schott B270i mineral glass encased in a dedicated frame with magnetic side strips. This design eliminates the need for bulky guide rails, making the M100 holder significantly slimmer than competitors. In durability tests, the double-sided coatings proved exceptionally resistant to oil, water, and scratches. While a 1.5-meter drop onto concrete cracked the plastic portion of the filter frame, the glass itself remained unscathed, suggesting the frame effectively absorbs impact.

The filters deliver excellent sharpness and contrast with high color neutrality, showing no signs of chromatic aberration or vignetting, even when used with wide-angle lenses. They are available in Soft, Hard, and Reverse transitions in 2, 3, and 4-stop strengths.

Read our full Marumi Magnetic Graduated ND Filters review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best double ND grad filters

Kase Wolverine Double Grad Filters offer an ingenious and space-saving innovation for landscape photographers. While traditional graduated neutral density (GND) filters feature a single transition from dark to clear, the Kase Double Grad incorporates two different graduations on opposite ends of a single 100x150mm piece of glass.

The core appeal of this filter is efficiency. By placing a soft grad on one end and a hard grad on the other, Kase allows photographers to switch between transition styles simply by flipping the filter 180 degrees in the holder. This reduces the number of filters needed in a kit bag, saving both weight and money (a Double Grad filter typically costs significantly less than buying two separate Wolverine filters). The filter is made from Kase’s signature Wolverine glass, which is tempered for shock resistance and features metallic coatings that are water-repellent, anti-reflective, and easy to clean.

In field tests, the filter delivered excellent optical quality with no noticeable color cast and no impact on image sharpness. It is compatible with most 100mm holders, including Kase’s own K9 system. However, there is one technical trade-off: because two gradients are squeezed onto one piece of glass, the clear middle section is narrower than on a standard filter. This can lead to the opposite gradient creeping into the frame when shooting in portrait orientation with ultra-wide lenses (around 16mm or wider).

The Kase Wolverine Double Grad is highly recommended for travel and landscape photographers who want to streamline their gear. While it requires more precise positioning than a standard single grad and isn't ideal for extreme wide-angle work, its build quality and two-in-one functionality make it a breakthrough product.

Read our full Kase Wolverine Double Grad review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best ND grad filters for smaller systems

LEE Filters LEE85 Neutral Density Grads are designed primarily for photographers using smaller-sensored APS-C and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. Indeed, the wider LEE85 system aims to provide high-end performance in a more portable, sensor-appropriate form factor. LEE85 filters are smaller (85x115mm) and significantly lighter (26g) than their 100mm counterparts, and are made from hand-dyed optical resin. A neat design feature is the integrated 'pull tab' at the top, which allows photographers to adjust the filter without leaving fingerprints on the optical surface.

In terms of durability, the resin construction is a double-edged sword. During testing, the filters proved to be shatterproof, surviving a 1.5-meter drop onto concrete with only a minor chip. However, the trade-off is scratch resistance; the resin surface is soft and easily damaged by sharp objects, requiring careful handling compared to mineral glass.

Unlike some resin filters, image quality is top-notch, with excellent sharpness, total color neutrality, and no visible casts. The graduation transitions are tighter than those on larger filters, making them far more effective for the smaller frames of crop-sensor cameras. They are available in Soft, Medium, and Hard transitions across 0.3 to 0.9ND strengths.

On the downside, the LEE85 filters aren't significantly cheaper than glass competitors, which may deter budget-conscious users. However, for travel and landscape photographers who use compact mirrorless systems, the LEE85 offers a perfect balance of size, weight, and optical precision.

Read our full Lee Filters LEE85 Neutral Density Grads review

• Back to the top ⤴

Best round ND grad filters

K&F Concept GND Nano-Xcel Series Circular Filters are designed as a more portable, hassle-free alternative to square filter systems. They are ideal for travel and landscape photographers who want to balance bright skies without carrying bulky holders.

Constructed from high-quality Japanese AGC optical glass, these screw-in graduated neutral density (GND) filters feature a slim, aviation-grade aluminum frame. They are treated with a 28-layer nanocoating on both sides, making them resistant to water, oil, and scratches. These advanced coatings effectively tame reflections, boasting a reflectance of just 1.25% to 1.5% depending on the strength, which is significantly lower than many competitors. A hydrophobic layer ensures that water beads off effortlessly, which is handy for shooting in unpredictable coastal or rainy environments.

A key design feature is the dual-ring construction: a fixed rear ring for attachment and a rotating front ring that allows photographers to align the gradient with the horizon in both landscape and portrait orientations. The filter offers a lightweight and affordable solution for taming high-contrast scenes. Performance is a highlight, with excellent image quality and minimal color casts. Build quality is professional, and the screw-in nature makes them far more 'fidget-free' than slot-in systems.

The primary drawback is a lack of compositional flexibility. Because the graduation is fixed to the center of the circular frame, the horizon must be placed in the middle of the shot. Additionally, the range is currently limited to Soft GND8 (3-stop) and GND16 (4-stop) varieties. But while serious landscape purists may prefer square systems for precise horizon placement, the Nano-Xcel Circular series provides a perfect balance of portability and optical performance at a competitive price.

Read our full K&F Concept GND Nano-Xcel Series Circular Filters review

• Back to the top ⤴

How to choose the best ND grad filter

1. Size & shape
Most ND grad filters in this guide are 100mm wide rectangular ND grads, as they're large enough to suit the vast majority of compositions. Smaller (and cheaper) grads are suitable for cameras with smaller APS-C and MFT sensors, while larger (more expensive) ones are suited to medium format and extreme wide-angle photography. You can also purchase circular screw-in grad filters, but these tend to be pretty restrictive, as the transition area is in the center of the frame.

2. Neutrality
The clue is definitely in the name here. Good neutral density filters should be neutral, introducing no noticeable color casts or unwanted fuzziness to your images.

3. Density
If you're buying your first ND grad filter, you'll want to consider how you're likely to use it and purchase one that's pretty flexible. If you get too low a density, you might find that overly bright skies can still be overexposed. Alternatively, if you get too dark a density, the skies will take on an overbearing, leaden appearance.

4. Material
The majority of filters are made from optical-grade resin or tempered glass. Resin filters are lighter and more shatter-resistant than glass alternatives; the downside is that they are more prone to picking up scratches, so be sure to handle them carefully.

5. Versatility
If you invest in an ND grad filter system complete with a filter holder, you then have the option of adding more filters to your line-up later. This means you could use polarizers, 'solid' ND filters, or color grads to add some extra pizazz to your images.

6. Single filters or kits?
If you already have a filter system, you just need to add single filters – you don't need to buy a whole new kit all over again. But if you're just starting out, a filter kit will give you everything you need at a lower all-in price.

7. Double-check the details
It's the strength and transition you need to check. There are lots of permutations! Don't get a 1-stop soft grad when you meant to get a 3-stop hard grad...

• 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, colour 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 ⤴

Cokin first started making photographic filters in 1978 and for a long-time the French manufacturer was the go-to brand for amateur photographers. Nowadays, the early cheesy rainbow and keyhole filters have fallen by the wayside, but the company is still a strong competitor in the filter market. 

Announced in May 2021, the Cokin NX-Series is a new filter system that is compatible with the 100mm square and rectangular filters favored by many enthusiast and professional photographers. It’s also optimized for use with wide-angle lenses with focal lengths as short as 16mm.

Cokin makes the NX-Series Holder from aluminum, so it’s both strong and lightweight. It can also hold the NX-Series CPL filter so that it’s the closest filter to the lens while a metal wheel allows the filter to be rotated.

Cokin sells the NX-Series Holder and CPL filter separately, but they are also available together in a number of kits, including the NX-Series Starter kit which includes 72mm, 77mm and 82mm adapter ring plus a 100x100mm frame and a 100x143.5mm frame for holding Cokin Nuance square or rectangular filters - or other filters of the same size and 2mm thickness. There are also frames available for holding 100-150mm filters from brands such as Lee Filters.

Anti-reflective and anti-fingerprint coatings are applied to help reduce reflections and enable the filter to be kept clean.

The filter is supplied in a smart pouch with a magnetic closure.

Specifications

Size: 100mm

Mount: via Cokin NX-Series Holder

Construction: aluminum and glass

Build and handling

The Schott B270 high resolution mineral glass of the Cokin NX-Series CPL is held within an aluminum frame which is narrower on the side closest to the lens. This enables the filter to be snapped into the NX-Series Holder, you just need to press around the frame to make sure that it’s positioned correctly. With that done, the teeth of the cog-like wheel in the holder fit into the ridges on part of the filter frame, enabling the wheel to drive the filter around and adjust the degree of polarization.

With an NX-Series adapter ring on the lens it’s just a case of pulling back the catch on the Holder and aligning it on the ring before releasing the catch. It creates a pretty secure and snug fit but the holder can still be rotated to angle any graduated filters correctly. 

The wheel mechanism works well and is easier to use from behind the camera than other systems that require you to reach around to use the filter’s adjustment ring.

Removing the NX-Series CPL from the holder is a bit more fiddly than inserting it, but it’s not a major problem, the main issue is avoiding getting fingerprints on the glass.

Performance

Mounting the Cokin NX-Series CPL reduces the exposure by around a stop but there’s no noticeable impact upon image quality so detail levels remain the same. There’s also no sign of vignetting with wide lenses.

Along with the increase in saturation, images appear a little warmer when the filter is in use. In some cases this enhances the image but it may not be to everyone’s taste so a moment’s extra processing may be required.

Verdict

In the past, Lee Filters has often been seen as the filter brand of choice for professional photographers while Cokin was the preserve of amateurs. The Cokin NX-Series system however, seems a bit better thought out than Lee’s Lee100 system and the polarizing filter is easier to fit and remove.

Cokin’s NX-Series Holder is also very well made yet low profile and it offers a slick mechanism for adjusting the degree of polarization.

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 

Cokin’s new NX-SERIES filter holder is an evolution of its Z-Pro and EVO systems and takes 100mm filters, the most popular size used by photographers. It’s been specially developed for use wide-angle lenses without vignetting, and for long exposure photography, both of which are very popular with landscape photographers.

The new NX-SERIES filter holder is made from aluminium and can mount a polarising filter at the back, closest to the lens, with a built in adjustment wheel for precise positioning. Cokin says its polarizing filter is highly efficient, absorbing only one f-stop of light.

At the front of the NX-SERIES holder are two filter slots for graduated filters or neutral density filters for long exposures.

Interestingly, Cokin has opted for a filter frame system where filters are fitted into frames before being inserted into the holder. Cokin says this allows for easier handling, even while wearing gloves, and the filter frames are guided into their slots using ball bearings, which will also allow for smooth, precise adjustments.

These frames will come in three sizes: 100 x 100mm for square filters, 100 x 143.5mm for Cokin’s own NUANCES Extreme graduated filters and 100 x 150mm for grads from other makers. Filters from other makers will need to be 2mm thick which, Cokin explains, is not a universal thickness but common – for example with the Little and Big Stopper from Lee Filters.

Cokin NX-SERIES with wide-angle lenses

If there’s one thing landscape photographers love more than filters, it’s wide-angle lenses, and Cokin has made great efforts to ensure they can use both.

The usual problem is that the thickness of the filter holder and the filters means that you can start to see vignetting at very wide focal lengths, where they are starting to intrude into the corners of the frame. This is made worse if you rotate the filter holder to change the angle of a grad to match a sloping horizon or hillside.

Cokin has, however, tested its new holder using a number of popular camera and wide-angle lens combinations. It reports no visible vignetting with the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 on a Sony A7R II, the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM on an EOS 5D Mark III and the Fujinon XF10-24mm F4 wide-angle on a Fujifilm X-T3. It has also tested the NX-SERIES holder with the even wider Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 and Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 wide-angle lenses, reporting slight vignetting at their minimum focal lengths and only if the filter holder is rotated by 45 degrees.

Cokin NX-SERIES price and availability

The new Cokin NX-SERIES will be on sale from late May 2021, and the components will be sold individually or in a series of kits. UK prices will be £99.99 for the NX filter holder and £79.99 for the matching polarizing filter.

There will also be five different kits:

• Starter Kit: Filter-holder, polarising filter, one frame 100x100mm, one frame 100x143.5mm at £219.99.

• Long Exposure Kit: Includes filter-holder, polarising filter, one neutral density NUANCES Extreme ND1024 10-stop filter (mounted in its frame ready to use) at £269.99.

• Landscape Kit: Includes filter-holder, polarising filter, one neutral density NUANCES Extreme ND1024 10-stop filter and one graduated neutral density filter S-GND8 soft, both mounted in their frames at £359.99.

• Expert Kit: The Landscape Kit with two additional NUANCES Extreme filters. One reverse-graduated filter R-GND8 (max 3-stops) and a brand new graduated neutral density filter with a “Hard” transition of 3-stops max, at £539.99.

• Professional Kit: Combines the Expert Kit with two NUANCES Extreme full neutral density filters ND8 (3-stops) and ND64 (6-stops) mounted into their frame, at £689.99

Read more:

• 10 things you need to know about camera filters
• The best neutral density filters
• The best ND grad filters
• The best polarizing filters
• The best variable ND filters
• The best protection filters for lenses
• The 50 best camera accessories 
• Kase Wolverine Magnetic Circular Filters review

Any city-dwelling photographer is well aware of the plague of light pollution and how it can interfere with images, especially of the night sky. Well, it looks like Cokin has come up with a solution in the form of its new CLEARSKY filters.

Light pollution is largely caused by street lights using mercury or sodium vapour lamps, which is visible to the naked eye from long distances, and is especially known for causing a yellow/orange colour cast to camera sensors. This can be very difficult to correct in post-production without affecting the colour cast of the entire image.

Cokin’s CLEARSKY filters are designed specifically to combat this. Constructed from high-resolution, phosphate laser neodymium glass, the filters are designed to block specific wavelengths of light, producing natural-looking nightscapes and astro shots with better detail and increased contrast. 

This is aided by multi-layer AR and AF coatings on both sides of the filters, aiding light transmission, reducing reflections and also protecting the filter from scratches, fingerprints, water marks and grease.

Cokin also released a sample image of a cityscape taken by Christophe Anagnostopoulos using the new filter, and early impressions are pretty good! There’s a good amount of detail, and none of the haze that can be common in urban nightscape images. You can check it out below:

We’ll have to get our hands on the filter and try it for ourselves before we can say for certain how well it performs, but it’s safe to say we’re excited by the possibilities.

The new filters are part of Cokin’s Nuances range. They’re available in rectangular widths of 84mm, 100mm and 130mm, or as round screw-in filters from diameters of 52mm to 82mm. Prices range from £69 to £199 ($80 - $200).

Read more:

The best neutral density filters

How to use a polarizing filter

How to use an ND filter