Bonkers Benro Aureole filter + camera lens adapter has us scratching our heads

Benro Aureole
(Image credit: Benro)

Benro has announced The Aureole, “The First Detachable Multi-functional Filter Mount Adapter System”. It’s a lens adaptor and rear filter holder all in one (though at this stage we would like to point out that Canon already makes a similar EF-RF adaptor that takes drop-in filters).

Benro’s pitch seems to be that a lens adaptor is a much better place to put filters than on the front of the lens, saving both weight and bulk in the process. Adaptors like this only work, however, where you are using a lens with a long flange distance, e.g. a DSLR lens, on a mirrorless body with a shorter flange distance –  there needs to be space to insert the adaptor between the lens and the body.

At the moment, Benro has announced two adapters – an RC1 Canon EF to RF adapter, and RE1 Canon EF to Sony FE adaptor, though it hints that more might follow. Both have slots at the top and the side to allow the insertion of Benro’s new filter range.

The Aureole is basically a filter holder that goes BEHIND the lens – but it only works with Canon EF lenses on Canon RF and Sony FE mirrorless cameras right now. (Image credit: Benro)

How the Benro Aureole works

The filter frame itself can accommodate a single round or square filter, two round filters or a square and a round filter. Benro mentions polarising filters, ND filters and ND grad filters, but has not so far mentioned variable NDs or indeed pricing for these filters.

You can slide filters in from the top or the side. (Image credit: Benro)

The Aureole can take both round and square filters, both with toothed adjustment 'racks'. (Image credit: Benro)

We assume the ND filters can be slid up and down to adjust the transition point – the filters have a gear 'rack' in the frame – and CPL filters can be rotated by a knurled wheel. There is a 1/4-inch tripod screw socket in the base, which could be useful for balancing heavier lens combos more effectively, and we like the idea that filters can be inserted from the top or the side.

Benro is very keen to point out the weight and size saving of a system like this over conventional front-mounted filters, but we’re not so sure about sliding filters in and out BEHIND the lens – mirrorless cameras have enough sensor dust issues as it is, without giving dust an even better way to get in.

Other things you could add to a lens adapter

How about a leaf shutter for flash sync at any speed? No, we're serious! Or dual base and side tripod sockets to replace an L-bracket for vertical shooting? Or a set of rig mounting points for videographers (who also love mix'n'matching lenses via adaptors)?

So far, Benro has announced plans for just two Aureole adapters, both for Canon EF lenses. (Image credit: Benro)

What will it cost?

The Benro Aureole seems a pretty niche proposition. It only works for users who want to use Canon EF lenses on Canon RF or Sony FE bodies, and who are tempted by the idea of rear filters.

Maybe Benro thinks the same way, because the Benro Aureole website is a separate campaign page and not on the main site. We don’t know the launch date yet, but Benro is quoting a price of $249 – but with a special price of $180 if you sign up now.

Read more:

Best filter holders
Best polarizing filters
Best ND filters
Best ND grads
Best filters for photography

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Rod Lawton
Contributor

Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com