Professional Photographer - USA (2019-12)

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER | DECEMBER 2019

circular polarizer and you have a variable

neutral density filter that allows focus and

exposure automation. Despite this stack of

polarizers, there is no actual polarization

of the scene.

To deliver the image quality you’d expect

from lenses designed for the latest genera-

tion of high-megapixel still and video cam-

eras, the highest quality multicoated filters

are required. An important gauge of qual-

ity for a VND filter is the lack of color shift

as the filter is rotated. Manufacturing pre-

cision that allows for easy filter attachment

and removal is also necessary.

NEW VND FILTERS

PolarPro has introduced two high-quality

VND filters. One covers the range from ND4

to ND32 (approximately 1 stop to 5 stops),

and the other covers the range ND64 to

ND512 (approximately 6 stops to 9 stops).

They are available for lenses requiring

67mm, 77mm, and 82mm filters. MSRP

for the 2- to 5-stop filters is $249.99 and

$299.99 for the 6- to 9-stop filters regard-

less of filter size. I tested both filters in the

77mm diameter.

I’m impressed by the care taken in the

packaging of PolarPro filters. A fairly large

box with a tightly fitting slide-off cover

contains a hard case that holds the filter.

Inside the box is a soft pouch for the hard

case, a microfiber cloth for cleaning, and

a small literature packet holding the life-

time warranty, decals, and other info.

Within the hard case, the filter itself is

encased in a rubberized surround that

serves to provide further protection. In

practical use, you can decide how many

shells of protection you want with consid-

eration for the time it takes to access the

filter for use.

Similar to PolarPro’s Quartzline filters,

the VNDs are crafted from fused quartz,

chosen for its low refractive index and opti-

cal characteristics that prevent color shifts

and casts.

Each quartz surface has eight layers of

coating. These include anti-reflective coat-

ings, anti-scratch coatings, and an outer

hydrophobic coating for easy cleaning. The

filter frame is aluminum rather than the

brass used in the Quartzline filters. Both

filters aligned easily and screwed smooth-

ly onto each lens. The frames are reason-

ably thick, which makes mounting and re-

moval easy. Since the full diameter of the

filters is greater than 77mm, I did not ex-

perience any vignetting when using my 17-

35mm at 17mm.

http://www.ProMediaGear.com | 708-263-4443

Professional Tripods and Heads

Inside the PolarPro packaging is an array of items along with the filter.

©STAN SHOLIK