Kase Filters UK is delighted to announce a new partnership with Light & Land, the internationally respected landscape photography workshop provider founded by Charlie Waite.

This collaboration brings together two brands with a shared passion for photography, creative quality, and supporting photographers at every stage of their journey.

A Natural Partnership Built on Shared Vision

For more than 30 years, Light & Land has built a reputation for inspirational landscape photography workshops across the UK and around the world. Led by some of the most respected professionals in the field, including Charlie Waite and Joe Cornish, the organisation has helped photographers develop both their technical skills and their artistic eye.

Kase Filters UK, known for its innovative magnetic filter systems and high-performance optical glass, shares those same values: precision, quality, and enabling photographers to realise their vision in the field.

• Select Light & Land leaders will use Kase Filters products across their workshops.
• Workshop participants will be able to gain hands-on experience with Kase’s filter systems in real shooting conditions.
• Kase Filters UK will support Light & Land events and initiatives, helping strengthen the educational experience for attendees.

This collaboration represents more than product alignment. It reflects a mutual belief in craftsmanship, education and raising the standard of landscape photography.

About Kase Filters

Kase Filters UK is a leading provider of premium photographic filters, known for its magnetic filter systems and high-quality Wolverine glass.

• Innovation: Developing magnetic filter technology for faster and more intuitive use in the field.
• Optical Excellence: Delivering clarity, durability and colour neutrality.
• Reliability: Creating products designed for demanding outdoor conditions.
• Support for Photographers: Working closely with professionals and educators to refine real-world solutions.

About Light & Land

Light & Land is one of the world’s best-known landscape photography workshop organisations. Founded by Charlie Waite, it has spent decades guiding photographers to inspiring locations and helping them develop their own creative voice.

• Creative Excellence: Encouraging participants to shape a personal and expressive photographic style.
• Expert Tuition: Offering high-level guidance for photographers of all abilities.
• Respect for the Landscape: Promoting awareness, responsibility and care for the natural environment.
• Community and Inspiration: Creating a welcoming space for photographers to learn and grow together.

This partnership brings together technical innovation and photographic education in a way that benefits photographers at every level.

Meet the Photographers at The Photography Show

Kase Filters UK will host special Q&A sessions at its stand during The Photography Show in March, giving visitors the opportunity to hear from Charlie Waite and Joe Cornish.

• Saturday: 3.00pm
• Sunday: Midday

These sessions will offer insight into landscape photography techniques, creative vision, and ways photographers can develop both their approach and process.

Light & Land tutor Ed Rumble will also be on the Kase stand on Sunday at 10.30am, sharing selected images from his portfolio and discussing how creative filter use still plays an important role in landscape and seascape photography, even in an age of advanced digital processing.

Looking Ahead

This partnership marks the start of an exciting new chapter for both organisations. Together, Kase Filters UK and Light & Land will continue to inspire, educate and equip photographers to create meaningful and technically outstanding landscape images.

The post Kase Filters UK Announces Exciting New Partnership with Light & Land appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

Welcome to The Photography Show 2022 with Kase Filters UK and Kingjoy Tripods UK.

This year we are returning bigger and better than before at the NEC, Birmingham. With a brand new customised stand for both our brands under Specialist Photo UK – Kase Filters UK and Kingjoy Tripods UK.

For Kase filters, we have our much loved Magnetic Circular filter and K9 100mm systems available on special offer, as well as the recent Armour 100mm system and more available to see, try and buy at our stand: J305. Also available will be the brand new Wolverine Double Grad 0.6 (2-stop) Soft/Hard variation, which is available online too.

For those who cannot attend the show in person, we are holding a special promotion online from 17 September until 23 September at midnight. Using code ‘kasetps22‘ you can get 10% off your order, only at kasefilters.com

To learn more about Kase products, we have a downloadable brochure below showcasing the Kase UK range, or for further assistance, please use our contact form or Facebook Chat available on the website.

Popular products this year

Looking for a new tripod? Have you considered Kingjoy Tripods.

The post The Photography Show 2022 appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

This trip had been in the making for over two years due to world events. Matt Bishop, Tom Peters and I (Paul Thomson) had been doing the Landscape Photography Vlogcast together for some time, and we had not met in person up to this point. So, the idea was born; a trip over to Italy to visit Matt, and at the same time scouting for a future workshop. We managed to get a window in which we were all available to travel so off we went. 

Arriving in Rome, Matt greeted us at the airport to take us to our first destination in Abruzzo which was a castle perched fifteen hundred metres up on a mountainside (one of the highest castles in Europe). 

It was spectacular and to top it off, we were staying in an apartment in the medieval village below it (a ten-minute walk from our door to the castle). We spent a magical two days at this location before moving on for a further two days at the other side of the Gran Sasso range of mountains. 

In this area (which had a different feel entirely from the first location), we were greeted by the Gran Sasso mountains which I have no other words for other than epic. Rising from the valley floors below and towering up above us, they were enormous and unlike anything I had experienced before, especially on a photography trip. This area is spectacular and relatively unvisited by photographers (as local knowledge is a must here to find the locations). Having someone local, who not only speaks the language but knows the area intimately is essential. We were lucky to have not only Matt, who lives and works in Italy but also Luigi, who is local to the area and climbs these mountains every week. I have to say that I am completely in love with this area, the people and the culture. Everything about it is amazing and the area has so much worth exploring, especially for photography. Moving on from this trip, we will be offering workshops in this area. Not only will it be somewhere new for photographers to experience; it will also be a huge benefit to this area of Italy.

During the trip, Paul used the Kase Wolverine Magnetic Filter series.

The post Landscape Photography Vlogcast in Italy appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

Like many hobbyist photographers, I started out using entry level resin filters and basic holders, just to get a feel for how to use them, and to see and experiment with the various effects they could produce. 

As my skill level and confidence improved, I began to start thinking seriously about upgrading my filters and holder. The kit I had was good to learn on, but it was a bit cumbersome to attach to my lens, and also the resin filters I had gave quite a noticeable magenta colour cast, particularly when stacked, so these things combined were beginning to lean me towards biting the bullet and getting better replacements, but which ones should I go for?

After doing lots of research online, reading various reviews and speaking to friends who were also keen photographers, the name Kase kept cropping up again and again – and I learned that they had a brand new innovative magnetic system for attaching the filter holder and filters to the lens, which I found very intriguing! After some further research, I learned that this was called the Kase Armour Kit, and the positive reviews I read about it were off the chart, notably, from well-established and very competent award-winning photographers. Which was very encouraging. 

By now, I was pretty firmly set on getting the Kase Armour Kit, but as anyone into photography will know, it can be an expensive hobby and everything I wanted to upgrade (detailed below) came in at a total cost of £595 – which is the cost of a decent cropped sensor lens, so anybody also considering Kase will want to know, just as I did, whether spending this kind of cash is worth it, and if all the reviews lived up to the expectation – so I decided to write my own review that would hopefully let people in a similar position to the one I was in make an informed choice and decide whether to also take the plunge.

• Kase Armour Holder Kit – 100mm System (Holder, Adaptor Ring, Step up rings, Circular Polarising Filter [CPL] and Frames) (£269.00)
• Additional Kase Armour Magnetic Frame 150 x 100 x 2 (£40.00)
• Kase Wolverine 100 x 150mm Soft Grad ND 0.6 Filter (2 Stops) (£143.00)
• Kase Wolverine 100 x 150mm Soft Grad ND 0.9 Filter (3 Stops) (£143.00)
• Total Cost: £595.00

Here are my own thoughts on both the Kase Armour Kit, and the Kase Wolverine Glass filters, broken down into component parts.

Packaging/Presentation

Right out the gates, the packaging looks and feels very classy and professional, with well packed components and a lovely feel to the whole thing. Straight away, you just know that this is premium gear. A great start!

Step Up Rings and Magnetic Adapter Ring

The kit comes supplied with 77-95mm and 82-95mm magnetic adaptor rings, and also a 67-77mm step up ring. The step-up ring (if you need it) is firstly screwed on to the end of your lens, then the magnetic adapter ring is attached to the step up ring, this then creates the magnetic “base” that you attach the magnetic holder to.

So for example, if you had a 67mm lens, you would attach the (supplied) 67-77mm step up ring, then the (supplied) 77-95mm magnetic adapter ring, then the magnetic holder itself. 

If you had an 82mm lens, you would attach the (supplied) 82-95mm magnetic adapter ring (because a step-up ring is not required this time), then the magnetic holder itself. 

Kase have advised that more magnetic adapter rings will be released in due course (including a 67mm one) which will remove the need for the step up rings, but it’s really not that big an issue – indeed, you can pre-screw the step-up ring into the magnetic adapter ring and keep it like this until such time as you need it, should you wish to do so. 

The kit also comes supplied with a plastic lens cover, which fits tightly over the step-up ring and magnetic adapter ring, meaning you can leave them both on your camera, and just whip off the lens cover when ready for use. The lens cap is robust and a snug fit but comes in bright red which seems an unusual choice of colour! I personally would have preferred it to be black, but it’s not in any way a deal breaker, and most importantly, it protects your precious glass very well.

Kase Armour Magnetic Filter Holder

Now on to the fun stuff! I absolutely guarantee you, that the first time you attach the magnetic holder you will be grinning ear to ear! The magnetic connection is extremely solid, and the magnetic adapter ring all but pulls it from your hand with a very satisfying snap of attachment. No more loosening screw attachments, balancing or fiddling about to make a secure connection – it just snaps on and boom! – ready for use – Fantastic! If you have any reservations about the strength of connection you need not worry at all, it really is rock solid.

The holder also has a release catch at the top, which enables you to remove it from the adapter ring easily – you need to give it a little tug to “break” the magnetic connection, but it is fluid and very easy to do.

The holder really is a class act – it can take two magnetic 95mm circular filters (one at the rear of the holder, the other at the front), and up to two 100 x 150mm or 100 x 100mm filters in magnetic cases.

The common theme here is that everything is magnetic and designed to be set up extremely quickly – and conversely dismantled just as quickly, which is what makes this stand out from competitors.

The holder is designed so that the 95mm CPL filter (also supplied in the kit) is fitted at the rear – and again this connects very easily, there is no need to screw it on – it just snaps into place with a satisfying click. The CPL can be rotated using a dial on the side of the holder, which is an inspired piece of engineering and makes it very quick and easy to fit and adjust with minimal effort.

The connection of both 95mm circular slots is snug and will not give any light leak – either using the CPL at the rear on its own, or in conjunction with a circular ND filter mounted at the front. There is a little indent on the holder to allow you to prise the circular filters from the holder after use, which is really well thought out.

All in all, the holder is a really excellent bit of kit – very well designed and engineered. It works extremely well and is quick and easy to use. I love how everything just snaps and clicks into place.

Kase Armour Magnetic Filter Frames and ArmourMagnetic Circular 95mm Filters 

The kit comes with one 100 x 150mm magnetic frame, and one 100 x 100mm magnetic frame. The idea here is that you put your glass filters into the magnetic frames (a bit like “bumpers” all around them) which then gives you the magnetic capability to attach them to the filter holder.

The frames come with a precision screwdriver – you need to loosen two tiny screws and then slip the filter in, then tighten the screws again to secure the frame onto the filter. It’s a little fiddly, but easy enough to fit and once they are on that’s it done and you don’t need to take them off again – you simply keep the frames on the filters, in your filter pouch. This adds additional protection to the filters themselves too which is a nice bonus.

I don’t have 100 x 100mm filters, so I needed to purchase an additional 100 x 150mm frame at £40.00 for my second 100 x 150mm filter (the kit only comes with one as standard and I needed two) – but this will be entirely down to personal choice and individual requirements.

I imagined that the filter would slip into the rebate of the frame, but this is actually not possible due to the way the frame is built – so the filter only “goes into” the frame by a couple of millimetres, before being tightened in when you re-tighten the screws.

I was initially a little concerned at this and contacted Kase directly to query whether this was normal. The guys at Kase were extremely helpful and reassuring and explained that this was quite normal and part of the actual frame design. This provided me with comfort and having now used them in the field with no issues, and after a “drop test” at home I can confirm that the frames stay on with no problems at all. 

Once the frames are on the filters, these too just snap on to the magnetic filter holder. Again, the connection here is very solid and there is no chance they will drop off. For additional security, there is a screw connection on the side of the holder which can be hand tightened to provide additional tightness of attachment. 

Filters can be stacked to a maximum of two and can be moved independently of each other. Yet again, attachment is very quick and fluid – no more fiddling and checking they are mounted in correct slots, they just snap on to the holder with a resounding click.

Kase Wolverine Glass Filters

The filters I upgraded to were Wolverine ND 0.6 (2 stop) and ND 0.9 (3 stop) soft grads, which are a perfect fit for the magnetic frames and holder (indeed the magnetic frames are built with using Wolverine filters in mind – but other brand filters of the same dimensions can also be used, providing that they are no more than 2mm thick)

I had previously been using resin filters, so the difference in quality to me was massive – much clearer, and with no visible colour cast. I tend to favour stormy skies for dramatic landscape compositions and the clarity and definition using these filters was just excellent – I noticed a huge improvement from the kit I previously had.

Being glass, they are also far easier to clean and/or wipe than resin filters, and raindrops can be easily and quickly removed using a microfibre cloth. They are also far less prone to scratching – especially as they have an additional layer of protection when fitted into the magnetic frames.

I absolutely love this kit – it is just so well designed and easy to use. It is abundantly clear that actual photographers had a lot of input into the conception and design of the Armour Kit, and the magnetic connectivity across the board is truly inspired – very much one of those “I can’t believe this hasn’t been thought of before!” revelations.

The magnetic connections are all strong, and I mean really strong – there is no chance either the filters or the filter holder can be knocked off – or at least not without considerable force, and once attached it will certainly stay there until physically removed.

The set-up speed is also just excellent – So, once you have attached the magnetic adapter ring to your lens (using the step-up ring too if needed), you can get the holder, CPL and one or two filters up and ready for use in a matter of seconds, with no fiddling or faffing about – and this is where and why this kit really does shine – it’s solidly built, easy to use and can be set up extremely quickly – all of which are traits that lend themselves very well to photography, when capturing that fleeting moment of lovely light requires quick and confident actions – which this kit provides in spades.

I mentioned at the start of this review that it was a relatively big financial outlay – but having taken the plunge and used this kit, I can confidently say that it is definitely worth it. Now I have seen the magnetic capability in action, I really can’t see me using anything else in future. Likewise, the Wolverine filters are significantly and noticeably far better than resin filters – the whole package is brilliant!

It’s innovative, modern, and very well thought out – providing ease of use in the field and excellent photographic results. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Kase Armour Kit to anyone who is also considering either changing or upgrading their existing equipment – this is one of those rare occasions where the actual product really does live up to the hype. 

Thanks for reading this review – if you have any questions or queries, please feel free to contact me via the “Contact Me” tab on my website and I’ll be happy to assist where I can:

www.nickgallacherphotography.com

The post Upgrading my filters – Kase Armour System appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

In December 2021 I was very fortunate to be asked if I wanted to test the new Kase Armour system, which is the latest generation of holder, combining elements from the existing K9 100mm system and Wolverine Magnetic Circular filters.

I jumped at the chance! Having been a Kase filter user for a number of years, I am familiar with the products and currently use the brilliant K9 system, which features one magnetic element (the rear mounted polariser). I was intrigued at the concept of a fully magnetic system.
 
I was given the following equipment to test:

• Kase Armour filter holder
• Armour magnetic adapter rings x2 (77-95mm and 82-95mm)
• Standard (non magnetic) step rings x2 (67-77mm and 72-82mm)
• Armour Magnetic 95mm circular ND64 (6-stop) filter
• Armour Magnetic 95mm circular Polariser
• 1x 150x100mm and 1x 100x100mm Armour magnetic frames with hex key and spacing plates (these hold the standard 100mm Filters)
• Instruction leaflet

First Impressions

First impressions were excellent. The Armour filter holder quality is impressive. It is nicely finished and feels very robust (it is constructed of alloy).
The design has some similarities to the K9 holder in that it has a screw knob on one side (which secures the magnetic frames in place) and a scroll wheel on the other side (which allows the polariser to be positioned). Replacing the traditional guide rails are two magnetic plates which hold the frames in place. There is also a new addition of a spring-loaded clasp (buckle) which is used to secure/release the holder from the adapter ring.

The holder facilitates two magnetic circular filters (polariser and NDs) and two framed 100mm filters, four in total, which is the maximum number you would probably want to use. The beauty of the system is that any combination of filters can be used.

In terms of size, the Armour holder is slightly larger than the K9 holder, as the new Armour system accommodates a 95mm circular polariser, and use of 95mm Armour Circular ND filters. This means that any chance of vignetting is eliminated when used with an extreme wide-angle lens, such as a 14mm.
Although the holder is slightly larger, there is a negligible difference in weight.

Next out of the box, the magnetic circular ND and Polariser. These were surprisingly thin and light, but still felt solid in the hand.
Similar to the Kase Wolverine 100mm filters, they are made of high-quality toughened glass. They are deemed to be scratch resistant, water/dust repellent, and have virtually no colour cast.

There are several Armour kit options available for purchase, (a ‘holder’ kit and an ‘entry’ kit at the time of writing), and also options to purchase individual magnetic circular ND filters in different strengths such as the ND8 (3-stop) and ND64 (6-stop) ND1000 (10-stop). There is also the opportunity to purchase extra frames (should you require them).

Construction

The beauty of this system is that you can use your existing Kase 100mm filters. These require to be fitted inside the magnetic frames.
There is an instruction leaflet provided in the kit which provides a step-by-step guide to the process, which appears quite straightforward, but I also decided to watch the ‘You Tube’ demo video which was very helpful.

As I was only given two frames in the test kit, I had to decide which filters I wanted to frame. I chose two of my most used grads.
It is recommended that a maximum of two magnetic frames are attached to the holder at any one time, but should you desire you could frame up several of your filters so that they are easily interchangeable in the field.

Initial set-up was simple and only took a few minutes. As instructed, I laid the frame and filter on a soft cloth, loosened two of the screws on one side, gently pulled the frame apart slightly and slid the filter into the frame then tightened the screws back up. Et voila!
The filter felt quite secure in the frame.

I then attached the magnetic adapter rings onto the front of the lenses. These simply screw onto the filter threads.

Next I familiarised myself with the holder. It’s easy to remember which way it attaches to the lens as you can feel the raised ‘frame holder plates’ which face the front, and the release buckle faces towards the camera.

The holder simply attaches by the use of magnetic force with a satisfying clunk. No adjustments were necessary. It surprised me how quick it was to attach. It literally pulled out of my hands and on to the adapter ring. Dare I say it, but it was quicker to attach than the K9 holder.
Once the Armour holder is in place it is automatically secured to the adapter ring/lens by the spring-loaded buckle.

The magnetic circular filters (the ND and Polariser) attach to either side of the holder. These also attach very rapidly and lie nicely flush in the holder. This eliminates the chance of light leaks when undertaking long exposures. No foam baffle is required, yet another innovative design benefit of the system.
It is recommended that the polariser is attached to the rear of the holder, and the ND filter to the front. 
This is so you can rotate the magnetic polariser, using the geared ring on the holder. Similar to the K9, you can use the magnetic polariser independently of the Armour holder. Although this is slightly more difficult to rotate in comparison.

Finally, the magnetic framed filters were attached to the front of the holder. These simply click on to the magnetic plates. This again was a quick and simple process although I found that it is important to ensure that the locking screw is fully unscrewed before the frames are attached so that the frames lie flush on the holder.

In the field

After familiarising myself with the system, I was eager to test in the field.
I tested the system on two lenses, a Nikon 24-70mm f2.8, and a 70-200mm f4, using a full frame Nikon D750 camera mounted onto a tripod.

As the polariser attaches to the back of the holder, I had to decide whether the scene warranted its use. I find the polariser particularly useful to cut through haze, and normally survey the scene directly though the filter to see the effect before confirming if it is required.

Assembly was quick and simple. The polariser was mounted in the rear of the holder and then the holder was attached to the adapter ring. The magnetic framed grad was then attached to the front, the positioning adjusted, and then a small turn of the locking screw and the frame was then locked into place. All of which was quick and simple. I was now ready to shoot.

The polariser is rotated via the use of the scroll wheel on the side of the holder and you can make minor adjustments very easily (even with gloves on). It rotates independently leaving the framed filters in their set position.

I found that the magnetic frames slide up and down very smoothly in the holder making it possible to make small adjustments very easily with just one finger (again, even with gloves on).
I did find that it was easier to attach the filters and adjust the positioning than when placed in the K9 holder which uses traditional guide rails.

Removal of the filters and holder is as swift as the connection. To remove the frames the locking screw just needs a small turn and then the frames can be pulled upwards and free of the holder. This literally took seconds.

The holder is also as quick to remove. The release buckle is pulled up slightly then the holder can be gently pulled off. Once you use the system a few times you develop your own technique of attaching/removing the holder and filters.

Conclusion

The landscape can be a harsh environment for camera equipment and you need a filter system which is robust, quick and easy to use, and most of all reliable.
I think the Armour system fulfils those requirements.

It is a very well-designed system, and it is evident Kase have engaged with photographers listening to their feedback, and have designed a product which is very much built for speed and is highly adaptable to cater for the needs of all.
 
The holder is well-designed, lightweight and robust, very quick to attach and works with ease. Once attached, it feels very secure.
The holder accommodates four filters in total, therefore the combinations are endless and can be tailored to suit every type of situation required from ‘simple’ 1 grad landscape shots, to more complex shots featuring numerous filter combinations.

The fact that you can use your existing Kase filters is a bonus, or any 2mm thick filters available on the market. You can purchase the ‘holder’ kit, then tailor the system, adding additional elements to suit your exact requirements.

The magnetic frames which surround the 100mm filters provide a welcome level of added protection. This can only be a good thing, especially when dealing with glass in the great outdoors where at some point in time a drop is inevitable. In fact once I completed the testing and removed the filters from the frames I felt a bit uneasy using them ‘un-armoured’ for the first time!

The system is specifically designed for speed, which is especially important when the light is rapidly changing and speed is of the essence… As we all know, when in the field every second counts.
The holder is quick to attach, and the framed grads simply click into place. No more lining up the grads into the guide rails.

One point to note however, is that in order to guarantee a speedy attachment you need to ensure that the locking screw is fully unscrewed before attempting to attach the framed filters, also to be aware that the circular filters only attach one way (the magnets will repel if fitted the wrong way round) so remembering which way they face is vital for quick assembly.

This did lose me some set-up time initially as I tried to attach the circular filters the wrong way.
I imagine that once you are proficient at using the system this will become second nature. Maybe something for Kase to look at in future production, having an ‘identifier’ such as a brightly coloured dot on the magnet side perhaps? Just a suggestion from my testing experience.

Also bear in mind that it IS a magnetic filter system, therefore the filters have the possibility of attaching to one another if placed together. I kept all the filters in separate pockets of my filter bag, so this was not an issue, but just a point to note when removing the filters in a hurry, not to place them on top of each other, or they may need to be pulled apart.

One final point to note, is that the system is slightly bulkier than the K9 system (larger holder and frames) but not by much and not necessarily heavier as the circular magnetic filters weigh less than the standard 100mm filters.

These points are certainly not in any manner criticisms of the system, just points that I found when using the system for the first time. However, I only had the system on test for a few weeks, and sadly sustained an ankle injury in that time, so my testing time was cut short, so I only managed to test the basics. 

As with all systems, the more you use it, the more accustomed you will become using the holder, which will become second nature.

When I tested the K9 system some years ago I also found some ‘points to note’ but I quickly adapted (after switching from another Manufacturers system) and found the system covered all of my needs (and still does) and using it became second nature.

Would I recommend the Armour system? If you are looking for a good quality system which is highly adaptable, facilitates speedy attachment and ease of use and don’t mind the slight extra bulk, then yes, I would highly recommend!

The post Kase Armour Filter System Review by Kase UK Partner Nicky Goodfellow appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

Rapid, Easy to use, has the Ultimate 100mm filter system arrived?

I’ve been fortunate to be able to try out a brand new Kase Armour Filter system over the past couple of weeks and it’s been an immensely positive experience.

One of the reasons I moved to Kase from another well known filter manufacturer (apart from the unequalled quality of the filters) was that Kase were clearly responsive to feedback from users.

The Armour system is yet another example of that iterative process where suggestions are listened too, considered and used to fuel the development process. The result is an enhancement on an already exceptional system. The Armour system combines much of the simplicity of the increasingly popular round magnetic systems with the ability to integrate 100x150mm graduated ND filters.

It leads, for my specific uses, to the very best of both worlds. 

The Armour holder is a completely new design and before going any further, I think it is a thing of engineering beauty. Very well designed and exquisitely put together. It works and it feels just right. It retains the familiar small red wheel on the left to rotate a polariser. The heritage is as clear as the progression. 

Having familiarised myself with the new filter system, I took an exceptional step and committed to using the new system on a trip to Scotland the following week. Normally I’d not think of using new kit on a significant trip without extensive local testing but I was so impressed with this equipment that I broke the rule of a lifetime and swapped filters over to the new system.

At every turn, this filter system excels. Standing on a hillside in Assynt and drawing the holder from the case, one only has to offer it up to the magnetic ring for fast accurate contact to be made. It is all but snatched from the user’s hand. In difficult conditions, when wearing gloves, this really is quite exceptional. The same process is repeated with the filters in their magnetic frames. No more checking that they are in their intended slots. Straight in, first time, every time.

Heavy rain and high winds made for challenging conditions and compressed photography into brief windows of opportunity. Whenever the need for filters was there, the speed, reliability and simplicity of the new system was unmatched. When the rain did break through my defences, the hydrophobic coating made wiping much quicker and more effective. 

There are times when a calm measure approach to photography is ideal and times when speed and efficiency are paramount. In those moments, equipment choices are critical. Poor choices are found wanting very quickly indeed. I was delighted at how quickly the holder and filters could be attached and changed. I’ve never used anything as quick. 

I’m always a little hesitant when any product gains weight, bulk and apparent complexity. What we know of the whole design process is that by and large, the slimmest, simplest designs are the best. However, as always, the real proof of the pudding is in the eating and in this specific instance I have no hesitation in recommending this in two ways. Firstly I’m going to give it an unreservedly positive review – for my specific purposes of landscape photography, I cannot fault this new system. It is a superb piece of kit that achieves all of the objectives and manages to improve on an already superb product. Secondly over the coming months, I’ll be spending my own money to completely transition over to a fully magnetic Kase Armour kit, which I will extend further as they almost inevitably announce additional products.

I can’t recommend more highly than to invest my own money. In my view this is, by some margin, the best 100x150mm filter system on the market today.

The post Kase Armour system review by landscape photographer Mike Prince appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

Finally, after many years and several brands, I have a filter system I am not only happy with but is in fact, making my photography a more enjoyable experience.

Having battled with filters for years, and in many cases it was a battle. I was excited to hear from Kase UK in early 2021 with the opportunity to test the Wolverine Square filter system.

I won’t mention names, but previous filters brands had disappointed me. With wild colour casting, scratch happy resin and my favourite, circular polarisers that refused to screw in — fighting to locate that allusive point where the filter thread finally decided to bite, as frustration levels and the sky grew an ever more vivid shade of red.

By that point, I’d heard a lot of positives about Kase and knew several Dorset photographers were using Kase filters, and were very impressed by the filter systems. I have since purchased their Wolverine Magnetic Circular filter system, since reviewing the Kase Wolverine Square filter system.

Its ease of use was a perfect complement for my shooting style.

Kase Wolverine Magnetic Circular Filters

The magnetic filters are available in a number sizes; 72mm 77mm, 82mm, 95mm and 112mm, with each offered individually or as part of the Entry Kit (CPL/ND8/ND64) or Professional kit (CPL/ND8/ND64/ND1000). 

Each kit being supplied in an attractive leather carry pouch and accompanied by a magnetic lens adaptor and magnetic lens cap.

The filters are manufactured with a toughened B270 Optical Glass that offers far greater durability from bumps, scrapes and every landscaper’s nightmare — drops. The Kase UK website has some impressive drop-test videos showing their performance against standard filters. The filters have a nanotech coating that repels water and dust, boasts anti-reflective anti-glare properties and to top it off, is scratch resistant — a blessing for me as I have an innate ability for scuffing filters.

In the field

‘Ease of use’ was obviously a key design principle here. The system makes filter use what it should be — a simple, no fuss activity, rather than the often stress inducing episodes I’d been familiar with. 

Where previously I had two separate filter sets; one for my 52mm thread zoom and primes lenses, and another to handle my 82mm wide-angle lens, I now have one set for all. 

Using the largest 95mm filters ensures that the chance of vignetting is mitigated even at the widest of focal lengths, and once the magnetic step-up-rings are fixed, switching between lenses and filters is effortless. The filters, CPL and NDs, sit snugly into the adaptor ring with the magnetic fittings delivering a strong fixing; so much so that I am more than comfortable stacking filters and moving around to pinpoint compositions. 

The Entry or Professions kits come housed in a leather pouch that is attractive and compact. The pouch is lightweight and measures up at roughly half the size of the standard 100mm square filter set pouch, which can comfortably fit inside a jacket pocket for ease of access. The carry pouch also comes with a handy clip for those wishing to attach to a belt buckle or tripod.

The woodlands currently have my photographic heart, but I can’t help returning to my first love. The stunningly rugged, and often wild, Dorset coastline. It’s on these return visits that I have experienced the nano coating’s benefits. The coating allegedly repels dirt and water and from what I have seen so far and I cannot argue that claim.  Whereas my previous resin filters quickly became smeared and unusable in rain or heavy sea spray, these are far more resilient to watery effects. Rain droplets tend to bead and roll down the filter away from the shooting area, meaning wiping is required less frequently whilst they are also less likely to smear when cleaned with a lens cloth.

Circular Polarising Filter (CPL)

Predominantly shooting woodland imagery, I have a Circular Polarising filter attached to my lens far more often than not. The purpose of a circular polarising filter is to block light waves travelling along a specific plane when bouncing off or being reflected by non-metallic surfaces.

These reflected light waves wash out and desaturate areas of colour, such as woodland foliage but by using a polarising filter you cut through that glare, increase saturation, add warmth, and deliver a denser feel to the colour palette.

Previous polarising filters, screw thread issues aside, have always delivered what I believed to be fairly good results.  However, that quality pales into insignificance when compared to the Kase CPL, which easily cuts through glare and water reflections resulting in an image with far greater saturation and depth.  The early autumn Raw images below show this in practice; the first, without polarisation, looks desaturated and washed out whilst the second polarised image, is saturated and vibrant.

The CPL filter rotates with ease, and due to the circular nature of the ND filters, is no more troublesome to move when they are stacked on top — twisting the polariser rotates the stack en masse.

Neutral Density Filters

The neutral density filters have a slimmer profile compared to the Kase magnetic polariser, and sit snugly into the magnetic adaptor, or polariser if using one, reducing the chance of vignetting. In fact, only when I stacked the ND8 and ND64 on top of the polariser, did I see any indication of a vignette being apparent — and this was minimal. This tight stacking of filters, I presume, will also reduce the possibility of light leakage compared to modular formats.

ND filters I’ve used in the past have suffered from colour issues in varying degrees.  This isn’t an issue specific to the brands I’ve used, but something generally acknowledged as an inherent downside to NDs, especially prevalent with the higher stopping power filters that normally deliver images with a far cooler colour cast.  The Kase filters have however, been excellent in this area not only delivering excellent light transmission qualities but doing so with only a very minimal colour cast, even when using the ten-stop power of the ND1000.

In the test shots below, there is a very slight warming effect when using the NDs, with the ten-stop ND1000 showing the least colour shift from the unfiltered image.

As mentioned above, the ND filters are stackable so should you require more than the ten-stop light reduction of the ND1000, you can team up with the ND8 or ND64.  Alternatively, Kase filters recently released the behemoth 16 stopper ND64000 which should cover all long exposure needs.  

Graduated Neutral Density Filters

One potential downside of the magnetic circular filter system would be for those frequently using graduated filters.  Whilst the system has graduated ND offerings, the circular nature of the filters does not offer the flexibility to move the graduated elements up and down to suit the chosen scene; the area of graduation is fixed and can only be altered by recomposing.  

For me, and for many others I would expect, this is not an issue.  Shooting predominantly in woodlands the need for a graduated filters is negligible, and for several years when shooting seascapes/landscapes I have opted to exposure blend images of varying light levels in post rather than use filtration. For those looking to handle wide dynamic ranges in-field rather than behind the computer, I would highly recommend reviewing the modular Wolverine Square filter system.

The Final Verdict

Having used the Kase Wolverine Circular Magnetic Filters for several months, I would highly recommend them to those looking for a new filter system or currently battling with filters that do not meet their needs.

The quality, durability and ease of use make the magnetic circular filters a fantastic product and one that I am very glad to be using. They are head and shoulders above brands I’ve previously experienced.

If considering this system against the modular Wolverine Square filters, those not having a heavy reliance on graduated filters in their workflow will benefit greatly. The circular magnetic filters’ versatility and the effortless switching between filters and lenses make the circular magnetic option a winner in my book.

Pros

• Durability
  The filters are manufactured from toughened B270 Optical Glass resulting in an extremely strong, shatter and scratch resistant product.
• Ease of Use
  The system makes rapid filter changes a hassle free and simple task.
• Filter Neutrality
  The filters are not only sharp and clean but have only a very minimal colour cast.
• Nano Coatings
  The filters coating are dirt and water repellent, making them surprisingly easy to clean — water tends to run off rather than sitting and smearing.
• Vignetting
  Using my 10-20mm Sigma, vignetting only becomes visible at 10mm when two NDs are stacked onto the CPL; the effect is still minimal but would become more pronounced with any additional filters.

Cons 

• Graduated Neutral Density Filters
  One potential downside of the magnetic circular filters would be for those with a heavy reliance on graduated NDs.  Whilst the system has grad offerings, the circular nature of the filters is limiting as to which areas of the image the effect impacts.

So far, I am hugely impressed by these filters, as you can most probably tell from this review, but if you have any questions relating to them and my experience using them.

The post Kase Wolverine Magnetic Circular Filters review by Chris Frost appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

We will be showcasing our much loved Magnetic Circulars filters, the range of Square kits and the latest Double Grad filters.

You can find Kase UK at stand J303 for more products, information and show competition to win some great prizes.

For those who cannot attend the show, Kase UK will be holding an online event for you too. Using code: (CODE EXPIRED 30/09/21) for 10% off your order only at kasefilters.com*. This online offer ends 30th September 2021.

*Kase Alyn Wallace Starglow filter is excempt from any offers.

Kase UK TPS21 Competition Sign Up

Sign up below for a chance to WIN a £500 voucher for kasefilters.com
We will have 10 Runner up prizes of £25 vouchers for kasefilters.com

Open to all! Closes Tuesday 21st September 2021. 

The Kase UK TPS21 competition is now closed (21/09/21). Winners will be drawn shortly and contacted.

The Kase UK TPS21 Competition opens at 9:00am, 18th September 2021 and closes 17:00pm, 21st September 2021.
To win you must sign up to the competition form and submit your email address.
The winner and runners up will be selected at random after the closing date 21st September 2021 and notified using the email address provided.
The winner has 14 days to claim their prize. If we do not hear back, a new winner will be redrawn. The prizes are non-transferable. The vouchers are only accepted at kasefilters.com.
Kase filters UK, a Specialist Photo UK brand reserve the right to withdraw the competition without notice.
Entrants must be 18 or over and is open to all.

The post The Photography Show 2021 appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

I have been fascinated by the weather from an early age. The weather has had a big impact on my life as I have spent so much of my time outdoors cycling and walking in the mountains. When I first started doing landscape photography in 2007 I already knew the importance and influence of the weather and its effects on the atmosphere of the land. 

I have seen many photographs of the big storms in America from photographers like Jim Reed.  One of his photographs, in particular, caught my attention, ‘A Tornado, 500 Feet In Front of a Kansas State Trooper Patrol Car’, in such a way that I wanted to see a tornado for myself. 

I finally got the chance to go storm chasing in Midwest America in 2013 with a good friend of mine who had been chasing the previous year with Weather Holidays. This was a real eye-opener because the 2013 storm season was very active. I was lucky enough to see my first tornado on my first day, in fact within a few hours of getting into a chase vehicle. Many people do not see a tornado the first time they go storm chasing, as they are actually quite rare, but they are obviously dangerous, as day two proved to be.

 On day two, we were southwest of Moore in Oklahoma chasing a supercell storm. As the storm was heading into populated areas, our guide, Paul Botten, decided it was too dangerous to continue chasing as there were reports of a large tornado. Chasing storms in populated areas can be dangerous as it can be more difficult to have a safe escape route, and the local communities do not need the burden of storm chasers in the event of an emergency situation. Unfortunately, a tornado emergency was declared as this storm tore through the town of Moore killing 26 people and causing over $2 billion of damage. Our chase day was over; there was nothing anyone could have done apart from warning the authorities of the tornado, which is done by storm chasers and spotters.

This type of storm photography can be quite difficult at times as it is more like photojournalism than normal landscape photography. There is not always time to set up a tripod – quite often I am leaning out of a car window travelling at speed while trying to capture a fast-developing supercell. You seem to be constantly on the move and when we do stop it isn’t always ideal for pictures, but this is what it can be like when the weather is active and you are chasing tornadic storms in peak tornado season. 

However, it is not all frantic. There is another side to storm chasing; there are vast stunning vistas and astonishing photogenic storms. At times we are able to stop and watch these storms develop, and if lucky, witness a tornado or two off in the distance ripping up dust on the high plains away from the towns and doing no harm. Watching these storms explode upwards into the stratosphere with their powerful warm updrafts is quite something, they sometimes display mammatus clouds (under the anvil) and with the setting sun, they look otherworldly especially with lightning. Sometimes the lightning gets so fierce it is like strobe lighting. As the air cools after sunset they can really get active, constantly flashing and lighting up the night. 

There are generally three types of supercells, the classic (normal precipitation), HP (high precipitation) and LP (low precipitation), and a storm can change from one to another quite quickly. The classic and especially the LP storms can produce some of the most photogenic skies and do tend to be slower moving than the HP storms, which can be more dangerous. At the extreme end of the scale you can have rain-wrapped tornadoes that are not visible; the HP storms can produce flash flooding and extremely poor visibility. These storms are generally not photogenic unless you are in the clear and out of the rain. All supercell storms can produce hail, from pea size up to a monstrous 4 inches in diameter, although as large as 8 inches has been recorded. It is not uncommon to see hail between 2 and 3 inches in diameter (baseball size).

Navigating these storms is done by our expert guide, Paul Botten. He has a wealth of experience chasing the big storms in Tornado Alley and has safely witnessed 225 tornadoes in the 17 years he has been chasing. He uses several different types of live weather radars with a fixed laptop in the lead chase car. These SUV cars are fitted out with all the necessary ariels, wiring and laptop holders at the start of the storm season. There are typically 2 to 3 cars for each tour. One tour lasts 10 days and we can cover 5000 miles during this time. Over the years we have chased in New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota and even Alberta and Saskatchewan in Canada. Weather Holidays also chases the monsoon season in Arizona. Every chase day is different and every tour has different guests which make for a great way to see the real America and meet like-minded people. The Weather Holidays drivers are all experienced seasoned storm chasers with some being professional meteorologists. 

The photography equipment I use for storm chasing differs slightly from my UK landscape kitbag. I use at least two DSLR cameras, so I don’t have to change lenses. It is not practical to change lenses in a moving car, and there is usually dust or rain, or both. I use the Nikon D810s, one with a Nikon 14 24mm f2.8 lens and one with a Nikon 24 120mm f4 lens. Sometimes I use a Nikon D500 on a Nikon 70 200mm f2.8 lens. All lenses have lens hoods to try and keep water droplets off the front lens element. I carry at least 2 lens cloths because water on the front lens element can be a constant problem. This is why I don’t use filters when storm chasing. My main tripod is a Gitzo systematic with an Arcatech levelling base and an Arca Swiss Z1 ball head. I also use remote shutter releases and a light sensor for lightning to trigger the shutter. These are ok but don’t always work, especially in awkward light situations such as bright daylight or a low contrast sky, even the passing headlights of a car can set it off. They work best when the lightning is close enough to stand out against a dark sky. If I look back over my archives, nearly all of my best lightning shots are without using a light sensor, but I would still recommend a light sensor as you need every advantage to capture lightning. 

The kitbag I use for UK landscapes consists of a modified Osprey rucksack with a ventilated back, one Nikon D810, the lenses are all Nikon, 16 35mm, 24 120mm & 80 400mm. I also use a Wolverine 100mm Kase filter kit. As well as the same trusty tripod I take storm chasing and a remote shutter release. 

I am a full-time multi-award-winning landscape and storm photographer based in the Derbyshire High Peak. I run my own one-on-one tailored landscape photography workshops in the Peak District and I am a storm chase photography tour guide for the British based company Weather Holidays.

www.johnfinneyphotography.com

www.instagram.com/john_finney_photography

www.facebook.com/johnfinneyphotography

www.flickr.com/photos/28189469@N06

The post Chasing the Weather by John Finney appeared first on Kase Filters UK.

Kase filters are now available in the Lake District in our Kase UK Pro Partners gallery – Lens District Gallery by Stuart McGlennon.

Stuart has a wide range of Kase filters and kits available within the gallery to view and purchase, not to mention some incredible artwork and photography also available in an array of sizes. If you are in the Keswick area and looking for new filters or inspiration photography to dawn your walls. Head to Lens District Gallery for more: 1 Borrowdale Rd, Keswick CA12 5DD

The post Kase filters are now available in the Lake District appeared first on Kase Filters UK.