Are Magnetic Filter Kits Any Good? A Real-World Guide Using the K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Kit
If you shoot photos or videos regularly, filters aren’t optional — they’re part of the job.
But if you’ve ever been on a real shoot, you already know the real problem isn’t whether filters work… it’s how much they slow you down.
You’re adjusting exposure. Light is changing. The moment is unfolding in front of you.
And there you are — screwing off one filter, carefully putting it away, threading on another, hoping nothing cross-threads or smudges — only to look up and realize the shot is gone.
That exact frustration is what led me to test a magnetic filter system — specifically, the K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Kit. When K&F sent this kit over, I had two very simple questions:
Do magnetic filter kits actually work in the real world?
And do they ruin your image quality?
This guide breaks down everything I learned using this kit on real shoots, so you can decide if magnetic filters are worth adding to your workflow — and how to use them effectively if you do.
Why Magnetic Filters Are So Appealing (And Why Skepticism Is Fair)
The promise of magnetic filters is simple: speed.
Instead of twisting filters on and off your lens, magnetic systems let you snap filters on instantly, stack them in seconds, and reconfigure your setup on the fly. On paper, that sounds perfect — especially for event work, fast-paced shooting, or anything where missing a moment isn’t an option.
But speed means nothing if:
Filters spin when you don’t want them to
Variable NDs create ugly patterns
Or your image shifts green, magenta, or orange every time you add glass
That’s why this review wasn’t about specs — it was about real-world performance.
What’s Included in the K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Kit
Right away, the kit makes a good first impression. Everything comes neatly packed in a knitted protective case, which keeps the filters organized, protected from scratches, and easy to throw in your bag.
Inside the kit, you get:
A magnetic adapter ring
A CPL (circular polarizer)
A Variable ND filter
A Black Mist filter
A magnetic lens cap
Why This Matters in Practice
Having everything compact and organized might sound small, but on set, it matters. No digging. No loose filters. Everything stays together — which directly supports faster shooting.
How Magnetic Stacking Changes Your Workflow
One of the biggest strengths of this system is flexibility.
You can stack the filters in any order depending on your needs:
CPL + Black Mist
CPL + VND
Just the VND
Just the Black Mist
Because everything is magnetic, swapping configurations takes seconds. You’re not committing to a single setup — you’re adapting shot by shot.
Actionable Tip:
Before your shoot, think through common scenarios you’ll face. Build and break down filter stacks a few times at home so muscle memory kicks in when it matters.
The CPL Locking Knob: A Small Detail That Actually Matters
Stacking filters only works if they don’t rotate unintentionally.
This is where the CPL design really shines. The CPL includes a small locking knob that lets you:
Set your polarizer exactly where you want it
Lock it in place so it doesn’t move
Add or remove other filters without disturbing that setting
This prevents accidental rotation — something that becomes a real issue when stacking multiple magnetic filters.
Takeaway:
Lock your CPL first, then build your stack. This keeps everything consistent and frustration-free.
The Variable ND: Where Many Kits Fail — and This One Doesn’t
Variable NDs are notorious for falling apart at lower price points. Patterns, uneven exposure, unusable ranges — we’ve all seen it.
This VND performs well for two key reasons:
It locks into a single orientation with the CPL
It has hard stops from 1 to 5 stops
Because of those hard stops, you don’t get the strange patterns that plague cheaper variable NDs.
In Real Use:
1–5 stops is more than enough for most outdoor situations
Especially useful around f/4 and sometimes f/2.8
Simple, predictable, and usable
The Black Mist Filter: Subtlety Over Stylization
Black mist filters are subjective. Personally, I’m not a fan of overly soft, low-contrast images — which is why I chose the ¼ strength.
The kit does offer stronger options (like ½ strength), but the quarter strength strikes a balance:
Adds atmosphere
Without overpowering the image
Works better across a wider range of shots
Actionable Advice:
If you’re unsure about mist filters, start lighter. You can always add more in post — but you can’t undo heavy diffusion.
Speed Is Great… But What About Color Cast?
Speed doesn’t matter if your image quality suffers. Color cast was my biggest concern going into this test — especially with variable NDs.
Indoor Test Results
No filter: Balanced, normal color
CPL: Increased saturation, noticeable warmth toward reds
CPL + VND (minimum): Slight red/magenta shift, saturation dips back closer to normal
VND at max: Minimal change, possibly slightly more contrast
Adding Black Mist: Significant warmth — more orange and red
This warmth was clearly visible both on the image and in the waveform.
Outdoor Test Results (Cloudy Day)
This is where things got interesting.
No filter: Balanced
CPL: Little to no noticeable shift
VND minimum: Very subtle red/magenta shift
Black Mist: Lower contrast, slightly dampened saturation
Outdoors, the color cast almost completely disappeared.
The takeaway? The indoor warmth may have been influenced by the environment — specifically, a room with a wood ceiling introducing more red tones. Outdoors, without those elements, the filters performed much more neutrally.
Final Verdict on Color:
In real-world use, color cast is minimal to nonexistent, especially outdoors — which is where these filters will live most of the time.
The Learning Curve (And Why It’s Not a Dealbreaker)
There is a small adjustment period with magnetic filters.
When removing a single filter, it’s easy to accidentally pull off two or three at once. Locking the CPL helps, and over time, finesse improves.
This isn’t a flaw — it’s simply something you get used to.
Tip:
Slow down when removing filters at first. Precision comes quickly with practice.
Who Is This Kit Actually For?
K&F is often labeled a “budget” brand — but this kit comes from their Nano-Xcel series, which sits on the higher end of their lineup.
Compared to magnetic kits from brands like Nisi, Freewell, or PolarPro:
This kit is significantly more affordable
Performs extremely well
Offers strong value for the price
The largest size (95mm) costs $180, which is often the price of a single filter from competing brands — not three.
Final Thoughts: Is the K&F Concept Magnetic Filter Kit Worth It?
If you’re building your kit and want:
Faster workflow
Less fumbling on set
Reliable image quality
And strong value for money
Then yes — this magnetic filter kit is a great deal.
It won’t replace skill or planning, but it removes friction, and that alone can help you capture moments you’d otherwise miss.
If speed matters in your work, magnetic filters are absolutely worth considering.
Get yourself one here
*Some of the links and other products that appear in this video are from companies from which I will earn an affiliate commission or referral bonus from. The price won't change for you but It helps me out if you do choose to buy using these links. Thank you.
