Haida X-in-1 Filter Set: Is It Worth It for Filmmakers?
If you shoot video outdoors, you already know how quickly lens filters can become part of your everyday filmmaking kit. You need to control exposure, reflections can destroy an otherwise beautiful shot, and sometimes you want a little diffusion to give your footage a softer, dreamier look.
The problem is that every new filter can mean another piece of glass to buy, carry, swap, and keep track of.
That’s what made the Haida X-in-1 magnetic filter set interesting to me.
Instead of giving you one specialized filter, Haida has built a system around a magnetic variable ND and circular polarizer base, which you can then stack with additional filters. The kit includes a 1/4 black mist filter, a 2-stop ND filter, a magnetic lens cap, and a carrying case.
On paper, it sounds like an incredibly convenient all-in-one solution for filmmakers.
But after actually shooting with it, I found that the convenience comes with a few compromises.
So, is the Haida X-in-1 worth it?
Let me walk you through what I liked, what I didn't, and who I think this filter kit makes the most sense for.
What Comes With the Haida X-in-1 Filter Set?
The heart of this system is the VND/CPL magnetic base.
That base gives you two of the filters I personally find most useful for shooting video:
A 1–5 stop variable ND filter
A circular polarizer
You can then magnetically stack the included 1/4 black mist filter and 2-stop ND filter on top.
That extra 2-stop ND is particularly useful because it turns your normal 1–5 stop variable ND range into 3–7 stops.
For me, that versatility is the biggest appeal of this kit. Instead of thinking of it as several unrelated filters, I see it as one system designed to handle a variety of situations I might encounter during a shoot.
And when I'm moving quickly, that matters.
Why I Like the Variable ND
If you're filming outdoors, being able to control exposure without constantly changing your other camera settings is incredibly useful.
The Haida base gives you 1–5 stops of variable ND, which you adjust using a small lever.
One thing I really like about its design is that the VND has hard stops between one and five stops.
That means you can't rotate the filter too far and introduce the dreaded X pattern that can appear with some variable ND filters.
That alone makes the system much easier to use.
I can simply adjust the filter until I get the exposure where I want it without worrying about accidentally pushing it beyond its usable range.
But what makes this base even more useful is that the circular polarizer is built right into it.
Why I've Started Appreciating Circular Polarizers More
I use the variable ND primarily to control exposure.
The CPL does something completely different.
By rotating the circular polarizer, I can use it to:
Reduce glare
Bring more detail back into skies
Deepen greens
Deepen blues
I've really come to appreciate this while shooting outdoors.
Rather than reducing the exposure of my entire image, I can rotate the polarizer until the sky looks the way I want it to.
In my experience, that can almost feel like adding dynamic range back into the image because I'm able to recover some of that detail in bright, reflective areas without simply darkening everything else.
And having the VND and CPL built into the same base means I can adjust them independently.
For the way I shoot, those are actually the two parts of this kit that I use the most.
When 1–5 Stops of ND Isn't Enough
The additional 2-stop ND filter is where the modular design starts becoming really useful.
By magnetically attaching it, the system goes from:
1–5 stops
to:
3–7 stops
That becomes especially helpful if you're shooting outdoors with a fast lens.
If I'm trying to shoot around f/1.4 or even f/2 in bright conditions, 1–5 stops sometimes simply isn't enough.
Instead of changing the look I'm trying to achieve, I can add those additional two stops and get the exposure where I actually want it.
Practical takeaway
If you're considering this kit, think about the lenses you normally shoot with.
If you're regularly using fast apertures outside, having access to those additional two stops may be one of the more valuable parts of the set.
The 1/4 Black Mist Filter
You also get a 1/4 strength black mist filter.
If you've never used one before, a black mist filter changes the image in several ways.
It can:
Reduce contrast
Bloom highlights
Reduce some apparent sharpness
Give the image a softer, dreamier feeling
Personally, 1/4 strength is pretty intense for my taste.
When I do use black mist filters, I generally prefer something around 1/8 strength because I like a more subtle effect.
But that's completely personal preference.
If you like a stronger, dreamier look, the included 1/4 filter can produce some really beautiful images.
What Happens When You Stack Everything Together?
This is where the Haida X-in-1 starts to develop a very distinct look.
If you combine the:
Variable ND + CPL + Black Mist + additional 2-stop ND
and you're shooting something like f/1.4, you can create some really beautiful footage.
I actually used this combination while filming a love story project for a couple in Central Oregon, and it worked perfectly for the mood I was trying to create.
The softer image and dreamy atmosphere fit the story.
That's an important distinction for me.
I wouldn't necessarily use every filter simply because they're available. I want the filters to support what I'm trying to communicate visually.
For that particular project, they did.
Most of the time, though, I'm keeping things simpler and primarily using the VND and circular polarizer.
The Biggest Problem: The Green Color Cast
As much as I've enjoyed using this kit, it's definitely not perfect.
The first issue I noticed is a fairly strong green color cast.
When I put the filter on, the image tends to shift greener.
Fortunately, it's something you can correct.
One option is to add some magenta during post-production.
Another option—if your camera allows you to manually adjust both white balance and hue—is to add some magenta in camera so the footage is already compensated while you're shooting.
That's probably how I'd prefer to handle it if I'm going to be using the filter throughout an entire shoot.
But I'd still rather not have to compensate for it at all.
This is one of those compromises you have to consider with a filter in this price range.
What I'd do before an important shoot
Don't discover the color cast after you've filmed an entire project.
Put the filter on beforehand, shoot a quick test, and compare it with your image without the filter.
Then decide whether you want to correct that green shift in camera or during your edit.
My Biggest Frustration With the Magnetic System
This next issue is more significant for the way I work.
The variable ND itself acts as the magnetic base for the entire system.
That means I can't simply attach the black mist filter by itself.
And because the CPL is also part of the VND base, I can't use the CPL independently either.
On some other magnetic systems, you first attach a dedicated magnetic base to your lens. From there, you can choose whether you want to add your VND, CPL, black mist, or another filter.
That's not how the Haida works.
Here, the VND is always part of the equation.
And that creates a real limitation when moving indoors.
Why That Becomes a Problem Indoors
Let's say I've been filming outside and then move inside.
I might still want the look from the black mist filter.
But I probably don't need the variable ND anymore.
With this system, I can't separate the two.
So I have two choices.
I can take the entire filter system off and lose the black mist effect.
Or I can leave everything attached, which makes my image darker and may force me to raise my ISO.
And if I have to push the ISO significantly higher, I'm potentially introducing more noise into the image.
That's where the system starts feeling more rigid than I'd like.
Something to consider before buying
Ask yourself:
Do I mainly need these filters outside, or do I want to use things like black mist independently indoors too?
If you're primarily shooting outdoors, this limitation might not bother you very much.
If you regularly move between very different lighting environments and want complete control over each individual filter, it's something you should know about.
The VND Lever Takes Some Getting Used To
My final complaint is the actual adjustment mechanism.
I found the combined CPL/VND system a little finicky.
The recommended method is to:
Pull the lever.
Rotate it out of the grooves.
Adjust your variable ND.
Rotate the lever back.
Lock it into one of the grooves.
It works.
I just find it slightly more tedious than I'd like.
In practice, I tend to simply pull the lever, move the variable ND into roughly the position I want, and then let go.
The problem comes when you're between the hard-stop positions.
The filter has hard stops at:
1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 stops.
But if I want something in between—say 1.5 or 3.5 stops—the lever isn't completely secured.
That means it's possible to accidentally move the variable ND after you've set it.
I don't consider this a dealbreaker.
It's more of a quirk you need to learn.
After using the system for a while, you start understanding how it wants to be adjusted.
How I'd Use the Haida X-in-1 in a Real Filmmaking Workflow
If I were building my workflow around this kit, I'd keep things pretty simple.
Outdoors
I'd start with the VND/CPL base.
I'd use the VND to get my exposure where I want it, then rotate the polarizer depending on the amount of glare, sky detail, or saturation I want.
If I'm shooting with a very fast lens in bright light and five stops isn't enough, I'd add the 2-stop ND.
If the project calls for a softer, more dreamlike image, I'd add the 1/4 black mist.
Indoors
I'd be much more selective.
Because I can't use the black mist independently from the VND base, I'd evaluate whether keeping the entire system attached is worth the additional light loss.
Sometimes it will be.
Sometimes I'll simply remove it.
That's the tradeoff.
Is the Haida X-in-1 Worth It for Filmmakers?
At just under $200, I think it's pretty clear who Haida is targeting.
This is an all-in-one filter solution for budget-conscious filmmakers who want several useful tools without building an entire collection of separate filters.
And in that context, I think it makes a lot of sense.
For me, the two essentials here are the variable ND and circular polarizer.
If you're serious about shooting video, I think being able to accurately control your exposure is incredibly important.
And the CPL has become something I really appreciate when dealing with glare, bright skies, and outdoor scenes where I want richer greens and blues.
The black mist is more of a nice-to-have for me.
Some filmmakers absolutely love that look and practically live with a black mist filter on their lens.
I'm just more selective about when I use it.
Who I Think This Filter Kit Is Best For
I think the Haida X-in-1 makes the most sense if:
You want one relatively affordable filter kit that covers several filmmaking needs.
You regularly shoot outdoors.
You need a variable ND.
You want the benefits of a circular polarizer.
You occasionally want a stronger black mist look.
You use fast lenses and could benefit from extending your ND range to seven stops.
You're comfortable correcting the green color cast.
You don't mind learning the somewhat unusual VND adjustment system.
I'd be more hesitant if you specifically want to use each filter completely independently.
The biggest limitation for me is still that the VND acts as the magnetic base.
Final Thoughts
I like what Haida is trying to accomplish with the X-in-1.
You're getting a 1–5 stop variable ND, circular polarizer, 1/4 black mist, additional 2-stop ND, magnetic cap, and carrying case in one system.
And when everything comes together, you can create some genuinely beautiful footage.
But you should go into it knowing the compromises.
There's a noticeable green color cast.
The VND being the magnetic base means you can't freely use every filter by itself.
And the VND adjustment mechanism takes a little time to get used to.
For some filmmakers, those issues will be frustrating.
For others—especially filmmakers looking for an affordable, convenient all-in-one solution—the versatility may easily outweigh them.
For me, the biggest value is still that VND/CPL combination. It's what I find myself using most often, particularly when I'm shooting outside and want quick control over both exposure and reflections.
Ultimately, that's how I'd judge whether the Haida X-in-1 is worth it for you:
Don't ask whether you'll use every filter in the box. Ask whether the system makes it easier to create the images you actually want to capture.
Haida sent me the filters for this review, and if you'd like to check out the Haida X-in-1 filter set yourself, you can find the link here.
