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Over the last few years I’ve ramped up my camera gear and have spent more time out in the field. As I look at some of my photos I realize I should be using a circular polarizing lens filter when shooting outdoors during the day. Most of my work is either landscapes, wildlife, abandonments, and architecture, all these subjects can benefit from a polarized lens filter. But because of my limited camera budget and limited knowledge how to use a successfully use a polarized lens filter I avoided them. Around Christmas 2019, I decided I need to get my hands on a cheap polarizer and learn how to use it before buying a more professional polarizer. So when an opportunity to test out the K&F Concept 72MM Circular Polarizer Glass Lens Filter, I just had to get my hands on and try it out.
K&F Concept 72MM Circular Polarizer Glass Filter – Features
The K&F Concept 72MM Circular Polarizer Glass Filter is a budget friendly circular polarizing glass filter that is designed to cut through the glare and enhances the sky. The below information was taken directly from the Amazon Sales Page.
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- K&F Concept circular polarizer made of Japan optical glass,deepens the intensity of blue skies; reduces or eliminates glare.
- Multi-coating reduces reflection, reduce glare and improve saturation.
- Aluminum alloy frame, Ultra slim rim profile to avoid vignetting on wide angle lenses.
- CPL filters are good for skies, waters, foliage. They can dramatically enhance these natural elements, giving images better appearance.
- Rotating a CPL filter on your lens can make dramatic changes to a simple image.
K&F Concept 72MM Circular Polarizer Glass Filter – The Review
The K&F Concept 72MM Circular Polarizer Glass Lens Filter comes in a nice box and the storage case is frosted white plastic with a foam interior. For a single filter, it makes a great storage case. But its large and bulky and if you have multiple filters the weight and size will add up quickly.
After looking over the filter, holding it up to the light, checking the threads, and spin the filter, I found it to be a of good quality for a lower budget filter. Its a basic multi coated filter and perfect for a beginner photographer, someone learning how to use a polarizer, and decent enough as a throw filter for a someone doing a messy outdoor shoot that not only need to protect their lens but also doesn’t want to risk damaging a more expensive lens filter.
I haven’t seen any quality issues or issues with images from the camera and I’ve put several hundred pictures through the camera since getting it.
Some images might have some noise (when the settings say they shouldn’t). But the noise can easily be removed in post. Some of the noise could be from my camera sensor (its been acting up lately and time for a camera upgrade).
One minor issue is that there can be an occasional shot with slight vignetting. But its in the corners and can be removed in post.
The only big issue I have is the lens attracts dust. I have to use a rocket blower, lens pen or microfiber cloth every few minutes to remove dust.
Final Thoughts
I’ve read a few reviews on Amazon stating there are issues with the K&F Concept 72MM Circular Polarizer Glass Lens Filter and gave the filter negative reviews. I haven’t seen those issues in my lens filter maybe I got lucky or maybe they just got a bad filter and didn’t try for a replacement. There could have been some operator’s error involved for those new to polarizing filters. I found a small learning curve is needed when using the filter. Once I figured it out I like it and recommend it.
As with any mass produced product that is either cheap or a premium product, there is always a chance to get a bad one. Before using it, make sure to check the filter out by holding it up to the light looking for defects in the glass and coatings, checking the threads for damage, and spin the filter to make sure the filter will spin freely when you want it to.
The K&F Concept 72MM Circular Polarizer Glass Lens Filter is a great filter for beginners and the average user but if you are professional with a bigger budget, I would look for a professional filter. K&F Concept make several different polarizing filters and the more expensive ones have more features and better quality that professional will want.
About James
You might consider this a “lower budget” filter, but when I cracked my “higher end” ($150) Hoya NXT Plus circular polarizer I needed a fast replacement and this was the fastest I could get one. I have an architectural project I need to get finished within the next couple of days. What I found with this “lower budget” filter, when compared to the Hoya, was slightly better flare protection and if anything, a slightly higher resolution than with the Hoya under a 200% crop. Resolution wise though it was pretty much a draw.
The bottom line is for about 1/5 the price I am getting as good or even slightly better polarizer than I had before. I will continue to get their filters from now on.
I’m more than happy with a lower budget filter if they work. I’ve used the higher end Hoya filters and like them. But when they get damaged or I find that my cheaper low budget back up filters work better or as good (most of the time) I have a difficult time purchasing the more expensive ones. I could be use that extra money towards another lens or more camera gear.