WHY ND FILTERS ARE IMPORTANT
We have already entered the era of super high sensitivity, super high resolution photographic equipment. Obviously, the power of this huge sensor can easily be affected by lenses and other optical accessories that are located right on the path of the light entering the camera. In other words, the filter quality serves as the front “gate” for the light to enter and is of the utmost importance.
In particular, ND filters have become a must for high sensitivity cameras with ISO settings that start from 200 or 100. This is the reason that ND filters currently garner a high level of attention and have strict quality requirements. Professional photographers require ND filters that decrease light volume in the most natural and harmless way.
WHEN TO USE REALPRO ND8 FILTER
Kenko REALPRO ND8 presents the highest quality of neutral density filters designed to be used with latest DSLR high-sensitive cameras that will allow photographers to realize photos with a shallow depth of field achieved by wide-open apertures during shiny days or in over-lighted conditions. The Kenko REALPRO ND8 filter is recommended to use in portrait, video and nature genres during shiny days to prevent overexposure with a widely open aperture and to achieve a shallow depth of field for separating the object from the background.
The example above shows the possibility to separate the object from the background with a fine bokeh during a sunny day through using a wide open aperture and Kenko REALPRO ND8.
This is another case where an ND filter is irreplaceable. Sunny day, camera FUJIFILM X-T1 with a shutter speed limitation up to 1/4000 sec. and Fujinon XF56mm F1.2 R lens with excellent optical performance and beautiful bokeh. Without an ND filter a F1.2 lens will create overexposed areas on the cloths and face as seen on the left photo. Thanks to ND8 filter one can still make an efficient use of the wide open aperture for the beautiful bokeh, while also removing overexposed areas on the object. Since the majority of cameras have shutter speed limitations far less than 1/4000 sec., light density ND filters are of great importance.
WHEN TO USE REALPRO ND64 FILTER
Kenko REALPRO ND64 presents a neutral density filter of the highest quality that is designed to be used with the latest DSLR high sensitivity cameras that will allow photographers to realize photos with a shallow depth of field achieved by a wide open aperture during sunny days or with objects that are relatively blurred. Kenko REALPRO ND64 filter is recommended for use in landscape, city snapshot, video, and nature genres during sunny days while using a wide open aperture to prevent overexposure and achieve a shallow depth of field for separating objects from the background.
The example of the city snap above shows the possibility of a wide open aperture with fine bokeh during a shiny day aiming to separate the object from the background in combination with motion blur on the surrounding objects. This effect cannot be achieved without an ND filter.
45mm, f1/4, 1/5 sec + Kenko REALPRO ND100
WHEN TO USE REALPRO ND1000 FILTER
Kenko REALPRO ND1000 present the highest quality of neutral density filters designed to be used with latest DSLR high-sensitive cameras that will allow photographer to realize photos of moving objects with a big amount of motion blur. That will create a scene that cannot be seen by the human eye. The Kenko REALPRO ND1000 filter is recommended to use in landscapes, city snaps, video and nature genres to create an unreal fantasy world, although your choice of an ND filter depends of your personal preferences and work goals.
The example shows the natural steaming of water that flows under the sleeping volcano. Using REALPRO ND1000 one can express the unseen wild nature of the volcano, creating motion blur on the steam. This effect cannot be achieved without ND filter. More to say it would take a lot of time to reproduce it by using a software.
ND VACUUM DEPOSITION TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best neutrality in the world, Kenko REALPRO ND filters adopt ND Vacuum Deposition Technology. According to this technology, neutral density is realized by an ND substance that is being spread equally over the filter glass surface in a steam oven.
As a result, compared with other ND filter brands, Kenko REALPRO ND performs excellent neutrality through the complete visual light spectrum, ensuring stable color balance of the image (ND4 as example).
IR POLLUTION
ND Vacuum Deposition Technology also offers the solution to the problem of IR pollution that can be a reason for concern among photographers. During sunny days with a lot of IR light in the atmosphere, long shutter speed shootings may bring color changes of black, green or dark objects what can be seen with brown or reddish tint. Thanks to exhaustive efforts of Kenko engineers, the ND Vacuum Deposition Technology underwent incredible progress in neutrality, desirable light transmittance and IR controlling performance.
These two shots show the example of IR contamination when black objects like the black suit and socks obtain a brown-reddish tint while leaves and trees became yellowish.
ANTI-REFLECTION MULTI COATING
Sensors of digital cameras are usually more sensitive than film. For this reason, highlights can affect the image, creating unwanted effects due to light refraction inside the lens. Filters, as they are also optical elements, can make the situation even worse. That is why filters need an anti-reflective coating. Kenko REALPRO ND filters adopt anti-reflective multi coating to eliminate even the smallest chance of unwanted flares and ghosts in the image.
SLIM FRAME
Use with any lens and with no loss of light. REALPRO ND filters adopt an ultra-thin frame to avoid vignetting on wide and super-wide angle lenses.
KNURLING EDGE FRAME
The frame of REALPRO ND filters is equipped with a knurling surface to prevent slipping, making attachment and removal easy and stress-free.
BLACK ALMITE FRAME
To reduce the chance of any unwanted reflections to a minimum, REALPRO ND filters adopt a black aluminum satin finish almite frame. Satin finish will increase friction between fingers and frame for quick operation and the satin black frame will minimize internal reflections.
BLACK RIMMED GLASS
To reduce the internal light reflections off the edge of the filter glass Kenko uses the technology of black rimming. The outer rim of the glass plate is treated with a specific black ink that prevents any leaking of the light.
WIDE VARIETY OF SIZES
REALPRO ND filter kits are available in diameters from 49mm to 82mm.
GENERAL CARE AND HANDLING OF PHOTOGRAPHIC FILTERS
- Use filters carefully and always keep them clean. When cleaning, use cleaning tissue or cleaning cloth. Remove as much dust and dirt as possible from the lens with a blower or brush before cleaning them with tissues or clothes.
- Avoid unnecessary cleaning of your filters.
- Filters are made of glass. When it is broken, glass fragments may be cause of injury.
- Do not disassemble filters by yourself.
- When filters are not attached to the lens, store them away from sharp objects. They may damage the filter glass.
- Keep filters away from children.
- Keep filters in plastic hard-sided cases or filter pouches.
- Keep filters dry and away from direct sun light.
- Avoid storage in high humidity environment. Moisture drops due to the high humidity or dew on the filter can burn the coating and create traces on the glass surface that can be hardly wiped off.
