Overview
PolarPro offers a lot of different filter systems, and we understand that choosing between them can sometimes be a little overwhelming. This guide is meant to help bring the different choices into focus a bit more - hopefully after reading, you'll have a better idea of which filter system might be a good fit for you.
In general, the filters we offer can be thought of as fitting into one of three core systems: Threaded, Helix MagLock, and Matte Box. While there is some limited cross-compatibility between these systems, it's usually helpful to pick one of them as a foundation on which to build the rest of your filter kit. Each has its own advantages.
Threaded Filters
These are the classic type of camera filter. Threaded filters always list their size (in mm) on the product page - 67mm, 77mm, and 82mm are the most common, but there are others. If you're not certain how to find the filter size for your camera lens(es), we have a tutorial video here that should help. Our threaded filters include the QuartzLine, Shortstache, PMVND Edition II, and Chroma VND/PL lineups.
Threaded filters are reliably compatible with most modern camera lenses, and there's a very broad ecosystem of products out there built around them. In particular, step-up rings make it easy to accommodate multiple lenses with one filter size. They're also the smallest and lightest filters we offer, as full-size camera filters go. Some other benefits of threaded filters include:
- Minimal chance of vignetting down to ~16-17mm on most lenses
- Doesn't inherently require an adapter
- Front threads mean they're stackable, with the exception of the VNDs
- Stock lens caps often still work if they're the same size as the filter
- Best chance of working with a stock lens hood (though this is not guaranteed)
Key Takeaway: If you mainly shoot with one lens, or just want to run as light as possible, then a threaded filter is an excellent choice.
Helix MagLock System
A one-size-fits-all system, the Helix MagLock filters are designed with rapid setup and swap speed in mind. All of the MagLock filters are technically 101mm, but the filters themselves don't have any threading. Instead, they rely on the Helix Base Plates to install on your camera lens(es). Some benefits of the Helix system include:
- Significantly faster filter swaps than any other system, once the Base Plates are in place
- Base Plates come with Defenders, so your lens can remain protected even when no filter is installed
- Uniform shape and size for storage
- Large size means the filters are able to accommodate a lot of different lenses
Key Takeaway: If you're running multiple lenses, or you otherwise swap filters often and want to cut down on setup time, the Helix MagLock system will be a good fit for you.
Matte Box System
Matte boxes have been popular in professional settings for a long time, since they're a robust and very adaptable camera filter solution. In addition to their being able to accommodate the larger cinema-style lenses, matte boxes also offer the benefit of an integrated hood.
Matte boxes in general are larger and heavier than other filter systems, but also more flexible in the available filter configurations. They involve a little more setup, but the time spent tends to be well worth it for the results. PolarPro offers the following matte boxes:
Recon
- 82mm maximum lens thread size
- 82mm filter delete base available
- Up to two filters (one VND or CP Base and one Stage 2 filter)
BaseCamp
- 114mm maximum lens barrel diameter*
- Up to three filters (one circular, two rectangular)
- Can be adapted to allow one rectangular filter to be an industry-standard 4x5.65 model
Nano 4x5
- 114mm maximum lens barrel diameter*
- One PolarPro 4x5.65 filter (or other industry-standard model)
Key Takeaway: If a hood is a must-have for your shoots, but you still want full flexibility to use any filters with it (including a VND), then a matte box will let you do that.
*BaseCamp and Nano 4x5 are able to clamp onto the outside of the lens barrel, so threads are not inherently required.
FAQs
What if I want to mix and match systems?
This is possible to a degree - for example, it would also be possible to install a Helix Base Plate on the front of some of the threaded filters. Our support team can help answer questions about specific combinations.
Which system has the best chance of working with my stock lens hoods?
The threaded filters offer the best chance at being compatible with stock hoods. This still varies from lens to lens though, so it's not something we guarantee will work. If a hood is a key part of your setup, then a matte box might be worth considering as an alternative.
Do Helix filters work with stock lens hoods?
No, they're too large for use with lens hoods.
What if I have a camera with a smaller form factor, like a Fuji X100VI or Leica Q3?
Threaded filters tend to work best with the small lens sizes on those cameras. Helix and matte box filters can technically be installed, they'll just be very large on the front of the lens. Note the Fuji X100VI will require either the 49mm Fuji Adapter or the X100VI MagFlip Hood before filters can be used on it.
Are there any 86mm or 95mm coarse thread adapters for the BaseCamp system?
Not at this time. This does mean some newer lenses, like the Sony 28-70mm f/2.0 GM, will not be compatible with it.
Questions, comments, or concerns? Send a quick email to support@polarpro.com and we'll be happy to help out.