KASE FILTERS – REVIEW
Variable ND & CPL
Introduction
As a black and white photographer, I’ve always believed that light, contrast, and texture are the true building blocks of a powerful image. Especially when it comes to landscapes, controlling the light is just as important as composing the frame. That’s where filters come into play.
Recently, I’ve started an exciting new collaboration with KASE, and I’ve had the chance to test one of their latest products — the Variable ND&CPL filter. This combination of a variable neutral density and circular polarizing filter promises a lot in terms of flexibility and image control, which is exactly what I look for in the field.
In this review, I’d like to share some of my thoughts and findings after using the filter in real-world conditions. Whether you’re into monochrome photography or just curious about gear that helps shape the final image, I hope you’ll find this insight helpful.
Creative Control in One Filter
If you’ve ever worked with natural light, you know that sometimes the scene in front of you is stunning — but the camera needs a bit of help to capture it the way you see it. That’s where filters become essential tools, not just accessories.
A neutral density (ND) filter helps you control exposure by reducing the amount of light entering the lens. This is especially useful when you want to use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions — for example, to blur moving water, capture cloud movement, or create that smooth, dreamy look in long exposures. For black and white photography, this opens up creative possibilities in shaping time and motion within a single frame.
A circular polarizing (CPL) filter, on the other hand, cuts through glare and reflections while enhancing contrast and clarity. It deepens skies, reveals textures in clouds, and makes surfaces like water or glass more transparent. Even in black and white, the difference in tonal separation and definition can be striking.
Now, imagine having both of these tools in one filter — and with the added benefit of variable ND strength. That’s exactly what this Variable ND&CPL filter from KASE offers. Instead of stacking multiple filters or constantly switching gear in the field, I can now dial in the exact light reduction I need and control reflections and contrast — all with a single piece of glass.
This kind of efficiency isn’t just convenient. It keeps me focused on the creative process rather than the technical setup — and that’s why testing this filter has been such an exciting experience.
First Impressions & Build Quality
From the moment I unboxed the Variable ND&CPL filter I was impressed.
The filter feels solid in hand. It has just the right weight – substantial enough to give confidence in its durability. The materials are high-quality, with a very good finish. The rotating mechanism is smooth and precise, making adjustments easy even in changing light conditions.
Out in the field, the filter performed just as well as I hoped. The ND range from 1.5 to 8 stops covers most of my landscape needs. Whether I was smoothing out water, capturing movement in clouds, or just reducing light for better control, it delivered consistent results. I rarely go beyond this range.
What’s most important: I didn’t notice any loss of sharpness or unwanted color shifts (even though I shoot black and white, tonal accuracy still matters). The scenes retained their clarity, contrast, and subtle detail — which, in the end, is what really counts.
Summary
After spending some time with the Variable ND&CPL filter from KASE, I can confidently say it exceeded my expectations. From the first unboxing to real-world shooting, the experience has been smooth, reliable, and creatively satisfying.
The quality is excellent — solid materials, precise construction, and thoughtful design features. It feels like a professional tool made for photographers who demand both performance and durability.
In the field, it delivered exactly what I needed. The ND range from 1.5 to 8 stops covers almost all my landscape scenarios, and the addition of the polarizing function adds an extra layer of control. Most importantly, the filter maintained excellent image quality with no noticeable loss in sharpness or contrast.
For anyone looking to simplify their kit this filter is a good choice. I’ll definitely continue using it in my landscape work.
🎥 Watch the unboxing and behind-the-scenes footage here: