This VND & CPL Combo Filter from Kase combines the functionality of a variable ND and circular polarizing filter into one ultra-slim package. The neutral density functionality can be adjusted via the lever, while the circular polarizer can be rotated via the front ring of the filter, allowing you to independently adjust either to your desired amount. The filter is constructed from aluminum alloy and optical glass with a multicoating to protect against scratches, water, and oil.
- 1.5 to 8-Stops Variable Neutral Density
- Circular Polarizer
- Multicoated Optical Glass
- Aluminum Frame
Kase VND-CPL Filter Overview
Kase VND-CPL Filter Specs
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Kase VND-CPL Filter Reviews
Beautifully built, but performance wasn't quite there
This is a really well-made filter. The build quality feels premium, the glass looks great, the threading is smooth, and the silver/red color combo is honestly one of the nicest-looking designs I’ve seen on a filter. It definitely gives the impression of a high-end product. Functionally, though, it didn’t fully live up to what I hoped for. I picked it up mainly because it offers more ND stops than most VND + polarizer combos, which was a big selling point for a specific project. But once you get into those higher stops, cross-vignetting becomes a real issue—diagonal dark bars start showing up pretty heavily. It's not a true X pattern — more so straight lines that move with the filter on the edges. So they may come across at a diagonal, or straight horizontal/vertical depending on how you have the filter positioned. Which leads me to my next bit: The lack of a locking mechanism between the VND and the polarizer also made it tricky to dial in polarization without affecting exposure. I had to invent a kind of hold the red tab with my pinky and rotate the ring with my thumb motion, and it didn't work great. That got frustrating on shoots for clients especially where I'm really concerned about consistent exposure. Overall, it's not a bad filter, and it looks and feels like a premium tool. But the performance at higher stops and usability quirks kept it from being a go-to in my kit.
Perfect for f1.4 in bright sunlight
I've found that this filter gives me nearly perfect exposure when shooting at f1.4 on a 50mm lens in direct sunlight at its maximum 8 stops of ND. For reference, I'm shooting a Nikon Z9, N-RAW/N-LOG at ISO 800 at 30fps, 180 degree shutter angle (1/60 shutter speed). I have not see any color shift to speak of nor did I see any uneven darkening or x patterns in the image. The only negative issue with this filter is that it can be tricky to adjust the CPL because turning the CPL is not really independent of the ND due to the friction between the various elements of the filter. When you turn the polarization ring, It tends to drag and change the ND. Ideally, you would set your ND, then adjust polarization. You can accomplish this with two hands, but it is difficult to do from behind the camera looking into the viewfinder. I'm giving the filter 5 stars because it really has a dramatic effect on how I shoot since I can now open up the aperture on my lenses and I think the price is reasonable given its utility and quality of the image. I don't think I will ever need more than 8 stops of ND since I can't see a situation where I will need to shoot at an aperture wider than f1.4. Despite the issue with the CPL, it's nice to have the combination of ND and CPL. I purchased the 82mm filter size along with multiple step-up rings and a lens cap for the filter.
