Review of Benro's Filter System

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In this age of digital wizardry and Photoshop manipulation, is there still a place for filters, or  are they relics ripe for consignment to The Antiques Roadshow?

Until recently I was not a fan of filters and that’s putting it mildly. Innovative sensor technology has led to massively improved dynamic range. Two photos can be blended together, one exposed perhaps for a bright sky, the other for the darker land. There are all sorts of work arounds but that’s exactly what they are: work arounds and not necessarily the best practice and certainly not the most satisfying.

Long ago I had a set of Lee Filters but never really got on with them. The set up was fiddly, the resin filters scratched and damaged all too easily and there were horrible colour casts. In fact, I sold the lot and reckoned it was all a case of hype and people refusing to admit that they’d spent a fortune on something that didn’t live up to it’s reputation. Lee were the original big boys of the filter world with a reputation to match. That reputation still endures and only last week I was talking to a photographer who uses Lee filters mainly because all the photographers he admires use them.

For many years I used various work arounds and being very conscious of weight and bulk when climbing in the mountains made do with a few screw in filters; a polariser and a couple of neutral density filters. This was very minimal kit and largely relied on the light being exactly right throughout the composition. When the light played ball, this could produce stunning results but all too often I returned home frustrated.

I would probably have continued like this if Benro hadn’t introduced their range of filters. The chance to try them out was too good an opportunity to pass up but I did feel a bit guilty, wondering how I could produce a worthwhile review of something that I probably wouldn’t ever use after the test. How wrong could I have been?

Some things can be replicated in Photoshop but some can’t. You can add a graduated filter in post processing or merge two photos of different exposures but you can’t mimic a long exposure or remove reflections as a polariser would.

Some of the effects produced by filters can be very Marmite like with people either loving or hating the result. Some wax lyrical about the serene flow of a waterfall in a long exposure shot whilst others will spit out their tea and moan about “milky water.” 

One of the first photos I took with the Benro filters raised a lot of love and hate on social media, the majority loving it but a vocal minority calling it a fake: some like that it showed the current in the river, others denounced it saying it must be a fake since they’d been there and knew there was no “whirlpool.” The photo showed a pool in the river below Marsco and the use of a 6 stop Neutral Density filter enabled a long exposure which captured the circular motion of the current. A 3 stop Graduated Neutral Density filter helped prevent the sky burning out whilst a Circular Polarising filter countered some of the reflections on the surface of the water.

The pros and cons of using filters;

Pros

• Can apply a range of actions in camera rather than having to spend time on the computer later.
• Massively extend the dynamic range in a single shot by using graduated filters.
• A polarising filter can reduce reflections, increase contrast and colour saturation.
• Helps with the in camera process as an aid to composition because it is easier to see things through the viewfinder/monitor as a whole rather than trying to imagine how two images combined might look.
• If there is any movement in the scene then it’s definitely easier to get it right in a single photo rather than try to combine two with different exposures.
• Can use neutral density filters to lengthen exposures to show movement in clouds, water etc or to capture a crowded scene without the people showing up.

Cons

• Possible bulk and weight considerations
• Cost. Decent filters certainly aren’t cheap.
• Extra faff in the field especially in adverse weather conditions.

The ideal filters should be colour neutral even when multiple filters are used so you don’t end up with nasty colour casts which need work in Photoshop. They need to be as optically pure as possible so as not to degrade the image and need to be reflection and flare proof. For long exposures the critical thing is that there are no light leaks.

Benro have certainly hit the ground running and offer a very wide range; 

• GNDs Hard and soft graduated neutral density filters in 2,3 and 4 stops
• NDs   10 and 6 stop neutral density filters
• Reverse GND 
• CPLs Circular polarising filters

The filters are available in a variety of sizes and materials; 

Master Series Filters are made from the renowned German Schott glass before being coated to a high standard that ensures colour neutrality. Schott glass provides a superior optical performance, and high light transmission. A special coating is added both to reduce reflections from the filter’s surface and any glare between the lens and filter. The anti reflection coating neutralises infrared light waves meaning low colour shift and high light transmission.  A multi layered nano coating provides an anti scratch coating and it’s hydrophobic properties help keep the surface free from dust, dirt and especially water drops.  Apparently every Master Series filter is tested by hand to ensure it’s optical qualities.

Universal Series Resin Filters are described as “budget friendly.” Resin is less resistant to scratches but also less likely to break if dropped. The optical properties aren’t as good as the glass master filters but they are nano coated.

The filters are available in sizes 100, 150 and 170mm, the latter only in glass. Filter Holders range from the minimalist FG100 to the top of the range FH150 suitable for extreme wide angle zooms such as the Sony FE 12-24mm lens.

Thus a very comprehensive range and I felt like a child in  a toyshop when asked what I’d like to test. As usual, I opted for what I thought would be useful for my photography. From my Lee Filter use, I knew I didn’t like resin filters. They are too easy to scratch and damage especially in the harsh Cuillin environment with dust, dirt, abrasive rocks and salt water so I opted totally for glass filters.

Benro kindly sent the following;

• Benro Master 100x150mm soft GNDs 2, 3 and 4 stops
• Benro Master 100x150mm Reverse GND 3 stops
• 100x100mm Glass ND filters 10 and 6 stops
• 82mm circular polariser
• Benro FH100M2 Filter Holder Kit with 82mm and 77mm lens rings
• 77-67mm drop down ring
• Extra 100x100mm and 100x150mm Filter Frames

Benro have built a great reputation for tripods and I hoped this would carry over into their filters. All photos were taken using the Benro TMA28C with the GD3WH.

Having used the filters extensively for almost four months, this review is probably long overdue but I really wanted to put the kit through it’s paces, give it some abuse and see how it stood up to things. Four months might not sound long but it has been pretty intensive; looking at my diary shows I have been out in the hills or on the coast for 92 days since the filters arrived. Some of those have been pretty long days and include nights spent out high in the mountains to be best placed for sunset/rise.  They have included days out with clients, days of personal photography and venues ranged from coastal locations to mountain tops. Early on in the period the weather was dry and dusty, harsh conditions for photographic kit but most of the time the weather has been poor with lots of rain and high winds making for very atmospheric photos but also proving a torture test for gear.

Our location at Sconser provided a great location for some initial tests and to get used to the gear. Perhaps more importantly, it’s a venue where lots of friends, clients, All Things Cuillin members etc are constantly dropping in. The new gear attracted a lot of interest from visiting photographers none of whom had seen Benro filters. As such I got to see and compare the Benro filters to some of their competitors both indoors, out on the pier and more importantly in the hills.

Not being used to using such filters, the initial setting up was a little daunting but soon everything slotted into place (literally) and the whole set up proved easy to use. Hence a bit of a shakedown on our pier, experimenting with different strengths of GNDs and NDs and the CPL. Everything seemed good. No reflections, no colour casts, no light leaks (although no exposures longer than 30 seconds), no vignetting. 

Firstly an adaptor ring screws into the front of the lens then the filter holder is attached. This is a very positive action which I much prefer to the Lee. The red catch on the right retracts to let the holder slide over the adaptor ring then when released slides back to prevent the holder coming off. The blue knob is then tightened up to provide a very secure fit. Yes, I know it’s bad practice and probably asking for trouble but I was more than happy to walk around with a small fortune’s worth of filters on the front of the lens. Friends and clients all seemed to know someone who had experienced disasters with the Lee system.

The FH100 M2 is a precision engineered work of art, an aluminium frame with a protective black coating and close fitting plastic guide rails to secure the filters and prevent the ingress of any light. AN 82mm CPL screws neatly into the holder so the polariser is behind the square filters. This seems a fantastic arrangement and whilst not an original Benro idea, does seem far superior to the Lee system. Lee ‘s CPL is a large 105mm which clips to the front of the filter holder. It needs to be large to prevent vignetting and the large size makes it an expensive item.

The Benro CPL has a lot of plus points; lots of photographers liked the huge knurled wheel to turn the filter. This to the rear of the filter holder and the wheel is easily accessed and provides control which is easily accessed even with gloved hands. Both the Nisi and Kase systems I saw had a similar set up with only a very small wheel which seemed quite fiddly by comparison. However, I did like the magnetic attachment of the Kase CPL making it a breeze to fit or remove. The Benro system with it’s large faff free wheel is by far the easiest to use but I’d love to see a mark two version with magnetic rather than screw in attachment.

As a side note, make sure the CPL is screwed in properly. Initially I hadn’t screwed it in completely and it must have gradually worked it’s way out to such an extent that I couldn’t slide the filter adjacent to it in or out. This necessitated removing the plastic rails from the front, removing the filter and tightening the now accessible CPL. Probably just a stupid error on my part and something that hasn’t happened since. Note to Benro the FH100 kit didn’t include an allen key but luckily I had one the correct size. Perhaps something to include in the future?

Whilst not unique to Benro, the system uses “Filter Frames.” These are black plastic frames into which the glass/resin filters are fitted. At first this just seemed an added complication but now I really like this feature which is similar to the mega expensive Wine Country Camera “Filter Vaults” but at a much more reasonable cost.

These Filter Frames serve a variety of purposes;

• The main advertised advantage is that the sides of the frames is toothed and these teeth can be engaged with a cog on the Filter Holder. The red knob on the rear of the filter holder can be used to engage the teeth in any one of the 3 slots which accept the filter frames and used to precisely raise or lower graduate filters to get the exact position desired. Lots of photographers who saw this thought it a brilliant idea and lamented it not being available in other systems apart from the Wine Country range.
• Help eliminate internal reflections caused by any light entering via the edge of the filter
• Provide a level of protection both for when in transit or if dropped.
• The filter frames are easy enough to load the glass into but if possible get a couple of extra so you aren’t constantly faffing around switching glass. The holder comes with one 100 x 100mm and one 100 x 150mm filter frames but I asked for a few extra.
• The filter frames will hold any 2mm thick filters of the requisite dimensions so you can easily transition from an existing system to save initial outlay.
• I love that the frames have to be slid in from the top and have a stop so they cannot be pushed right through or drop out something that seems blindingly obvious but will save a lot of expensive accidents.
• To my mind, the most useful is that you can handle the filters without actually touching the glass thus avoiding smeary finger prints. Also the frame makes for much more secure handling especially in the cold/wet and if wearing gloves. Glass is only too slippery and easy to drop but the plastic frames provide a good grip especially with the “handle” above the locking slot.

In the field, the Benro system has proved robust with no sign of wear, tear or damage. Although seemingly initially complex, once you get used to the system it is incredibly quick to set up and very secure. 

Having used the system a lot in both bad weather and in water margin areas like coastlines and waterfalls, I really appreciate the nano coating on the filters. I have no way of knowing it’s longevity but over 4 months of use and abuse it has continued working to shed water and dirt. Water just beads up on the coating and both water and any smears/dirt are easily wiped off. I can be heavy on my gear and getting the photo is more important to me than cosetting my gear. The coating still looks pristine on the CPL and square filters. The filter holder has a few light marks and scratches but nothing very significent.

The glass filters come in nice soft fabric pouches in rugged plastic boxes. What the system does lack is a dedicated filter pouch sized to accept the filters when in the filter frames but Benro are working on this. 

Lacking a dedicated pouch, I used an old F Stop Harney which worked out fine. Usually I’d have some idea of the filters I’d be using on a particular trip and I would put these in the filter frames aboard the FH100 holder and wrap the lot in a soft cloth. This was placed in the centre of the pouch with the less likely to be used filters in their hard plastic cases either side to act as protection.

Once a dedicated pouch is available the system will pretty much be complete. For an initial foray into the world of filters, the system is extremely mature and covers most bases. It’s certainly on a par with the other systems that I examined and, indeed, has some major benefits. 

Pros

• No discernible colour casts or shifts
• The glass filters show no discernible loss of resolution even when stacked
• Robust build and well engineered design
• Placement of CPL behind filters and with a very easy to use controls
• Mechanical vertical adjustment system
• Choice of resin or glass 
• Nano coating works well
• No flare or reflections noticed
• A comprehensive system
• Filter frames offer a degree of protection and facilitate finger print free handling

Cons

• The system is competitively priced but still not cheap
• No dedicated filter pouch available but Benro are on the case (pun definitely intended).
• I realise the filters can be used on their own in the FG100 holder or those of other manufacturers but it would be handy if Benro offered an option to buy the filters complete with a Filter Frame and perhaps an oversized pouch and hard plastic box to fit them.
• No allen key for tightening/loosening/removing the frame guided on the holder

The view from Elgol in winter

Sony A7RII, Zeiss Batis 25mm. 

ISO 100, F11, 3 seconds. 

Benro Filters used; CPL, 

                                           3 stop ND 

                                           3 stop GND

 View from the Red Cuillin to Bla Bheinn

Sony A7RII, Zeiss Batis 25mm. 

ISO 200, F11, 30 seconds. 

Benro Filters used; CPL

                                            3 stop GND

A lot of photographers using other systems have seen and tried the Benro Filter set up and the feedback was very positive. Lots of love for the big area of contact to control the CPL rather than a small, fiddly wheel; the mechanical adjustment for the GNDs was popular; everyone was impressed by the high quality build and the only negatives were about the size and bulk of the system. If this is a concern, then Benro do make the FG100 filter holder which is more akin to those offered by other manufacturers.

Most importantly, rediscovering filters has made my photography even more enjoyable. Extra time spent outside trying to perfect things in camera rather than battling with post processing in front of a computer screen is a huge bonus. It probably seems a bit odd, but going out with the filters has now become an integral part of my work flow and it has made the whole process more enjoyable. Benro’s website says t the “filters can help take your photography to the next level.”  Now I can’t say my photography has improved by a quantum leap but the filters have enabled me to achieve lots of photos long envisioned. It is  now hard for me to envisage going out of the house without the filters.

If you are in the market for a top of the range set of filters then definitely put Benro on your short list alongside Lee, Nisi, Kase etc. Not long ago Lee Filters were unchallenged as producers of premium filters but now they are matched or even bettered by Nisi, Kase etc and Benro are right up there with the pack. A few tweaks and I can see Benro on top. With excellent coatings, optical clarity, lack of colour cast and the like, Nisi, Kase and Benro seem pretty much on a par. Whilst nothing scientific was proven,  pixel peeping and comparison suggests little difference in the glass side of things. Each range has it’s quirks and unique selling points. They all do a good job. I’m more than happy with the Benro system and like it’s filter holder which is probably only bettered by the offering from WIne Country but this comes with major disadvantages; huge costs, bulk and possibly the triumph of form over function. 

So, best filter holder, glass equal to the others, then how could Benro improve? Simple; adopt a magnetic CPL retention system and make the GNDs and NDs out of the same toughened glass as the Benro circular filters. This toughened glass is designed to withstand steel ball bearings of up to 20mm diameter being repeatedly dropped from 1.2 metres. That would really appeal to me because no matter how careful I am, things do get dropped. 

Obviously, your choice is very personal so try and see, feel and use the different systems. Try and envisage will it work in the wind and rain, snow and hail. Can you operate it when wearing gloves or at night by torchlight. Lots of ATC members have already seen the filters in Sconser but any photographers are free to pop in and check them out. There’s usually coffee and Cuillin Cookies on offer and photos on the walls. If you want and the weather plays ball then pop out onto the pier and try the filters and tripod.

NB I’m not a product photographer so if you want to drool over shiny new kit then visit the Benro site which has the whole range of filters, holders and accessories and a lot of information;

https://benrofilters.com/

PS just back from Elgol where spray and breaking waves soaked everything. The nano coating works superbly and a quick wipe returns the filters to optimum shooting condition. No smears, marks or flare problems. Love it.

Time flies and checking the dates on some photos, I was surprised to learn that I’d been using Benro filters for almost a year. I’m obviously happy with the system but thought I’d do a bit of a round up of favourite photos and a few thoughts on filters.

Having reviewed the Benro Filter Holder FH100M2, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by the Benro FG100 filter holder which seemed to be much lighter, less bulky and less complex; all great things when you are carrying camera, tripod and filters high in the mountains. Simple is usually best, light is usually right so I was surprised by my findings.

Benro UK kindly sent me the FG100 holder so a big thanks to brand manager Mark Hoskins and all at Benro UK.

First impressions confirmed it light weight, minimal bulk and simplicity. It’s just a simple slide in filter holder similar to many of the top brands and reminiscent of the well known Lee brand holder which was for years the go to filter system of choice. The big difference is in price, £45 versus £120 for the FH100M2. I was surprised that the weight difference between the two was minimal, the difference virtually unmeasurable on our kitchen scales. Bulk wasn’t much difference either, although the FH100M2 is a little deeper due to the red and blue control knobs. Conversely, the FG100 is noticably wider due to the brass knob and plastic mount. 

Both designs accept 3 filters. Both holders have the capability of fixing a CPL directly behind the filter slots unlike Lee and some other makes where CPLs have to be fitted in front of the filters. Fitting behind means the CPL can be smaller and cheaper; 82mm compared to the 105mm used by Lee.

I was really happy with the possibly over engineered design of the FH100M2 especially the attachment mechanism to fit the holder to a ring on the front of the lens. It was simple, very positive and absolutely bombproof, in fact, so secure that I happily wander around with filter holder and filters attached, fixed on my Sony A7RII and all on top of a Benro GD3WH on a Benro TMA28C. I know this is a far from recommended practice but using prime lenses means moving around a bit and after initial testing I was more than happy with the security of the whole set up.

The FG100 has a simpler mechanism but it and my filters have survived similar treatment so is obviously equally secure.

The FG100 is well made, secure and offers a cheap entry point to the Benro system but using it for three months has only confirmed to me the superiority of the FH100 M2. Things that I didn’t like about the FG100 were;

- although the CPL fits behind the filters it has no means of adjusting it once the square or rectangular filters are slotted into place. The FH100M2 has access to the CPL’s outer ring so it can be turned (see photos for arrows and “rotate” to show access points).

- the CPL juts forward a bit so the rear filter holder cannot be used.

- the plastic filter rails are not continuous and I found it fiddly sliding filters in since they occasionally caught on the edges.

To me, the biggest plus point of the FH100 is the design to use black plastic filter frames which hold the filters. These help reduce reflections especially on long exposures using ND filters. Also the FH100 has continuous filter rails making insertion of the filters a doddle but also adding extra shielding to cut out flare/reflections. Especially in direct sunlight, I found reflection/light leak problems that I’d not experienced with the FH100M2. 

Additionally, the filter frames make handling expensive filters easier especially in extreme conditions when wearing gloves. They help keep the filters clean by offering a means to handle the glass without marking or smearing with fingerprints etc.

These were my thoughts about the filter frames from a previous review;

1. The main advertised advantage is that the sides of the frames is toothed and  these teeth can be engaged with a cog on the Filter Holder. The red knob on the rear of the filter holder can be used to engage the teeth in any one of the 3 slots which accept the filter frames and used to precisely raise or lower graduate filters to get the exact position desired. Lots of photographers who saw this thought it a brilliant idea and lamented it not being available in other systems apart from the Wine Country range.

2. Help eliminate internal reflections caused by any light entering via the edge of the filter

3. Provide a level of protection both for when in transit or if dropped.

4. The filter frames are easy enough to load the glass into but if possible get a couple of extra so you aren’t constantly faffing around switching glass. The holder comes with one 100 x 100mm and one 100 x 150mm filter frames but I asked for a few extra.

5. The filter frames will hold any 2mm thick filters of the requisite dimensions so you can easily transition from an existing system to save initial outlay.

6. I love that the frames have to be slid in from the top and have a stop so they cannot be pushed right through or drop out something that seems blindingly obvious but will save a lot of expensive accidents.

7. To my mind, the most useful is that you can handle the filters without actually touching the glass thus avoiding smeary finger prints. Also the frame makes for much more secure handling especially in the cold/wet and if wearing gloves. Glass is only too slippery and easy to drop but the plastic frames provide a good grip especially with the “handle” above the locking slot.

The Benro system isn’t perfect but does an excellent job and is priced competitively to other top systems. There have been some great reviews of the system but it deserves to be more widely known. I can only comment on their range of glass filters but I have seen no visible colour casts or shifts. The glass seems tough and scratch resistant and the nano coating is a real bonus and makes keeping them clean and dry really easy. The system, especially with the FH100M2 is robustly built and well engineered with some innovative features such as the mechanical system to adjust filter heights. The filter frames themselves might be available in other systems but they are brilliant and the way forward, in my opinion.

Benro have catered for a variety of budgets. The FG100 and resin filters are reasonably priced, the FH100M2 and glass filters being a premium product are obviously pricier.

At the end of my last review, I listed a few improvements Benro could make to produce what would be the perfect system for me. These included a simpler, magnetic CPL retention system and making the glass filters out of the same toughened glass as Benro CPLs. Not much necessary to make the perfect system.

Recently Tim Parkin conducted probably one of the most extensive filter system tests ever conducted. The results were published in OnLandscape magazine and make interesting reading. Benro came 7th out of 18 different systems, a highly credible result for newcomers on the block. Thy were ranked above traditional top dog, Lee (both old and new systems), the super expensive Wine Country and ProGrey and Firecrest all with great reputations. Scoring an overall 81% compared to the overall winner, H & Y filters who scored 90%.

The H & Y system looks very interesting using magnetic filter frames and removable drop in CPLs and ND filters and scored the highest for usability. Perhaps the best bit is the magnetic filter frame system which looks so easy to use and can be retro fitted to existing filters. Fortunately H & Y have sent me a wide range of samples to test and I’ve had a bit of a chance to play around with their complete system but also with my range of Benro filters inserted into H & Y magnetic filter frames.

To me, usability is the number one priority when selecting gear. If it’s difficult or fiddly or flimsy then I’m unlikely to use it for long. Not sure of exact dates but I must have been using the Benro filter system for about a year. If I’m going out specifically for photography then they are as must have as my Benro tripod.

For me to be using them so long after the initial review speaks massively about how useful they are to me. Truth to tell, I definitely prefer the FH100M2 holder and the filter frame system. The filters themselves, the glass Benro Master ones, are superb and I can’t find fault with them. They seem tough and scratch/mark resistant and even after a year of intensive use look pretty pristine. Being glass and nano coated helps as do the filter frames themselves. 

The last year has seen me take some of my favourite photos of the Cuillin of all time. A lot of it’s down to the light so patience and luck play a part but a big part is down to the gear being up to the job. For years I didn’t really use filters largely due to colour casts and the ease with which leading brand resin filters scratched and chipped. Also, filters were extra gear to be lugged up mountains so they tended to be left out.  I’m firmly in the filter camp now, preferring to get things as right as possible in camera rather than spending computer time blending files and the like.

Not only would I rather be in the mountains chasing the perfect shot rather than deskbound in front of a computer but, for me, it’s an easier process. With my Sony A7RII and Benro filters, what you see is what you get, the viewfinder/monitor gives a brilliant rendition of what the photo will be like. I find it hard to visualize a complete scene if I have to make multiple exposure perhaps for a light sky and darker land. Part of the joy of using filters is that I find it fun, satisfying and it just works. My kit is usually fairly minimal; a filter holder usually the FH100M2, CPL, 3 and 4 stop GNDs and if water is involved then frequently a couple of ND filters. This all fits easily in a small Mindshift filter case.

A tripod is always a given as is the Sony A7RII. Lenses of choice are Zeiss Batis 25 and 85mm and I’m quite happy with just those two. Occasionally I’ll add in the superb Sony Zeiss 55mm. If the trip is more climbing related or I’m guiding a client then I might just take the small Sony 35mm lens. 

In the last couple of years, I have definitely accepted carrying more into the mountains in return for better photos. Thus the Benro Geared Head, the GD3WH, has totally replaced the previous small B1 ballhead and filters have become a constant must have.

Not everyone will want to carry or use filters but for those that do then check out all the systems and whilst going through the popular Lee, Nisi and Kase don’t forget to give Benro a look in. Lots of filters are all above the benchmark of producing great results so look into how the system feels to you, how usable it is and what advantages it can add to your work flow and photographic output. I’m in a lucky position of having used and/or tried many different systems but do yourself a favour and check as many makes as you can before committing to purchase.