Last Updated on January 13, 2019
Video credit: Straight Talk on Photography
Photography as a process has been around since the 16th century. However, it was not elevated into a proper art form until the mid-18th century with help from American photographer and art promoter Alfred Stieglitz.
Technology has done much to help professional photographers develop their technique and artistic expression. More importantly, technology has fostered a love for the craft in the ordinary person. Today’s megapixel cameras and the assortment of filters from image-taking applications are enabling people to come up with amazing photos, even without proper training.
But we digress from the true purpose of this article, which is to introduce an accessory fit for someone who knows his way around a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV — magnetic filters.
Traditional versus magnetic filters
Created by Breakthrough Photography, this magnetic lens filter system enables filters to snap on and off easily. Photographers often have difficulty with the traditional, screw-on filters because they are not always easy to adjust. When loosely attach, they result in light leaks and ruin the desired effect of a shot altogether.
A magnetic filter attaches itself to your lens adapter in a snap and accurately does so every time. So screwing and adjusting that circular filter on becomes a thing of the past.
A magnetic filter for every shot
Another great feature of Breakthrough’s magnetic filters is that it will work on 82mm thread sizes and smaller. So, instead of buying a filter for each lens, you just need either a magnetic adapter ring or a step-up ring.
The circular advantage
A typical square filter comes with about 15% unusable surface and can have more than 0% light leak. It becomes more expensive as a result. Filter manufacturers have designed a way around the said problem by creating different holder designs as a way to completely eliminate light leak all the time.
On the other hand, a circular magnetic filter eliminates light leak 100% of the time and ensures that all the surface area on the filter is used. Overall, magnetic filters are the more affordable option for both the manufacturer and the photographer, with a price difference of $10 in some cases.
Price range of Magnetic Filters from Breakthrough Photography
Magnetic filters from Breakthrough Photography range from around $100 to $200 each. Options include UV, CPL, ND, Dark CPL, Night Sky, and Infrared. Meanwhile, the magnetic adapter rings (49mm to 82mm) cost $12 each.