Polar Pro Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter Edition II
PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter Edition II Review: Professional Kit Awaiting Commitment
The summer sun was brutal on Malham Cove’s limestone pavements as I filmed Yorkshire’s geological wonders. Even with my Canon 5D Mark IV at f/8, I couldn’t achieve that cinematic 1/50th shutter speed without massive overexposure. This was exactly the scenario I’d bought both PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter Edition II filters for – the 2-5 stop and 6-9 stop versions, a complete system for my YouTube ambitions. The honest reality? Eight months later, these exceptional filters had been used perhaps a handful of times whilst I struggled to build the consistent content schedule my channel actually needs.
The Complete Variable ND Investment: YouTube Content Ambitions
I bought both PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter Edition II filters together – 2-5 stop and 6-9 stop – as a complete variable ND system for serious YouTube content creation. The investment seemed reasonable for the professional exposure control I’d need across any lighting scenario.
The plan was thorough: the 2-5 stop for general filming situations, and the 6-9 stop for extreme conditions – brilliant summer days, snow scenes, beach filming – scenarios where lighter density wouldn’t suffice. Professional cinematographers don’t compromise on exposure control, and neither should serious YouTubers, right?
Both filters use the same 82mm threading with step-down rings for my Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM, future-proofing against larger lens investments. The Edition II improvements over the original – Cinema Series glass, haptic feedback, Defender 360 cases – seemed worth the premium.
The reality is I need to work much harder at building consistent weekly content to justify owning such professional kit.
What Impresses: Edition II Engineering Excellence
Haptic Feedback Revolution Across Both Filters The numbered click stops are brilliant for video work. The 2-5 stop (2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5) and 6-9 stop (6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9) provide exact density selection by feel. Critical for maintaining focus on subjects whilst adjusting exposure, especially in handheld situations.
Remarkable Colour Neutrality Both filters deliver impressive colour fidelity from the Cinema Series glass. The 2-5 stop maintains neutrality across its entire range with minimal colour shift. More impressively, the 6-9 stop achieves colour-neutral results at extreme densities – extraordinarily difficult with variable ND technology. Only minimal warm cast at maximum density, easily corrected with white balance.
Premium Build Quality Throughout Identical machined aluminum frames and quartz glass construction across both filters. Despite minimal use over eight months, they remain pristine. The knurled edges provide excellent grip with cold Yorkshire fingers, and rotation is perfectly weighted – smooth but deliberate.
Complete Range Coverage Together, these filters provide 2-9 stops of variable density – covering virtually any video scenario from gentle exposure control to extreme bright-light conditions. When actually used, the system eliminates the need for multiple fixed ND filters or constant camera setting adjustments.
Zero Cross-Polarisation Issues Both filters eliminate the dreaded “X” pattern completely. Preset stop ranges and hard stops prevent over-rotation, giving complete confidence throughout both ranges.
Defender 360 System The magnetic cases double as lens caps when filming and waterproof storage when not. Genuinely useful protection for expensive glass, not marketing nonsense.
What Frustrates: The Need for Better Commitment
Content Creation Consistency Challenge The filters seemed justified for regular YouTube content creation. The reality? I haven’t developed the consistent weekly filming schedule needed to build a successful channel. What appeared to be a sensible investment for content creation became a reminder that buying professional kit is only the first step – you need professional commitment to content schedules too.
Underutilisation Through Inconsistency These exceptional filters sit unused for weeks because I haven’t built the disciplined content creation routine my channel actually needs. Professional kit demands professional workflow consistency that I’m still developing.
Range Overlap for Casual Creators Whilst the 2-5 stop covers most video scenarios, the 6-9 stop only becomes essential in extreme conditions I don’t regularly encounter. For creators still building their filming routine, the complete system might be overkill until you’re consistently creating content that demands such flexibility.
Step-Down Ring Dependencies Both 82mm filters require step-down rings for most lenses. The thick profiles prevent standard lens hoods, reducing contrast control in challenging lighting.
Slight Vignetting Reality Despite claims of no vignetting to 16mm, the 6-9 stop creates slight corner darkening with my Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM at maximum width and higher density settings.
Limited Performance: Excellent When Actually Used
The few occasions I’ve used both filters have been flawless. The 2-5 stop excelled filming around Grassington, maintaining consistent exposure moving between bright limestone buildings and shadowed areas. For tighter shots isolating architectural details, the filters work equally well with my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L II USM, providing the same colour neutrality and smooth operation across the telephoto range.
The 6-9 stop proved essential during blazing summer light at Aysgarth Falls, where the 8.5-stop setting maintained perfect exposure whilst capturing dramatic contrasts. For versatile zoom work, both filters pair brilliantly with my Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L USM, covering everything from wide establishing shots to tighter documentary-style footage.
Winter filming on Kinder Scout after fresh snowfall demanded the full 9-stop density – extreme reflectivity required serious neutral density for proper exposure control. Both filters integrate seamlessly with my kit, stored in the Lowepro PhotoSport Backpack PRO 70L AW III alongside my MindShift Gear Filter Hive.
It’s worth noting that these PolarPro variable ND filters serve a completely different purpose to my Lee Filters LEE100 Deluxe Kit Plus, which excels for long exposure photography. The Lee system with its graduated filters is perfect for landscape stills, whilst the PolarPro variable NDs are specifically optimised for video work where maintaining consistent shutter speeds is paramount.
Alternative Options: What Else Should You Consider?
- Allows you to adjust the intensity of light absorption from ND 1 up to 5 stops, with ND strength in stops marked on the …
- Lens cap and Filter Pouch PRO included.Perfect together the NiSi Swift Add On Kit to transform it to a 5-9 stops VND
- International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age …
NiSi Swift True Color VND System (1-5 Stop) A more affordable alternative to the complete PolarPro system. Build quality is solid, though rotation isn’t quite as smooth and there’s no haptic feedback. Some users report slight colour shifts at higher densities, but overall performance is strong for the price difference. Good option for creators still building their filming consistency.
- Moment Variable ND filters are the secret sauce to controlling your exposure. Made with premium Schott B270 Pro Cinema G…
- Our Variable ND Filters also feature a unique flared geometry unlike anything else on the market, allowing you to see yo…
- Made to shoot on the go, our filters also feature hard stops at both ends of the range to prevent unwanted cross polariz…
Moment Variable ND System (2-5 & 6-9 Stop) A competitive alternative offering both ranges like PolarPro. Features Schott B270 Pro Cinema Glass with good optical quality and unique flared design allowing you to see ND markings from behind the camera. Build quality is solid with aerospace-grade aluminum, though it lacks the haptic feedback precision of Polar Pro’s numbered clicks. The red anodized ring makes it distinctive, and the hard stops prevent cross-polarisation effectively.
- Moment Variable ND filters are the secret sauce to controlling your exposure. Made with premium Schott B270 Pro Cinema G…
- Our Variable ND Filters also feature a unique flared geometry unlike anything else on the market, allowing you to see yo…
- Made to shoot on the go, our filters also feature hard stops at both ends of the range to prevent unwanted cross polariz…
K&F Concept Variable ND + CPL 2-in-1 Filter (ND2-ND32) An innovative budget alternative that combines variable ND (1-5 stops) with a circular polarizer in a single filter. This eliminates the need to stack filters, reducing bulk and potential optical compromises. Made with German B270 optical glass and 28 multi-layer coatings, it offers decent optical quality with no “X” cross pattern. Perfect for creators wanting both exposure and reflection control without carrying multiple filters. Some users report stiff rotation and occasional difficulty unscrewing, but excellent value for dual functionality.
- 【Variable ND & CPL filter in 1】One filter has the ND and CPL filter features, it can not only control the amount of ligh…
- 【True Color ND CPL】Without Partial Yellow, Our all-new titanium coating technology, bid farewell to the common problem o…
- 【No “X” Cross on Images】The filter frame adopts self-locking technology and rotates infinitely between 1 and 5 stops(ND2…
Neewer Variable ND2-ND400 Filter (1-9 Stops) The ultra-budget option that covers an impressive 1-9 stop range in a single filter. Features hard stops to prevent cross-polarisation and “True Colors” technology for better colour reproduction. Made with optical glass and 30-layer nano-coatings for durability and scratch resistance. Build quality is basic but functional, with some users reporting slight colour warmth. May show X-pattern at maximum density, but excellent value for experimenting with variable ND without major investment. Perfect starter filter for creators testing the waters.
- 【Variable Neutral Density Camera Lens Filter】NEEWER 77mm True Colors Variable Neutral Density Filter for the camera lens…
- 【Precisely Positioned Hard Stops】Upgraded with hard stops at both ends to limit this VND filter within 1 to 8.6 Stops (a…
- 【True to Life Vivid Color Reproduction】 This ND filter fulfills the True Colors effect to produce true to life color. Le…
The Honest Reality: Professional Kit Awaiting Professional Workflow
After eight months of inconsistent use, these represent variable ND technology’s pinnacle waiting for the consistent content creation workflow they deserve. The optical quality is genuinely impressive – achieving this level of performance across 2-9 stops of variable density is remarkable engineering.
For professional videographers or dedicated YouTubers with established filming schedules, this complete system is transformative. For content creators like me still building consistent workflows, it’s expensive kit waiting for the commitment it deserves.
The reality: Both PolarPro filters represent professional capability that needs consistent content creation to justify. These filters deserve creators who film regularly, not occasional users still developing their content rhythm.
My honest recommendation: If you’re already creating consistent video content or have an established filming schedule, the complete 2-5 and 6-9 stop system is absolutely worth the investment. If you’re still building your content creation discipline like me, consider whether you’ll develop enough filming consistency to justify such professional kit.
The PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND Filter Edition II filters are exceptional – the question is whether you’ll commit to using them regularly enough to justify the expense. Sometimes, the most honest gear review is admitting you need to work harder at content creation to match the quality of your kit.
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