B+W Filter Holder
Andy Westlake tests a compact, easy-to-use 100mm filter holder
£94.95 manfrotto.co.uk/bwfilters FOR LANDSCAPE photographers, filters provide invaluable exposure control at the point of shooting. Despite huge advances in sensor and imageprocessing technology, graduated filters are still really useful for reducing the brightness difference often found between the sky and ground. Likewise there’s no substitute for the visual effects of neutral density and polarising filters.
If you’re thinking of putting together a high- quality 100mm filter system, the breadth of choice can be overwhelming. Options start with relatively simple designs that resemble scaled-up Cokin holders, through to more sophisticated but relatively pricey alternatives from the likes of Benro, Nisi and Formatt- Hitech. At first sight, B+W’s filter holder appears to sit at the lower end of this spectrum. But look a little closer and it sports a couple of handy extras that significantly increase its functionality, bringing it closer to those higher- end alternatives.
First, the holder has a circular foam-rubber gasket that compresses against the filter closest to the camera. This should eliminate any problems due to peripheral light leakage when using strong neutral density filters to achieve long exposures. Second, each lens adapter ring has an 86mm thread that will accept a slimline polariser, making it easier to use this essential filter type with minimal risk of vignetting. You could also leave adapter rings attached to your most-used lenses and keep their front elements protected using 86mm caps. However unlike with some of the more sophisticated set- ups, it’s not possible to adjust the polariser’s angle from behind the camera with another filter in place, so I found it easiest to do this before attaching the filter holder.
The holder is very well made, with a rigid aluminium base and plastic slots that grip your filters securely while allowing smooth positional adjustments. A small cross-point screwdriver is included to help keep everything tight. However unlike the popular Lee Filters Foundation holder, it’s not possible to reconfigure the B+W with just two slots to reduce the risk of vignetting with ultra-wide lenses, as the screws that hold it together are too long.