Why Every Filmmaker Needs 4x5.65 Cinema Filters: A Game-Changer for Your Matte Box

As a filmmaker, upgrading your camera rig with a matte box can be an exciting step. It not only makes your setup look professional but also provides essential functionality for controlling light and protecting your lens. But once you’ve got that matte box in place, the next question is: which 4x5.65 cinema filters should you invest in?

Many of us have faced the sticker shock of brands like Tiffen, Revar, and Schneider. These industry-standard filters, while exceptional, often come with price tags that rival or even exceed the cost of the matte box itself. So, why are these filters so expensive?

The Evolution of 4x5.65 Cinema Filters

4x5.65 filters have long been the gold standard in the film and television industry, standardized in the 1980s. Unlike circular filters that are often specific to certain lens sizes, 4x5.65 filters can be used across a wide variety of lenses and systems without the need for step-up rings or adapters. They offer versatility, especially for lenses without an exterior filter thread, like vintage lenses or cinema lenses.

In the past, the high cost of these filters limited their use to those who could afford the very best. But now, in 2024, the landscape has changed. Affordable brands like K&F Concepts, Neewer, and Nisi have entered the market, offering high-quality 4x5.65 cinema filters for less than $50.

Why Affordable Filters Matter

The availability of budget-friendly 4x5.65 cinema filters is a game-changer. These filters offer comparable performance to their expensive counterparts, allowing filmmakers on a budget to achieve professional results without breaking the bank.

For example, K&F Concepts offers a range of 4x5.65 cinema filters that are thick, easy to handle, and feature a water-resistant coating. In my experience, they perform just as well as the higher-end options, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their kit.

Testing K&F Concepts Cinema Filters

One of the standout products from K&F Concepts is their ND8 and ND64 combo kit. This kit includes a relatively weak ND filter and a strong ND filter, allowing you to shoot in various lighting conditions. The filters come in padded carrying cases, which are not only protective but also designed for easy access—simply pull on the orange strap to remove the filter without leaving fingerprints.

When used in a matte box, these filters provide a clean image, free from the annoying X-pattern often seen with variable ND filters. The quality is impressive, especially considering the price point.

But it’s not just ND filters that you can get from K&F Concepts. They also offer effects filters, such as the Black Mist 1/8 cinema filter. This filter is similar to the Tiffen Promist and adds a cinematic, hazy quality to your footage. And the best part? It costs a fraction of the price of the name-brand version.

The Bottom Line: Affordable Cinema Filters Are Here to Stay

There’s a misconception that 4x5.65 cinema filters have to be expensive. However, brands like K&F Concepts are proving that you can get high-performance filters at an accessible price. While the most expensive filters may offer a level of refinement that’s absent in budget options, the differences are often minor.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your kit with affordable cinema filters. K&F Concepts, along with other budget-friendly brands, are making it easier than ever for filmmakers to get the most out of their matte box systems without spending a fortune.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to enhance your filmmaking without breaking the bank, K&F Concepts offers a range of high-quality 4x5.65 cinema filters that deliver excellent results. Whether you need ND filters or special effects filters, there’s an affordable option that fits your needs.

Links to the products featured in this post are in the description of the video, along with a coupon code from K&F Concepts to save 12% across their site.

Thank you for reading, and happy filming!