Kolari Filters Review: Which Is The Right One To Add Color To Your Photos?
Kolari Vision already gained a reputation for its Kolari pocket full-spectrum camera conversions, yet the company attempts to step into the field of camera filters with a range of infrared and neutral density filters. This Kolari filters review will see if this move brings success to the brand.
Kolari Vision’s research team has put a lot of effort into producing conversion filters that create the unique look and require simple post-processing. We’re going to break those major lines down and find out if Kolari filters are right for you.
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About Kolari Vision
Kolari Vision is a company that specializes in infrared photography and related services. They are known for their expertise in modifying digital cameras to capture infrared light and for offering a range of infrared conversion services to photographers.
One of Kolari Vision's primary services is the conversion of standard digital cameras into dedicated infrared cameras. This involves removing the camera's internal infrared-blocking filter and replacing it with an infrared-passing filter.
Another focus of Kolari Vision is infrared filters that allow photographers to capture unique and surreal infrared images. Those products include ND filters, clip-in filters, infrared lens filters, IR chrome filters, and mist filters, and more.
Dedication to sustainability is the last key word about Kolari Vision. This company is a valuable partner brand for Tenereteam who is giving us a big hand in our tree-planting project every month. Every time you place an order at Kolari Vision, the store gives us a commision from which we’ll contribute a small part to plant trees where they’re needed the most.
Why are lens filters important?
One of the primary functions of lens filters is to protect the camera lens. They act as a barrier against dust, moisture, fingerprints, and potential physical damage. Instead of risking damage to an expensive lens, photographers can replace or clean a filter if it gets scratched or dirty.
Besides, color correction filters, such as warming or cooling filters, help adjust the color temperature of an image to achieve more accurate and pleasing color rendition.
Various filters create unique effects, such as starbursts, soft focus, or diffusion. These creative filters can add artistic flair to images.
For example, infrared (IR) filters allow photographers to capture images in the infrared spectrum. This reveals a hidden world of fascinating and surreal landscapes.
Kolari filters review: 5 major categories
Now, it is time to delve into the main part - an in-depth Kolari filters review that boils down the brand’s five primary lines of camera filters.
Kolari ND filters
Kolari ND filter
Kolari Vision ND filters distinguish themselves as the best choice due to its excellent color accuracy, premium coatings for added resilience, best-in-class Gorilla Glass, and a precision slim brass frame for superior usability.
Kolari Vision has brought to the table their latest offering - the Kolari Pro ND filter which, for us, is one of the best ND filters available today.
A standout feature of the Kolari Pro ND Filter is its exceptional color neutrality. This filter has been optically engineered to maintain the most neutral properties across the visible light spectrum and even into the infrared range.
What this means for photographers is that you can expect unparalleled color accuracy and consistency when using this filter. No more worrying about unwanted color shifts in your shots.
Durability is a key concern for any photographer, especially when it comes to the glass used in ND filters. Kolari Vision understands this well and has chosen to equip the Pro ND Filter with premium ultra-thin Corning Gorilla Glass.
This glass is not only exceptionally strong but also boasts superior scratch resistance, ensuring the filter can withstand the rigors of outdoor shooting.
Kolari clip-in filters
Kolari clip-in filter
As a photographer always on the lookout for ways to enhance your craft, you’ll find Kolari clip-in filter sets a fantastic solution. These ingenious rear filters left me pleasantly surprised with their features, build quality, and overall performance.
One of their prominent features is the inclusion of a sturdy frame around the actual filter. This seemingly small detail makes a significant difference. We've used rear filters in the past that lacked this protective frame, making them vulnerable to fingerprint smudges and smears. Fortunately, Kolari Vision filters put this concern to rest. The frame not only safeguards the filter but also serves as the magnetic attachment mechanism for your camera.
Besides, we especially recommend trying Kolari Vision 590nm infrared clip-in filters if you’re a fan of bright colors. They will invite more visible light into your lens, resulting in an explosion of vibrant hues.
With Kolari Vision 590nm, leaves transform into golden yellows, and skies stretch out in brilliant blues. It's a canvas where nature's palette flourishes, offering a surreal and captivating experience.
The build quality of the Kolari clip-in filters is nothing short of exceptional. These filters are not merely designed to suffice; they are crafted to excel.
We noticed that the filters are well-constructed and exhibit meticulous attention to detail. Every element, from the frame to the glass, reflects a commitment to premium quality.
Kolari infrared lens filters
Kolari infrared lens filter
Kolari standard infrared lens filters are designed to cater to a wide range of photographers, from enthusiasts to professionals.
These filters are not your run-of-the-mill accessories. They are meticulously crafted to meet the demands of creative minds seeking to delve into the world of infrared photography.
A notable advantage of these filters is their compatibility with a full spectrum conversion or other infrared conversions. This flexibility opens up a world of possibilities, allowing photographers to experiment with different effects and styles.
On the other hand, in case you can stretch your budget a little more, we highly suggest buying the Kolari pro gen 3 infrared lens filter. It represents the pinnacle of Kolari's dedication to excellence in infrared photography.
The Gen 3 filter is the precision machined brass rings. This enhancement not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances grip, making the filters easier to handle, even in challenging conditions.
In addition, its low-profile design ensures that the filter does not protrude excessively from your lens, maintaining a sleek and unobtrusive profile.
Kolari IR chrome filters
Kolari IR chrome filter
In the ever-evolving world of photography, pushing the boundaries of creativity often leads to fascinating discoveries.
One such discovery is the Kolari Vision IR chrome lens filter, a tool designed to transform your full-spectrum digital camera into a portal to the surreal world of Kodak Aerochrome IR film.
Designed to replicate the beloved aesthetic of Kodak Aerochrome IR film, Kolari Vision IR chrome filter brings a touch of nostalgia to your digital photography endeavors.
The fused glass composite used in crafting this Kolari Vision filter is a testament to Kolari's dedication to quality and authenticity. It allows just the right combination of light to pass through, resulting in images that evoke the classic Aerochrome look.
What sets the product apart is its ability to deliver this aesthetic without the need for extensive editing. Your photos will exhibit the distinctive colors and dreamlike quality of Aerochrome, all with minimal post-processing.
In addition, color fringing, where unwanted colors appear along high-contrast edges, is a common issue in infrared photography. With Kolari Vision IR Chrome, this problem is virtually non-existent, ensuring that your images maintain their integrity and visual appeal.
Kolari mist filters
Kolari mist filter
At the heart of Kolari mist filters lies precision-ground optical glass. It's this glass that elevates your images from good to exceptional.
With superior optical flatness, those items guarantee sharper, more striking photographs that capture every nuance and detail of your subject.
For example, the Kolari mist diffusion filter is no ordinary piece of glass - it's a portal to the dreamlike.
With its unique ability to craft a gentle, glowing haze effect, this filter opens doors to creative possibilities that were once the realm of imagination. It's a master of defocusing specific light elements while preserving the sharpness and contrast that's crucial for exceptional photography.
Imagine a scene bathed in soft, luminous light, where reality and fantasy blend seamlessly. The mist diffusion filter is your ticket to crafting such an ambiance.
Photographers wield lenses of varying focal lengths, from wide-angle wonders to powerful telephotos. This Kolari Vision filter accommodates this diversity, ensuring that you can achieve remarkable results regardless of your lens choice.
What do other customers say about Kolari filters?
Overall, Kolari customer reviews are full of positive feedback on the company's services, highlighting their responsive support, efficient conversions, and helpful training materials.
For instance, Shirley Byrne from College Station, TX shares her positive experience with KolariVision. She praises their website's thorough information on infrared photography and quick email responses. The turnaround time for her camera conversion impressed her, and everything was set up perfectly upon its return. She highly recommends their service.
Another satisfied user is Jacki Dickert in Linden, NJ. She expresses gratitude for the excellent and speedy conversion of her D7000 camera. She was concerned about white balance and focus but found no issues. In fact, she noticed even sharper focusing post-conversion. As an IR photography newbie, she was immediately impressed with the results and couldn't be happier.
Jake Kurdsjuk is another happy photographer who shares his IR photography journey with Kolari Vision. He commends their responsiveness and support, especially for someone new to infrared photography. The training guides provided on their website were particularly helpful, and their after-sales care exceeded his expectations.
Conclusion
We believe that Kolari should deserve more awareness from film photographers and photography enthusiasts when it comes to lens filters. While which camera filter suits you the most depends on your favorite photography style and the concept you’re working on, those looking to dive into IR will see the benefits.
First, they’re cheaper than a full IR camera conversion. Second, they ease you from the burden of post-processing.
Personally, Kolari Vision infrared lens filters are our top pick. We often add them to our cameras whenever we desire something different. The colors are unique and apply to almost any kind of photography. Try now!