I forgot to mention it in the video but this wasn't a sponsored post nor was I paid for this review. Maven provided the filters without asking for anything in return. Good luck in the contest!
Thank you for the review as I have the Maven filters myself. I did find a hiccup with magnetic filters. On a trip to Lake Tahoe, I discovered that the dust/sand there has iron within it. Consequently, the Maven threads collected grit that could not be easily removed in the field. Be aware of this.
I've been using my Lee set that I've had for over ten years : ) Been looking at all the magnetic options for a while and you might have sold me on these. That was a good informative review Alex.
I am really happy with my set of Maven filters. They're really convenient to put on and swap around and the quick-carry-case they came with, is very convenient to take them out when swapping or adding filters. It's also small and convenient enough to keep it at hand in the bottom of my camera bag on my hip so I can quickly take it out, much easier than digging into my backpack like I had to do with my previous square filter system! BTW I feel I'm much clumsier with square filter systems than with these magnetic square filters.
Thank you for your support Tim! Thank you for recognizing the Quick Draw case, which is a big part of the user experience. We tried to make it literally as small as possible. Best wishes!
Thanks for an excellent video. I've not used filters other than a polarizing one in my many years of taking photos, but I'm interested now. I really appreciated your comments regarding square filters versus magnetic as I am left-handed and a little awkward. Also, our son and his family recently moved to Portland, Maine so it was lovely to see some of Arcadia with you - plus appreciated your implicit tip to bring mosquito repellent.
Because of your recommendation, Alex, I went ahead and ordered a set of Maven filters and am pleased. I have two wishes for them that I believe would make them more functional, but might be difficult to achieve. I can't take the magnetic lens cap off with one hand without removing the filter below it. I wish I didn't have to hold the filter with one hand while removing the lens cap with the other. Also, I often carry my Nikon with a Spinn strap system. If my camera is carried over one shoulder, my zoom lens might occasionally hit my body and the filter system will come off. It's disconcerting as I'm afraid they'll shatter, which they haven't. This happens less when the camera is over the other shoulder, as the camera might be bumping into my arm less often. I just am a bit afraid of the filters coming off in a noisier environment where I might not hear them fall. I usually have the protective filter and lens cap on when carrying the camera, so I've adjusted by not using the cap as frequently when I'm carrying the camera and do my best to avoid smudging the protective filter. Overall, the system is ingenious and I hope the magnets continue to hold for years. I appreciate your content and tips!
First let me say thank you for your support. I wanted to reach out and address your concerns. While the current cap design is simplistic & therefore limited, there is a tilting / peeling off method that will allow you to remove just the cap. Would us making a video demonstrating it help? 2nd - In regards to the bumping the filter off, have you tried it with a lens hood? While we dont recommend carrying them on the lens for very long distances, I can appreciate that sometimes you want to go a short distance without putting them away. The manufacturer's lens hood should all but eliminate these little bumps from popping the magnets off for shorter distances. Its a very subtle nuance because I love to carry my cameras without lens hoods as well. We have some other solutions coming, but I cannot speak to them publicly yet. In regards to magnetic strength, nearly all magnets will very slightly weaken with enough time, but its a tiny percentage, like 1-3%. In addition to this, MAVEN filters have a lifetime guarantee. If they do become weak over time (to the point you can shake them off of your lens without touching them) we will happily replace them. I still have my original set from over a year and a half ago, and not having any issues. Would love to hear your feedback on the lens hood & if you have. Thanks again for your support!
@@MMaven I appreciate you getting back to me and your wise comments. The lens hood for the lens I use primarily with your filters is a bit large so I rarely use it when traveling. I will consider doing so, though. I feel like I can’t get enough purchase on the cap alone to only remove it and not the protective filter with it when using one hand. I will try your technique, but maybe it’s possible that a small extension on the cap to allow easier “peeling” might be a future consideration in design. Regardless, I can’t wait to continue using your filters. I grew up using screw-in UV/Skylight filters solely to protect my lenses, and they did save a lens more than once. I like the fact you provide a similar one too, so when it comes off it makes me nervous as I appreciate its protection. Because I enjoy carrying my camera over the shoulder with these new-age straps that provide quick-shooting access, I will make it work. Thanks again-
Thanks Alex, Loved the shot of trail. And, I was amazed about the way the ND brought out the lighter blues in the water. Keep away from the edge of those cliffs. Doug
Wow, Alex! I just watched your video and loved it! Those filters seen great! Michael actually responded to a question that I had about a good ND filter(s) to get for landscape photography and that lead me directly to your video! I appreciate you both so very much, for ALL y'all do to help us that are less knowledgeable in the photography world but are striving to learn!!! I have loved photography for years but now, after retiring, am getting more into it and loving it every step of the way!!! I have SOOOO much more to learn though! Thanks again!!! ~Steve
I bought a K&F Concept set a little over a year ago. I love that it's magnetic, but it's obviously not as strong as the Maven magnets. The last time I used them, I had the polarizer fall off with just a small bump, so I dealt with the hassle of putting the filter in the pouch before moving and then having to get it out again. Thankfully the filter survived the fall and still worked well. I'd definitely love something like the Maven for all the advantages, and to have more than just a CPL and 10 stop in my kit (I just haven't spent the money on the other NDs).
Interesting concept. I just discovered Kase magnetic filters and was about to purchase a set, then I saw the few (vs. Kase videos) Mavin reviews on You tube and am very interested in them.
Why was Vignettes not mentioned. I noticed one lens you used, was 14mm. I’m torn, thinking I will need a 82mm set of filters, and step up rings from 67mm & 77mm to cover my main lenses.
Hi Alex, thanks for reviewing. I'm interested so just subscribed. I appreciate that you didn't come to a snap decision but wanted to consider real world use over time. I'm looking for a good magnetic system and was wondering about the PolarPro Helix maglock but pretty big, bulky and expensive. I have a few queries: (a) will a lens hood fit with these? I note you had a hood in reverse mount (i.e. not used) in the shots shown. (b) can you multi stack filters - without vignetting and/or compromising the magnetic hold? (c) how easy are they to 'knock off' if end of lens brushes against obstacles (eg if camera is harness mounted using say a Peak Design clip)? (d) what do you do if you want polarisation as well as ND capability? (e) in practice how suitable have you found the ND range - fixed 3, 6 or 10 stop for video use or do you need to augment with other screw-on fixed NDs between lens and Maven filters?
Hi Alex - Thanks a lot for posting this excellent review. I have a question. At 2:11 you show the front of your lens with what appears to be a ring around it wit a small wheel that looks like it is for adjusting a polarising filter. I assume that is not part of the Maven system - right? Cheers!
This is a quality product with about the same color cast compared to the high end B+W or Breakthrough ND filters (ie easily corrected in Camera Raw / Lightroom. Furthermore, the ease of use is the primary advantage over the traditional screw on filter. However, in the field, this ended up being a "no-go" for me and I'm disappointed that these reviewers didn't mention potential issues with using a lens hood. The other day, I was shooting at a local creek, put on the ND6 Maven Filter, put on my lens hood and when I went to take off the lens hood, it promptly took off the ND filter, which went into the creek; luckily I was able to retrieve it (barely). I furthermore tested these filters at home with several of my lens and lens hood; in real world scenarios, if you want to use these filters, you'll have to use them without any lens hood (it may not be an issue for a lot of folks). If you have occasion to use a lens hood and shoot in unpredictable situations (ie not in a sterile studio), forget these filters because these filters will not reliably stay on when taking off a lens hood.
As impressed I was with your review Alex, my issue is multiple lens sizes and the cost for having multiple filters for 2-3 lens sizes. Today's online price for a set of Maven filters (one size) is about $600. I opted for the K&F square filter system at a bit less than half the price of the Mavens that comes with adapter rings for all my lens sizes and the filters will work on all of them. It's not as convenient and easy to use as magnet filters but I'd rather use my meager photography budget on other things. All that said, it may be worthwhile someday to pickup 2 magnetic CPL filters for the 2 lens sizes I use most often (82 & 77MM). I could see that would be real helpful.
They do have a step up ring. With the ring you can use larger filters on smaller lenses. So buy 82mm filters and an 82x77 adapter and you'll just need one set of filters for both lens sizes.
Great video. I would point out that Maven makes step rings, so for example I bought 82 mm for my 15-35, and then an 82 mm -> 77 mm ring for my 70-200, 100-500, and 24-105 with more lens caps. I miss your Alaska videos.
Hi Justin! First, let me say thank you for your support. We have already released our version of the mist filters. We call them “Show Glow” & they are available in three different densities. I have the production quality prototypes for the bahtinov mask in my hands. It is white and will launch with our next Kickstarter in September!
@MMaven Sweet! Definitely picking them up and a back cap. I poked around a little bit but couldn't find a development road map. Do you have any other products you are developing?
Thanks for your long term review of the maven filters Alex. I was on the fence about them because of the long term durability of the magnets but I guess I'll switch from the threaded filters I'm using right now in the near future but I don't if I'll get the maven's or kase's revolution. Maybe the only question I have and you didn't mentioned in your video is how is the vignetting when using one or two filters stacked on the 14-35 f4 lens at 14 mm. Without filters there's a visible vignetting at the corners that you can correct using the lens profile in DPP, LR or C1, but it is gets worse with the filters on or it is the same?
Great video. I notice you are using the canon 16-35mm F4L lens. I have that to and I’m trying to find out if there is vignetting at 16mm focal length if you use a 77mm filter on its own. Is there?
Hi James! This is a common concern and we have a new cap coming. In the meantime however you should know there is a tilt / peel method that will allow you to tilt it off without pulling the filters off. We will be posting a video shortly. Thank you for your support.
