Introducing… The Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition Photography Filter Kit
I’m thrilled to announce my new Ken Kaminesky signature filter kit from Formatt-Hitech. Dubbed the ‘Master Kit’ it is the most complete filter kit that Formatt-Hitech (or anyone else for that matter) offers. My kit is ideal for the photographer that wants to have the most versatility and control over the subject matter that they photograph.
By using these filters in my photography in the last few years, I’ve been able to be more creative with my work and develop a deeper passion for image creation. After all, Photography is about how each photographer sees the world in their own unique way and how they interpret their vision with their photographs.
‘It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you SEE’
~Henry David Thoreau
If you have not yet explored how neutral density and polarizing filters can help you take better photos, then keep on reading. This could change the way YOU see the world too. Exploring and discovering the world around you with new tools such as these filters will expand your creative vision and open up a world of new photographic possibilities.
My Master kit offers photographers the chance to work with solid and soft edge neutral density (or ND) filters and gives you a circular polarizer along with extra ND filters for a total package. The kits are offered in acrylic IRND format and new colour cast free Firecrest glass filters.
Gratitude and Pride
It isn’t easy to find the right words to express how proud I am about this kit and grateful I am to all the good people at Formatt-Hitech for collaborating with me on this exciting project. This is a group of people that truly appreciates the art of photography and are looking for new ways to help photographers elevate their game.
Formatt-Hitech has revolutionized the photo and cinema filter game with these new Firecrest filters and I can honestly say that no one comes close to the Firecrest in terms of craftsmanship and innovation. The quality of the filters is something I stand by and I feel proud to be associated with. I’ve been in the photography game a long time and I would never risk endorsing a product that I did not use, love, and have absolute confidence in. It truly is an honour for me to associate my name with this kit.
‘Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.’
~William Arthur Ward Read
The Master and Travel Photography Filter kits come with a choice of ProStop IRND or Firecrest, with the ProStop version available now, and the Firecrest version available in early November.
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By using a 3 stop ND filter I was able to slow down my shutter speed just enough to get a 3 second exposure. This allowed me to soften the water at Kirkjufelfoss waterfalls in Iceland
Painting with light
Photography is basically the art of painting with light in a controlled fashion and there are 3 ways to fine tune the way you control the light that your camera works with. Aperture, ISO, and shutter speed are the ways we play with and manipulate the light that hits our camera sensors. Each one of these three ways of controlling light does very different things and by getting a better understanding of this photographic holy trinity (as I like to call it) we are able to be more creative with the images we create.
Having the right tools to control the light is essential for maximum creative control. The best tools in my arsenal are a good sturdy tripod (I use Induro), a cable release or intervalometer, and of course neutral density and polarizing filters like the awesome new Firecrest filters.
Image of Vernazza, Italy was edited using a blend of several exposures including one shot with a 3 stop IRND ND filter
What is a Neutral Density Filter?
Simply put, an ND filter is a piece of glass or resin that reduces the amount of light that enters your lens across all colour wavelengths. It should do so with as little or no visible colour cast or hue change to your image. Different opacities of neutral density allow for more complete control of the effect you want to achieve in your final photograph.
As an ND filter becomes more opaque, you will have the option to either slow down your shutter speed (to control motion) or use a wider aperture (to control depth of field).
The blue skies and crazy turquoise at Peyto Lake in Alberta, Canada were accentuated using a polarizer filter and soft edge grad
What is a Polarizer?
One of the best ways to preview the effect of your polarizer filter is to wear polarized sunglasses. By tilting your head from side to side you will get an approximation of the overall effect the polarizing filter will achieve on the scene you are photographing.
Effects of Polarizing filters
- Lighten and darken blue skies
- Adjust overall contrast in your photo
- Remove reflections and glare from water, glass, and other shiny and reflective surfaces
- Tweak saturation in the blues and greens in a scene
- Act as a slight ND filter of around 1.5 stops
Circular Vs. Linear Polarizers
When discussing polarizers, the words “linear” and “circular” don’t refer to the shape of the filter. It refers to the polarization pattern effect created by the filter. Linear polarizers are only effective on film cameras. Digital cameras, especially those with CMOS sensors and autofocus require circular polarizers.
When choosing a polarizing filter for digital photography, choose a circular polarizer.
Manarola in Cinque Terre was shot using a 6 stop IRND filter for the smooth water effect and no filter in another exposure to maintain the dramatic cloud structure. Blended together in Photoshop.
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What is a soft edge ND?
Graduated Neutral Density filters (Grads) are clear on the bottom and have different amounts of opaque neutral density at the top. Grads are available with different transitions from clear to opaque. The different types of grad are soft edge, hard edge, reverse, and blender.
Soft Edge
Soft edge grads are the most popular type of grad because the gradual transition from clear to ND effect is extremely versatile. Soft edge grads excel in scenes that have no precise horizon line, like a mountainous landscape, because the gradual blend from light to dark maintains a natural looking transition. Because they’re so versatile, soft edge grads also work well on very defined horizons as well. For this kit, I’ve chosen the two most popular densities of soft edge ND grad, because they are the most effective at balancing the bright sky with the subtle luminosity of the terrain below.
Cloud Gate at Millenium Park in Chicago at sunrise was shot using a Neutral Density filter to remove pedestrians in the frame
Why use ND filters?
- They allow you to remove or reduce visibility of moving objects in photos.
- They let you add motion blur to moving subjects
- They make it possible to take very long exposure photos that can create unique artistic effect
- With ND filters you can use a wider aperture in order to get more shallow depth of field without sacrificing an ideal shutter speed
What’s in the box?
The Ken Kaminesky Signature Edition Master Kits Include
- Firecrest ND or ProStop IRND 3.0 (10 stops)
- Firecrest ND or ProStop IRND 1.8 (6 stops)
- Firecrest ND or ProStop IRND 0.9 (3 stops)
- Firecrest or ProStop IRND Soft Edge ND Grad 0.6 (2 stops)
- Firecrest or ProStop IRND Soft Edge ND Grad 0.9 (3 stops)
- Firecrest Circular Polarizer
- Aluminum Holder
- Adapter ring
- Polarizer Ring
- Ken Kaminesky Booklet
- Filter Pouches
Available Sizes Firecrest ND and ProStop IRND:
100mm* with aluminum holder and choice of wide angle adapter
58mm | 67mm | 77mm | 82mm
85mm* with aluminum holder and choice of threaded adapter
58mm | 67mm | 77mm
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The Booklet
We included a special informational booklet with every Master Kit that contains advice regarding using neutral density and polarizing filters along with some of my favourite images from all over the world. I also share information and tips about how I shoot in the field and how I use my time effectively back home in my office when planning shoots. It takes more than most people think to get great images and I’m happy to share some of what I’ve learned over the years.
Spot the Formatt-Hitech filters in my road kit!
Firecrest ND Vs. ProStop IRND
ProStop IRND
ProStop IRND is an advanced ND filter that reduces both visible spectrum light and infrared radiation. At higher densities (such as 10 stops) reducing infrared reduces contamination on the digital sensor that causes color shifts and digital artifacts, especially in the dark areas of the image. ProStop IRND filters are made by using special formulations of dye in resin. Resin filters are light and extremely durable, and have an index of refraction nearly equal to the finest glass materials, meaning that resin filters will achieve the same level of image fidelity as a glass filter.
Firecrest ND
Firecrest is an exotic multi-coating that is applied to glass and is far-and-away the most technologically advanced filter manufacturing process on the market. Firecrest filters remove resin and dye from the equation completely. The Firecrest process is a hard coated electrolytic process that is anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, and hydrophobic. Most importantly, Firecrest technology gives the Formatt-Hitech chief scientist unprecedented control over modifying specific frequencies of the light spectrum. The result is hyper-neutral NDs, with tailored reductions of ultraviolet, visible spectrum light, near-infrared and infrared.
In order to get a slow shutter speed to achieve the soft flowing water effect around the ice on Jokulsarlon beach, I used a 6 stop IRND filter
Why did I choose the filters included in my kit?
I wanted to include the filters I used most and the combination I thought would make for the most well-rounded kit. I wanted this kit to contain all the absolute essential filters for the photographer who wanted the one kit to rule them all! All Lord of the Rings jokes aside, for all purpose travel, landscape, people, long exposure, and architectural photography… This kit is your perfect solution.
The solid NDs give a perfect balance of densities to work with from mild 3 stop exposure, mid range 6 stop reduction, to an extreme 10 stop exposure reduction. For the soft graduated filters I have found the 0.6 and 0.9 to be the most used in my kit and will be the perfect complement to the solid neutral density filters.
The polarizer is an obvious addition to the Master Kit and will help in all kinds of situations where you want to reduce glare, control reflective surfaces, and accentuate the blues and greens in your photos.
Looking back now, I’m confident that this filter kit will set the standard of what photographers need in terms of a well-rounded set of neutral density and polarizing filters.
‘Eventually everything connects – people, ideas, objects. The quality of the connections is the key to quality per se.’
~Charles Eames
Quality Products and Outstanding People
Getting to use the awesome Formatt-Hitech products is already quite the treat but having this kit of quality filters and accessories co-branded with my name is something very special to me. What makes it even more significant for me is the fact that I get to work with the dedicated and passionate people at Formatt-Hitech. Thanks to what they do, I’m more inspired than ever to create new images and I have a feeling that 2015 will be an incredible year for photography.
Thanks to Rod, David, James, Katie, and Anne at Formatt-Hitech for all your hard work on the kit and for your friendship. I’m proud to be working with you all!
Taking a photo of Rod Clark (VP Marketing at Formatt-Hitech) at Photokina earlier this year
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Thanks for an informative article and lovely photos. It looks like an indispensable item of kit for a landscape photographer. May I ask what model of camera is being held by Rod Clark in the final photo?
Looks an awful lot like a FujiFilm X-T1 :-)
Indeed it is a Fujifilm X-T1… Love that camera :-)
Endless applause for well deserved good news regarding the recognition of a great and gifted photographer. Wear it humbly but proudly. Much success in the future.
Thanks so much for the kind words!
Big big CONGRATULATIONS to both of you for the new launch of The Master Filter Kit by Formatt-Hitech, please include this for the next photo walk which I can attend for my ‘masterpiece’ :D
Thank you for all the support Abby. Really appreciate it!
Well this Kit is exactly what i want and would purchase; the problem is the expense.
You can always start smaller and get a few select filters. If you have any questions please let me know.
incredible work, congratulations
Cheers for the nice comment!
hi,
which polariser does the kit contains? the Firecrest Superslim Stackable Circular Polariser or the Firecrest Ultraslim Non-Stackable Circular Polariser?
Hi Petros, sorry for the late reply. The kit comes with the Firecrest Superslim Stackable Circular Polariser. If you’re interested in the ultraslim, please let me know and I’ll see what I can do.
Hi Ken,
I’m considering getting your kit, as opposed to the Lee ultimate landscape filter kit.
I have several questions:
1. Do you think that hard edge ND filters aren’t missing frm your kit? I would have assumed at least one of those. can you use the soft edge GND instead of the hard edge?
2. Why include the 3 stop filter? usually getting 3 stops can be done in camera, so why have the 3 stop in the package, instead of a hard edge gnd or a reverse gnd?
3. regarding the reverse gnd, do you think it’s really needed? I plan to shoot sunrise/sunset more and more and wonder what would be the prefered combination of such filters?
4. The 16 stop filter? have you used it? I know it’s possible to stack 6+10 but in case of water/reflections, the best case might require polarizer+gnd to even out the exposure and to add 16 stops on top of that,
5. last one – have you ever encountered a need for 1 stop gnd? it’s part of the lee kit which I’m not sure I need…
Hi Jacob,
Happy to answer all your questions…
1- it wouldn’t have been wise for me to include every single filter possible to make it perfect for everyone. The price point would have been astronomical. Photographers can always add whatever filters they want to the Master kit. In my experience, the soft edge grads are used far more often than the hard edge.
2- While three stops can often be achieved in camera, however, especially for shooting waterfalls when I want a very specific shutter speed, the three stop neutral density filter is perfect.
3- Each sunrise or sunset will present it on set of challenges for a photographer. While the reverse graduated neutral density filter maybe the least used in the kit, the results that a photographer will be able to achieve with it can be very rewarding.
4- I have used the 16 stop but there is limited use for it even if it is quite an awesome filter to have at my disposal. This filter would be ideal for super long exposure B&W photography.
5- I see no point at all for 1 stop GND. Lightroom can easily recover 1 stop with the highlight and shadow sliders.
Hello Ken,
I’m also considering buying your kit, actually I already ordered it from amazon a week ago. It looks like it’s going to take nearly a month for the delivery. Is this normal in the photography world? As you probably already figure it out I’m a beginner. In the meanwhile I’ve been reading some filter reviews on the internet (I should have done it before, I know) and some people are saying that the ND filters from Hitech render a blue cast over the image. Is it always true or it depends on the type of image you are taking? Is it always necessary to tweak the images on Photoshop when you use ND filters?
I ordered the firecrest kit version for £444.31, that I think is a good deal. Do you think the resin version would be better? (I can still cancel my order :) ).
Best regards and thank you in advance for your patience.
By the way the pictures you have here in your site are amazing. For me the “Vernazza” and the “Manarola” images are the ones I like the most. Very inspiring, thank you.
Hi Davide,
The colour cast can happen on all ND filters and I know that the old Lee ones I had were very blue. I have seen some colour cast on the resin Formatt filters but the Firecrest ones are the most neutral I have ever seen. I’d even say the resin Formatt filters I have used are far less prone to colour cast than the competition. The Firecrest beats them all including the Formatt resin.
That being said, there is a back order on the Firecrest and I honestly don’t know when you’ll get yours. I’d rather tell you the truth, rather than tell you that they are for sure going to be shipped in a month. Your best bet it to contact them directly to get a firm answer.
Hi Ken,
congrats on your signature kit! It seems to be exactly what I am looking for. However, since I’m pretty new to photography I’m not quite sure if I should buy the 85mm set or take the (financial) hit and go for the 100mm. I mostly shoot using a 10-24 Sigma lens, 77mm. ANy thoughts? Thanks in advance!
Hey Marieke,
I’d suggest the 100mm if your ring is 77mm. the smaller kit might not be big enough as this is mainly made for mirrorless and micro 4/3 cameras.
I was afraid you were going to say that ;) Oh well, just means I have
to budgetize a bit strickter. I mean, who needs groceries anyway? :)
Thanks for your quick reply!
Hello Ken. First let me compliment you on your AWESOME photography!! Your landscape images are an inspiration to me, and no doubt many others! With regard to your Master Filter Kit, I am kind of an “old school sharpness fanatic”, and always worried that anything in front of the lens would compromise sharpness, even slightly. (Though I do use B+W filters for protection in harsh environments). So, what is your opinion on this, please? Obviously I can see that your images are indeed sharp, but I’d still like to hear this from an expert!
Also, I second your opinion on the Fuji XT-1, and I love that System with the superb Fujinon XF lenses! I’ve used many other systems in the past, and frankly, the images I get from the Fuji X System are the first for which sharpening in post is “optional”!! Thank you, sir.
Hey Steve,
Thanks for the very kind words about my work. :-)
As for the sharpness issue, I’d say stick with the Firecrest versions of these filters to maintain optimum sharpness. They are glass and therefore more likely to allow you to retain the maximum sharpness. To finalize the sharpening process there are many different ways to go about it in photoshop.
Glad you’re digging the Fujufilm X-T1… I LOVE mine so much that I have 2 ;-)
Hi Ken,
Your portfolio is awesome and highly inspiring to photographers. I am planning to purchase your signature kit. Two queries
1. What I observed that you generally took multiple photos (different exposure) and blend those photos to create most beautiful images ? Is it possible to share this technical details along with your photos ? That helps us at actual site when we takes photo.
2. For ND Grad filter there are two options (Firecrest or Resin Soft Edge), I am planning to go for Firecrest ND Grad Filters. Is this correct options for landscape photograph ?
Regards,
Jay
Hi Jay,
Go with the Firecrest by all means. The resin filters while more durable are like all other ND filters and prone to a slight colour cast. The Firecrest are glass and use a new tech to make them virtually colour cast free. I would heartily recommend the Firecrest.
In the future on my posts, I will be sharing tech specs. For now though, I can’t go back and add all that data. Sorry!
Hope you love the kit as much as I do :-)
Thanks Ken for your reply. I leave in India, so I have to get it from Europe. My friend is visiting Germany, asking to buy your signature kit. Before giving an information to him, I would like to confirm my understanding and confirming I am going for right kit or not.
Having Canon 650D (T4i) SLR, and lens are EF-S 10-22 mm f/3.5-4.5 USM & EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5 – 5.6 IS. I am planning to buy 100mm-77 mm adapter for the wide angle lens and 67 mm adapter for another lens.
Please confirm.
Hi Jay,
the 100mm kit is correct and the right ring to get is the one that fits your lenases. You are correct to get the extra 67mm ring if you want to use other lenses with that diameter filter thread.
Please double check all your lenses to make sure you are getting all the right rings.
Cheers :-)
Hello Ken,
May I begin by saying how much I enjoyed looking through your travel photographs, some absolutely fabulous work. Now this is where I veer off course and seek a little advice.
As a lover of water, I purchased a kit of Formatt-Hitech filters a while ago (ND\’s and Soft Grad\’s, it is an 85mm kit (I use Fuji X-T1 and X-E1 with a variety of lenses) so seem no need for the 100mm set. Filters owned are 0.3, 0.6 & 0.9 ND and Grad). Being rather reluctant to use them my first experience was quite recently on a workshop, where I discovered any stacking resulted in an unpleasant heavy colour cast, which on reflection I put down the them being the resin range. After some research online I came across your Firecrest Master Kit, which brings me to my reason for writing, would it be worth my while purchasing to kit or simply look for the missing filters (the 6 & 10 stop ND and possibly one other).
Yours,
G Howard
Hi Geoff,
Fist off, let me say that you made a wise choice in cameras :-)
Like so many other photographers, I too had serious issues with the older resin filters from all companies. This is why I love the Firecrest filters from Formatt so much that I am proud to have my name on this kit. The difference in color cast—or lack thereof—is striking. As time goes by, technology gets better and sometimes we have to replace our older gear with the newer and higher quality products on the market in order to make our lives as photographers easier. This is one of those cases.
I would highly recommend replacing your existing filters with the new Firecrest ones. Thre is little point in fixing part of the problem if you want all your images taken with filters to look better.
Whatever you decide, use code SAVE10 to get 10% off all your purchases from Formatt-Hitech . Cheers!
Hi Ken,
Thanks for your prompt response to my query. Seeing as one of the biggest issues with long exposures due to use of 6 Stop or slower ND’s my current train of thought is to go with 72mm round ND’s and stepping rings with my 85mm kit and try my existing grads to check if that will still create the horrible colour cast, if so then look to replace the grads with Firecrest. Following this path I feel the issue of light leakage using the darker ND’s is prevented while the paler Grads will not suffer so much from light leakage. This also seems an ideal economical solution with Formatt selling the 13 and 16 Stop 72mm for less than £80 Sterling, while the 2,3 & 4 Stop Soft Grads in 85mm can be obtained for less than £210 Sterling.
Fujifilm – is a classic))))))))))))
Para nosotros es un complemento imprescindible para video de bodas con mucha luminosidad y sobre todo trabajando en log2 o log3 ya que su ISO inicial es muy alta.
Recomendamos utilizar filtros graduables de alta calidad para no perder nitidez.
Ken,
You might consider mentioning the new Firecrest Ultra sets, also available as your set.
This should be an upgrade from the regular Firecrest set, or am I wrong?
Tonny
Good point! I’ll add that to my to-do list. :-)
Points are really very good so it easy to get in detail.
Keep Posting