Filter Holders Tested by Professional Photographer Frank Fischer

Frank Fischer is known for his workshops and YouTube videos on the topic of photography, including filter photography. Therefore, a test of our latest generation rectangular filter holder is a perfect fit. In this post, including a video, the photographer shares his first impressions from unboxing to his initial practical tests.

First Impressions of the Latest Generation

Even during the unboxing of the F:X Pro Filter Holder Mark III, Frank Fischer was impressed by the packaging, which makes an elegant impression. The revised third-generation model comes with ample accessories and significantly optimized details. In addition to small booklets providing important details on how to use the filter holder and filters, there is also a set of adapter rings, just like its predecessor. This ensures that lenses with other filter threads in sizes 57 to 77 millimeters can also be used. Fischer points out that use with smaller filter threads is also possible, as additional adapter rings are available separately.

In addition to the filter holder itself, there is also a practical, spacious filter holder bag with a strap. This now features an extremely practical internal register that can be removed from the bag using the attached handle, allowing you to neatly organize your rectangular filters. To keep track of the filters sorted there, there are also labels that can be specially inscribed according to the filter type.

The filter holder itself can also convince the experienced filter photographer at first glance. The housing is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, making it particularly durable. The new magnetic circular polarizing filter is also included and already mounted in the filter holder. He finds the magnetic system particularly exciting, as it allows for easy removal via the handle, thus avoiding smudges on the filter itself. Should you still touch the polarizing filter with your fingers, Fischer emphatically advises cleaning it afterwards.

Another revised detail immediately catches the photographer's eye: the new base ring with an Easy-Lock system. The base of the filter holder can be attached to or removed from the 82-millimeter base ring with a simple click. Frank Fischer finds the new knurling on the base ring, which reminds him of a small gear, particularly useful. It allows the filter holder to be rotated and, once the holder is locked and the filters are positioned, it no longer shifts.

Practical Test in Scotland and Tuscany: Graduated Neutral Density Filters in Use

To get precise impressions of the new Filter Holder Mark III in combination with the F:X Pro rectangular filters, Fischer took the filter holder with him on several trips.

It starts with the Tuscan cypress grove amidst a gently rolling landscape. Since the chosen motif features a blown-out or rather unstructured sky, as seen in the video, a graduated neutral density filter with a soft transition is used. Frank Fischer can thus capture the motif and the sky accordingly and bring structure to the subtle cloud formations.

At sunrise, Fischer tests another motif for his filter shots. He chose the famous Chapel of Madonna di Vitaleta, located next to the cypress grove. According to him, it is an ideal place for filter photography. To better control the difficult lighting conditions of the rising sun, the photographer this time uses two graduated neutral density filters with a soft gradient. In a direct comparison, it is clearly visible that with the help of the filters, the sky and the sun are also more clearly visible.

The F:X Pro Filter Holder Mark III was also in Fischer's luggage on his trip to Scotland. It is ideal for the various dramatic cloudscapes. Here, too, the filter photographer uses two graduated filters with a soft gradient. Again, in the direct comparison, it is clearly visible that rectangular filters enhance the structure in the sky, while the foreground can be exposed more brightly.

The New Filter Holder Offers Endless Possibilities

From Frank Fischer's perspective, the F:X Pro Filter Holder Mark III is a clear recommendation. There are numerous motifs in the landscape where the use of optical filters is worthwhile. Here, the optimized holder can excel and provide excellent support. "Using and testing the filter holder is really fun," says Fischer.

Whether you already own filters or are just starting – with the three available sets for the filter holder, in the photographer's opinion, you can't go wrong. The quick expansion from two to three filter slots is also child's play and possible at any time with a click in seconds without screws.

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