My ongoing partnership with NiSi landed me a version of the new NiSi Swift FS ND filter kit. I want to focus this review on practical aspects and utility for a landscape photographer rather than a full product description. The following links may be helpful for more general information:
- Full product description including videos on how to use the swift system
- Theory of how ND filters work and when to use them
Product Summary:
The swift kits allow the photographer to rapidly attach a 3 stop, 6 stop or 10 stop ND filter either individually or stacked. This allows the photographer to shoot a scene with up to 19 stops light stoppage depending on the combination of filters used.
This filter system operates independently of other NiSi filter kits and caters for nearly every lens available on the market. I had the opportunity to test the kit aimed at 82mm diameter lens threads with adapter rings for 77mm, 72mm and 67mm lens threads. The vast majority of my landscape images are shot with a Canon R5 and a 14-35mm lens which has a 77mm diameter.
The kit itself contains the three mentioned ND filters with individual ‘non screw’ lens caps and the four adapter rings listed. All of these items fit compactly into a small cubic shaped water-resistant pouch which can be strapped firmly to a tripod leg. For convenience, the 3 stop filter has a blue trimming, the 6 stop a green trimming and the 10 stop a gold trimming. This minor detail is very handy for identifying the appropriate filter rapidly and was very convenient in the field.
Mechanics and qualities:
When shooting in changing light conditions, I look for certain features of any filter I use:
- Ease of setup: If you’re missing the shot while fumbling with gear, that’s not good practice. Thankfully the swift filter system is among the easiest systems to set up thanks to its absence of moving parts and screw threads. They simply slot on and off the adapter ring as required.
- Neutral white balance: I can forgive filters for giving a cast, especially the denser ND filters. The swift filters have minimal cast though perhaps add a slight magenta hue with the 6- stop and 10-stop filters. The 3 stop filter has minimal cast.
- Flare control: I often shoot directly into the sun; a circumstance where I usually remove all filters. However, I tested flare while shooting directly into the sun with the swift system and found that the images were surprisingly clean.
- Vignetting: Certain filter holder systems can lead to vignetting, a problem which is very evident when shooting with ultra-wide lenses. Thankfully with one of the swift system filters in place, there is no vignetting at 14mm unless you have not inserted the filter snugly and firmly. Unfortunately stacking two filters does lead to vignetting at about 16mm and stacking 3 filters only allows you to shoot at 20mm or longer.
- Ability to control light through polarisation: This is where the swift system is lacking. You can attach a screw on circular polariser (CPL) and then attach the adapter ring and filter however, this leads to vignetting especially on an ultrawide angle lens such as the 14-35mm.
Alternatives?
My main interest was whether I would use the swift system in preference to my current V7 filter system. My current system includes a 77mm and 72mm adapter ring, a V7 filter holder with built in CPL (modified to two slots to eliminate vignetting), a 6 stop ND filter, 10 stop ND filter, 3 stop medium GND filter and 3 stop hard edged GND filter. These filters are carried within hard case filter pouch within a waist pouch. By contrast, when using the swift system, I strap the pouch to the tripod but I am otherwise free of encumberment.
If you are planning on purchasing your first filter system, there are many on the market similar to established ‘traditional’ V7 filter holder system but few like the swift system. I am only aware of the Kase magnetic filter system which I have had not had the opportunity to use or test in detail. After using the swift system along side my traditional setup for a week on South Australia’s beautiful Yorke Peninsula, these are my conclusions:
Positives of the swift system:
- Weight and bulk: This kit weights substantially less than what I would need for the same effects with a traditional filter system, is more compact and less subject to damage. I would definitely consider using the swift system on my next long backpacking trip, albeit with a separate CPL stowed in a spare slot of the swift pouch.
- Ease of setup: It is marginally easier to use than a traditional filter system though part of the reason for this, is that there simply aren’t as many options for light control. Changing filters for different long exposures is also slightly easier than using a traditional system.
- Dynamic light situations: When shooting directly into the sun, I rarely shoot with any filters on anyway. I have found that adding one swift filter does not significantly degrade image quality as opposed to using the traditional system where it can be tricky to quickly remove the CPL if you already have filters in place.
Limitations of the swift system:
- Lack of CPL: This by far and away the most significant limitation for me. In most situations I shoot scenes using a CPL in various orientations to accentuate features of the scene by removing or including glare and reflection. The swift system can be modified to include a CPL but this adds to the complexity of its setup and introduces unwanted vignetting albeit only wider than 16mm. I would not be bringing the swift system alone if my primary shooting subject will be forests and waterfalls for instance.
- Lack of GND: Many photographers do not shoot using GNDs and prefer to blend exposures in post-production. I feel that when shooting long exposures in particular, it is a valuable option to be able to control light through using GNDs in combination with ND filters in order to avoid needing to shoot two separate long exposures in changing light conditions. If your aim is to get things as right as possible in-camera at the scene, the swift system might not be for you.
Summary:
The Swift FS ND system is another well thought out and high quality product from NiSi that is compact and lightweight. I would use it when the overall weight and bulk of your gear is critical, such as during long hiking trips. It is also very useful for shooting seascapes and if rapid changing of filters is part of your usual workflow. Because I still frequently use GNDs and nearly always find a use for a CPL, I will likely stick to my traditional filter system as my default, however I will definitely be taking the Swift FS ND system along with me for the next multi-day hiking trip, wherever that may be!
Everlook Photography 