In the world of photography and videomaking, filters play a fundamental role in creating special effects, managing shutter speeds, and overall, helping to improve the quality of an image.

For years, I have been successfully using a polarizing filter to eliminate those annoying reflections that appear on surfaces during cloudy days, and a variable ND filter to maintain proper shutter speeds when shooting videos.

📌 You can find the review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd2_owiGjEg

The variable ND and polarizer are therefore among the most useful and versatile filters available on the market, and every photographer or videomaker should probably have at least one of each type in their backpack. However, since these filters work by rotating their elements, it becomes quite complex to think about stacking them on top of each other. Having two rings from two distinct filters, which rotate independently, leads to the obvious risk of accidentally moving the polarizer when you’re actually just trying to adjust the ND.

In the past, I’ve tried managing them this way, but it’s really complicated. I was only able to make it work when shooting on a tripod, taking my time to mount the filters, adjust them individually, make mistakes, and try again. However, this setup is definitely not suited for dynamic use.

Summary: Review of the K&F Concept CPL + ND2-32 filter

2-in-1 Photographic Filter: The K&F Concept CPL + ND2-32 Solution

To solve this issue, we are helped by 2-in-1 filters, relatively recent devices that combine two completely different filters into one tool, making them easily accessible via separate rings.

Typically, these filters feature a classic circular ring, combined with slightly protruding tabs that allow you to manage the ring of the second filter.

There are now several versions and models of these 2-in-1 filters. Here with me, I have the K&F Concept 2-in-1 variable ND + polarizer Nano-Xcel Pro Series, a filter produced by K&F Concept and distributed in Italy by Kentfaith, the company with which I started a collaboration to bring you some reviews of their products on my social media.

🔥 20% off on the entire Kentfaith catalog with the code STEFANOPOMA

Of course, from their vast range of photographic (and non-photographic) products, I couldn’t help but start with the filter that, at least on paper, has the potential to almost completely cover my needs as a photographer and videomaker.

Here’s the review of the K&F Concept 2-in-1 variable ND + polarizer Nano-Xcel Pro Series.

First, a Little Review: What Do a Variable ND and a Polarizer Do?

A variable ND is simply a filter designed to reduce the amount of light entering the lens, effectively "darkening" the image. This effect is useful in photography to greatly extend the exposure time, allowing you to achieve the famous "silk effect." In video, however, it is absolutely essential to maintain fixed shutter speeds despite changing lighting conditions. To record a clip at 1/60 or 1/20 on a sunny day, you only have two options:

• Chiudere l’apertura a f22
• Use an ND filter

The light-reducing effect depends, of course, on the intensity of the filter. What I'm reviewing today is an ND2-32, which is a filter that reduces light by 1 to 5 stops. There are, of course, filters that are much darker, capable of cutting up to 10 stops.

The polarizer, on the other hand, is a rather particular filter. It may not be as essential as the ND filter, but it is certainly useful in many situations. Its purpose is to completely cut out certain reflections from your image, making the shot more vibrant and contrasted. The effect is generally very noticeable on wet surfaces, water reflections, glass, screens, or even simply in a wide landscape where some haze is visible. Depending on the quality of the filter, the angle of the camera relative to the light source, and the rotation of the filter's internal elements, it will be possible to achieve a more or less pronounced effect, completely removing some reflections while preserving others. The effect's usefulness will vary depending on the situation, but the important thing is that it is very difficult to replicate this effect during post-production.

Build Quality of the K&F Concept 2 in 1 Nano-Xcel Pro Series Filter

Let’s start with a quick unboxing. The filter comes in a box containing a handy protective case, which feels very pleasant to the touch. Definitely nicer than the usual plastic cases, although I generally prefer to keep filters in a single case that can hold more than one together.

From the technical specifications, the filter's structure is made of brass, and it gives a really good feeling when touched. What you see here is a 67mm filter with an adapter ring to convert it to 58mm. Not all versions of this filter are made, so the only way to mount it on some lenses is to use an adapter ring. The consequence of this is a rather substantial volume, especially when mounting it on small lenses like my 18-55mm Fuji. It’s not particularly bothersome, but it’s worth mentioning.

Moving on to the rings, as you can see, there are two yellow tabs that control the ND filter ring, while the central structure allows the rotation of the polarizer. Overall, the design seems functional and simple, though it does take a little getting used to in order to master the management of these controls effectively.

The only flaw I note is that rotating the ND tabs might also cause slight movement of the overall structure, thus rotating the polarizer as well. Could it have been designed to prevent this? Since I haven’t tried other similar filters, I’m not sure. In any case, a slight rotation of the polarizer is not that dramatic and, importantly, is not an issue if you first adjust the ND and then the polarizer.

The build quality of the glass also seems good, with technical specifications listing various coatings to make it scratch-resistant, eliminate reflections, and reduce fingerprint marks. We’ll get a better idea of its actual performance later.

Overall, it’s a product with a premium look and feel, with smooth, well-functioning rings.

Optical Performance of the K&F Concept CPL + ND2-32 Filter

Now let’s move on to some real-world tests to check the performance of the filter. Variable ND filters and polarizers of poor quality can cause a number of issues in your shots:

• Loss of sharpness
• Introduction of color casts
• Vignetting
• Halos and shadows

All these issues tend to be amplified when you move the filter and when its polarizing or darkening effect is at its maximum.

Dovendo lavorare con un filtro che di fatto ne include due, sottolineo come sia un po’ complicato isolare uno specifico problema. La variazione della tinta può essere dovuta da entrambi i filtri e magari può pure cambiare leggermente muovendo il polarizzatore, stessa cosa per nitidezza e vignettatura.

Sharpness in Video and Photo

From a sharpness perspective, the K&F Concept 2 in 1 VND + CPL filter really impressed me positively. Images captured even with the maximum reduction of the variable ND filter tend to retain sharpness both at the center and at the edges.

Certo con uno zoom al 200% qualche leggera differenza la si nota, soprattutto nelle parti più periferiche dello scatto, ma è un qualcosa che non inficerà in nessun modo i vostri lavori foto o video di tutti i giorni.

🔗Section of the review on YouTube where I show sharpness: link to video

Color Cast

In termini di dominanti cromatiche introdotte dal filtro dobbiamo fare un discorso più approfondito. Questo difetto o errore è tipico sia dei filtri ND sia dei filtri polarizzatori, avere un filtro che li combina inevitabilmente andrà a sommare l’effetto di variazione cromatica di intrambi.

Nel concreto, con un effetto di riduzione di 1 stop si assiste ad una variazione cromatica veramente minima, con un leggero slittamento della temperatura verso toni più caldi.

Con un riduzione di 5 stop la variazione cromatica è decisamente più consistente, con la temperatura che sembra virare nettamente più verso i toni del blu, e la tinta verso il magenta.

Non è qualcosa di gravemente impattate, ma è un effetto comunque presente, che deve essere manualmente corretto nel caso in cui si voglia avere dei colori fedeli alla realtà.

🔗Section of the review on YouTube where I show the color cast: link to video

Vignetting

La vignettatura introdotta dal filtro è tutto sommato ridotta, praticamente invisibile con lunghezze focali superiori ai 24 mm e con l’intensità del ND bassa. Inizia ad essere leggermente più presente solo quando si scatta con un grandangolo e si chiude il filtro verso i 5 stop.

🔗Section of the review on YouTube where I show the vignetting: link to video

Halos and X Effect

Alla vignettatura dobbiamo però aggiungere un problema abbastanza evidente legato ad un leggero alone scuro derivante dalla rotazione del filtro polarizzatore. Problema che si verifica solo quando impostiamo l’ND con una riduzione di 5 stop e soprattutto sulle focali più grandangolari

Ho impiegato un po’ a capire la natura di questo effetto, temendo si trattasse del classico effetto a X degli ND di bassa qualità. In realtà queste aree scure non seguono la rotazione del ND, ma sono legate al funzionamento del polarizzatore.

Nel concreto un polarizzatore non riuscirà a polarizzare tutto il frame dell’immagine ed inevitabilmente durante la sua rotazione le aree con effetto massimo cambieranno, creando di fatto delle aree più scure che seguono la rotazione dello stesso. Succede con tutti i polarizzatori, ma qui l’effetto mi sembra decisamente più marcato.

È ovviamente difficile da notare se scattate a scenari complessi come un paesaggio, diventa invece evidente quando decidiamo di scattare a superfici monocolore, facendo vari scatti con gradi di rotazione diversa del polarizzatore.

🔗Section of the review on YouTube where I show the halo effect: link to video

Polarization Effect

The polarization effect, as you can see, is quite pronounced and functional. As is to be expected, it is not physically possible for the polarizer to cover the entire shot, and it is only through the rotation of the ring that we can decide where to apply the strongest effect in the image.

As with any filter of this type, the effect is much more noticeable on short focal lengths, while it tends to lose its impact as we lengthen the focal lengths.

Comparing the results with a polarizing filter I’ve owned for a while, which costs almost as much as this filter by itself, I can say that in several instances, the effect seems to be less pronounced, especially when trying to remove haze in wide landscapes.

I didn’t expect anything different: it’s hard to expect a 2 in 1 filter to perform better than a polarizer in the same price range.

In any case, I am satisfied with the overall effect, especially the convenience this filter offers, allowing me to always apply a bit of polarization.

🔗Section of the review on YouTube where I show the polarization: link to video

Price of the K&F Concept CPL + ND2-32 2 in 1 Nano-Xcel Pro Filter

Let’s talk about the price of this filter. As it is the top of the line offered by the company, the price inevitably won’t be too cheap (we’ll look at some alternative options later).

The K&F Concept 2 in 1 ND variable + polarizer Nano-Xcel Pro filter is sold at a list price of 151€ in the 58mm version (currently discounted to 139€). The 82mm version costs 242€ (currently discounted to 170€).

Thanks to my collaboration with Kentfaith, I can offer you a 20% discount on the cart, which will further reduce the overall price of the product. Use the links provided below and, during checkout, add the code “STEFANOPOMA”.

• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 49mm
• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 52mm
• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 58mm
• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 62mm
• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 67mm
• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 72mm
• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 77mm
• 🔗 CPL + ND2-32 Filter 82mm

Conclusions – Review of K&F Concept CPL + ND2-32 2 in 1 Nano-Xcel Pro Series Filter

The field test of this 2-in-1 VND + CPL filter has overall left me satisfied, though there are some critical points and limitations that, as I anticipated, were expected even before testing it.

This is a well-built filter, with performance significantly superior to cheaper models, both in the ND and CPL components. However, combining them inevitably amplifies their respective drawbacks, causing slight color shifts – generally correctable, but potentially annoying for some – and exposure differences in certain areas, particularly noticeable in shots with uniform subjects.

Despite these, the filter proves to be extremely versatile, successfully combining two of the most useful tools for a videographer and a photographer. In situations where I need to quickly switch between photography and video, with changing lighting conditions, I will definitely enjoy using it. On the other hand, in more controlled environments, where I know I’ll only need one type of filter and might be working on a tripod, it’s clear that for the same price, I can find fixed ND filters or CPLs with superior performance.

As in many other aspects of photography, it’s about finding the right balance between speed, convenience, and quality.

✅ Strengths

✔ Qualità costruttiva eccellente

✔ Sharpness nearly unchanged

✔ Minimal and correctable color shifts in post-production

✔ Vignettatura quasi assente a 1 stop; più evidente a 5 stop, ma comunque correggibile

⛔ Critical Points

❌ Risk of accidental movement: the separate rotation of ND and CPL is effective, but there’s always a risk of unintentionally adjusting the filter you didn’t mean to. Some competing alternatives include locking screws to prevent accidental rotation of one of the elements: a solution that slows down adjustments but ensures greater accuracy. The ideal compromise depends on personal needs.

❌ Possible dark halos: rotating the polarizer with the filter set to 5 stops creates dark halos that follow the polarizer’s rotation. This is negligible in landscapes, but more noticeable on simple subjects, where exposure variations are more perceptible.

Altri modelli simili – Filtro 2 in 1 CPL + ND2-32

In this review, we had the opportunity to analyze the 2 in 1 VND + CPL filter called Nano-Xcel Pro. K&F divides its filters of the same type into slightly different series based on cost and material quality.

I filtri più performanti e costosi rientrano nella serie Nano-Xcel Pro, con lenti di produzione giapponese e trattamenti particolari volti a ridurre al massimo riflessi, graffi, ditate e ovviamente variazioni cromatiche.

Un gradino sotto troviamo la serie Nano-Xcel, con costi più contenuti, ma anche qualità costruttiva leggermente inferiore. l’ND variabile che possiedo fa parte di questa serie di filtri.

Accanto a questa divisione troviamo anche un filtro 2 in 1 delle serie Nano-Xcel con però un fattore di riduzione della luce nel filtro ND diverso. Si passa infatti ad un filtro ND 4-64 (2- stop)

Therefore, the options available are really numerous.

Do you appreciate my work and want to support me?

There are several ways to support my work on this blog and on my social channels, some of them at no cost to you!

Here's how you can help me:

• Amazon Affiliation 🛒 Acquistando prodotti su Amazon tramite i link affiliati presenti sulle mie pagine, la piattaforma mi riconoscerà una piccola percentuale. Per te il prezzo resta invariato, ma mi aiuterai a continuare a creare contenuti di qualità! Amazon affiliate link
• Paypal donation ☕ Se vuoi offrirmi un caffè virtuale, puoi farlo tramite la funzione di Fundraising feature of PayPal. Ogni contributo è un grande supporto! Donami in caffè
• Car reservation with Discovercars 🚗 Se hai bisogno di noleggiare un’auto, fallo tramite il mio affiliate link Discovercars: una piccola percentuale del guadagno della piattaforma arriverà a me, senza alcun costo aggiuntivo per te. Rent a car with Discovercars
• Follow me on social 📲 Un gesto semplice ma prezioso: follow me, like and interact with my content on Instagram, YouTube And TikTok. Your support helps the community grow!
• Affiliate links and exclusive discounts 🔥 Grazie alle mie collaborazioni con diverse aziende, posso offrirti affiliate links and special discount codes. If you are interested in the products I talk about, buying them through my links will save you money while supporting my work. Some discounts I post here, others I can only share privately:
  • Discount 10% on The Heat Company → Scrivimi in privato
  • Discount 20% and affiliate link for KentFaith → Scrivimi in privato
  • Discount 10% Luminar Neo → Link per l’acquisto and discount code “StefanoPoma“

Grazie per il tuo supporto! ❤️

Where to follow me? Do you want to stay updated?

• Newsletter: The best way to stay updated as new articles are published.
• YouTube Channel: Here you will find videos regarding my photography excursions, reflections and product reviews related to the world of hiking and photography.
• Instagram Page: short trailers via Reels, news and quick communication with stories and most of my photography publication.
• Wikiloc: maps of the treks I do. Please note, all treks not yet posted on the blog are set as private on Wikiloc.

Some of the photos you see in this article were taken and post-produced by @stefanodosselli (Instagram page).