I have a love-hate relationship with filters in general, but especially with VND and CPL filters. Until now, I was using the Freewell Magnetic VND V1 and then the V2 system. The V1 was a great idea and one of the first truly modular systems. The V2 refined the concept and finally made it possible to control the amount of variable ND and polarization independently. But it was an all-in-one 3–7-stop filter, which meant the 1–2-stop and 7–9-stop ranges were missing.

Earlier this year, Tilta released the Illusion VND Filter Kit, which seemed like the solution I had been waiting for. A few days later, Freewell also released its newest VND filter system. After going back and forth, I decided to try the Tilta Illusion first. It did not go as planned.

So here we are: I ordered the Freewell x Brandon Li Variable ND/CPL Pro Kit, and I am now actively using it. So far, it looks very promising.

The Good:

• Combines 1 to 10 stops of ND control with CPL functionality.

• Filters are stackable and lockable up to stage two; the third stage is held by magnets only.

• Slim enough to stay on the lens without getting caught too easily in a bag.

• Glow Mist filter can be used stacked with the system or on its own.

• At one stop of ND, the light loss is similar to a standard CPL, which means the filter can stay on for photography as a CPL, with the option to add Glow Mist, a bit like the PolarPro Shortstache Everyday Filter.

• Available in several sizes from 67mm to 95mm.

The Bad:

• To adjust polarization, you need to rotate the entire filter on the rig, which can be stiff and even harder once the camera is on a gimbal.

• Expensive filter: around $349 USD, or over $500 CAD.

• Additional parts can also get expensive quickly.

• The rear cap only attaches to the base ring, not the filter itself. Why? No idea, but it makes the cap almost useless in practice.

• Get it if you want ND and CPL control in one workflow.

• Get it if you want an all-in-one filter solution for run-and-gun video work.

• Get it if you like modular filter systems and want something faster than constantly screwing filters on and off.

• Pass if you only need standard VND filters to match camera angles.

• Pass if you rarely use polarization or mist filters.

• Pass if price is the main concern; this is not a cheap filter system.

• The main difference between the basic kit and the Pro Kit is the addition of the 1/4 Glow Mist filter.

  Between 67mm and 82mm, the basic kit costs around $349 USD, compared with around $379 USD for the Pro Kit. If you do not like mist or glow filters, do not bother paying extra. But if you enjoy the look, the Pro Kit is the better deal.

  If you own several lenses with different filter threads, choose the largest filter size you realistically need and use step-up rings. I recommend the 82mm size for most setups because it covers many common photo and cinema lenses. The main exceptions are larger lenses, such as the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2, which require 86mm or 95mm threads.

  You will also need additional base rings if you want to move the system quickly between lenses. Those rings can stay mounted on your lenses most of the time.

  Tip: the kit comes with a single front cap. If you do not want to buy extra caps for every lens, you can often use a standard lens cap from the size below your filter thread. For example, if your lens has an 82mm filter thread and you mount the 82mm Freewell base ring, a 77mm lens cap may fit the front.

  If you often run a two-camera setup, I would also recommend buying an extra 1–5 stop VND as a single part from Freewell. That way, both cameras can stay ready without constantly moving the same filter back and forth.