Back in 2016, Aurora Aperture took its first foray into the photography filter world with the launch of its PowerXND 2000 variable neutral density (ND) filter. Now, it's back at it again on Kickstarter with the launch of a pair of updated PowerXND Mark II filters.
Unlike its first filter, the PowerXND Mark II comes in two varieties: the PowerXND-II 128, which covers one to seven stops of light, and the PowerXND-II 2000, which covers from five to eleven stops of light.
By splitting the coverage into two filters, you now have the entire range from one stop of light reduction, all the way up to eleven stops, with a bit of overlap in-between.
Profiles of the new (left) and original (right) filters.
At the request of users, Aurora Aperture has added more aggressive knurling to the rings, direct reading scales and hard stops to its PowerXND Mark II filters, both of which should help dial in the proper exposure every time. Despite the changes in design, the PowerXND Mark II filters still measure in at just 6mm deep.
4K video screen shot
The filters are constructed of Schott B270 glass and a polarization film from Nitto Denko, which are combined with a proprietary polishing process. Aurora Aperture also adds 'multilayer nano coatings' on the elements to protect the elements from debris and reduce color shifting. The frames are CNC-milled from 'aerospace grade aluminum' and anodized black for corrosion protection.
Filters can be purchased for the following filter thread sizes: 37mm, 39mm, 40. 5mm, 43mm, 46mm, 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm, 86mm, 95mm, 105mm and 150mm.
The Kickstarter has already surpassed its $15,000 goal. Pledges start at $45, which will get you one small (37-46mm) 128 or 2000 filter and go up incrementally from there depending on the size and quantity of filters you need. Aurora Aperture expects the first filters to ship by September 2018.
. dpreview.com2018-6-14 18:25