First Impressions of the new V7 Filter System from NiSi
First Impressions with the new V7 Filter System by NiSi
By Chris Ewen Crosby
(Chris is an official NiSi USA Ambassador and reseller)
In the last few weeks there has been quite a bit of buzz in the filter world over the new V7 Filter system from NiSi. I was lucky to get my hands on one just before the big release on October 1st and I’ve been using it over the past few weeks. To be honest, I really didn’t think that there was much to improve on and wasn’t expecting a new system this soon. However, after seeing the improvements that were made, I feel that the V7 has only made the best filter holder easier to use then ever.
Ladies and Gentleman, Full Disclosure
Before we begin I must first disclose that I’m now an Official NiSi Optics USA Ambassador and Reseller. So, yes, my opinions could come with some bias, but I only stand behind product I believe in. I wasn’t forced to NiSi products, I simply went with a superior product that turned into a great relationship with NiSi. If you are interested in hearing why I switched to NiSi please check out my blog where I’ve reviewed and compared NiSi vs other products I’ve used. So without further ado, let’s talk about the NiSi V7 System.
Ok, so what’s new?
As I eluded to in my introduction, I was caught by surprise by the release of the new V7 System. I was really curious as to what could have possibly been improved on since I really felt like the V6 system was perfect. Upon receiving the system I found out what NiSi improved on.
FIRST
First, the filter holder attachment and locking mechanism was combined into one. The old V6 system had two mechanisms, one to attached and secure the holder, and one to lock the filter holder from rotation around the main filter ring. While this never really bothered me, I’ve found the combination of the two into in one was convenient and sped up the attachment/locking of the filter holder. I would imagine the combination reduces the change of a mistaking the two mechanisms and a possible accident. I will mention that I really never had any issues with the V6 and mistaking the locking and attaching mechanisms in almost 2 years of use.
SECOND
The second change you’ll find in the new V7 System is how the Circular Polarizer attaches to the main filter ring. In the past, with the V6, you had to thread in the CPL to the filter ring. The CPL is very thin for these systems and can be uncomfortable to attach when you first get the system. I definitely have had a moment or two where I made sure that I didn’t drop the CPL while attaching to the V6 system. I’m pretty sure this was the feedback from several of the ambassadors as they definitely improved the attachment process in the V7. Now, the CPL attaches using a quick turn. You simply line up 3 lines that are on both the CPL and the main ring, then you simply drop the CPL into place and turn to the right to lock. I love this because not only does it speed up the application and removal process, but it also lowers the chance of a dropping accident happening. The CPL application process is greatly improved with the V7 System, but there is more about the CPL as well.
THIRD
The third change you’ll see with the V7 System is the new True Color CPL. In addition to the application process, they also changed the actual CPL. Previously you had the choice between a PRO CPL or Enhanced Landscape CPL. I had always used the landscape CPL, which had a slight blue tint to it which helped with richening the colors of skies and green plants very well. However, I found that the blues and green were maybe just a bit rich and there was a slight blue cast in terms of white balance. So, I was pleasantly surprised to learn about the True Color CPL, which is very color neutral. I had a chance to test the new CPL while I was in Colorado shooting fall colors and really liked the the color response that I was getting. I really felt like the colors were remaining constant, but the areas of reflected light were being controlled as I would want them. I’m a huge fan of this new CPL because as a landscape photographer colors are super important.
Vignetting
Since vignetting is something that you often get questions about let’s touch on this really quick. As with the V6, the V7 continues to have no vignetting at 16mm. I can fully rotate the filter holder 360° and never experience vignetting. This is a huge win when using a graduated filter as you can rotate the darkening effect of the grad towards the light making the graduation much smoother and realistic. It is also useful because you can rotate the filter holder to help block light when you are shooting in mid-day shooting conditions. Ensuring that you don’t have light leak or any lens flare is important to coming away with a clean photograph. Rotating the filter holder helps fight both of these.
Filter Rings - Comes with 4!
Once again, the V7 comes with most all the filter rings you are going to need. It comes with the main ring, 82mm, and also includes adapter rings for 77mm, 72mm and 67mm lenses. These rings sizes should cover just about all standard filter ring sizes. Any odd filter rings can be purchased cheaply so your system fits on just about any lens you buy, minus any bulbus wide angles.
Summary of Wins for the V7 System
New filter holder attachment that includes both attachment and locking mechanism in 1
Faster and easier attachment of the CPL to the main filter ring, no threading
True Color CPL for more accurate colors
Still 100% no vignetting at 16mm
My overall first impressions of the new V7 system is that NiSi has improved on V6. The new system reflects the feedback that was provided by the ambassador team. The improvements were made to make the system faster, easier and safer to use then ever. The fact that NiSi even made these improvements continues to prove to me how they are committed to providing the best product possible.
Some of you may be current V6 users and might be asking yourself, “Should I change to the V7?” I think the V6 system is still a fantastic system and wouldn’t recommend upgrading until you’ve worn through your current holder. The differences between the two aren’t vast and you’ll be fine until the time is right. For those that are new to the NiSi filter systems, then yes, absolutely, buy the new V7 system. It is by far the best filter system out there.
If you are interested in learning more and NiSi Filters, I offer free consultations, yes free. Schedule one below and let me tell you about the NiSi system and help you find exactly what you need for your camera and lenses.
Have a question about the new V7 System?
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