Welcome to Michael’s blog. Michael Andrew, (aka Michael The Maven) is a freelance producer, photography instructor, tech innovator, and when needed, disaster aid specialist. Disclaimer: Michael is a participant in Bhphoto & Amazon affiliate programs that provides an advertising commission if you purchase through links on this website.
Landscape photographer Nick Page reviews the MAVEN Magnetic Filters. Check out Nick’s video review and what he has to say:
“It was time… my previous filter system had let me down for the last time… dropped filters, easily broken filters and Magnets that couldn’t hold fast to a lens. These new Maven filters are not only built better, with better materials, but the magnets are strong and positive, color coded for ease of use, the same price once they go to retail… but they are independently owned… The color coded design makes these fast and easy to grab the filter you need. In my opinion they are a better filter in every way.”
“Why aren’t you making a Variable Neutral Density Filter (VND)?” Is one of the most common questions I get about my new filter line. This is the video I wanted to make to explain it my reasoning to focus on solid NDs first. I have owned and used VNDs for many years, but I stopped using them back in 2014 after I did a side by side shoot with a buddy who was using a solid ND, and the reason: VNDs create unpredictable color shifts for reasons as simple as connecting them to your camera, or when you are changing the degree of filtration. I wouldn’t be opposed to making VNDs in the future either as I know there are many, many users out there who love them, I just want to make sure my customers understand their strengths and weaknesses before purchasing them, vs not telling them and letting them discover this on their own.
I realize many of you will be irritated with me for pointing these issues out. If you are ok with color shifts in your footage, then yes, by all means use them. Some of you are also ok with shooting on AWB and letting the camera adjust this automatically as you adjust filtration. I get it. I personally like to have consistent, reliable color, and make my tweaks to exposure by other means (like ISO, or aperture for example).
If you are in the market for a great set of solid NDs, be sure to check out my MAVEN Magnetic filter line now on Kickstarter!
My name is Rick Pascale and I’m from Phoenix, AZ. I’ve been a professional photographer since 2007 and have had the pleasure of corresponding with Michael “The Maven” Andrew for a number of years.
Michael asked me to review his MAVEN MAGNETIC FILTERS and to provide my honest analysis and thoughts on the products and how they worked for me in the field. I was not paid for this review.
CONSTRUCTION – These filters are made of top-quality aluminum and are super light! They are thin and very easy to handle due to the textured pattern they have on the outer ring. The glass appears flawless when inspecting them optically.
EASE OF USE – Maybe the most overlooked aspect of these filters at first for me was how easy it is to identify the different types of filters quickly and accurately when mounting or changing them in the field. I’m the type of person who has a tendency to fumble with things and because of the color coding and the easy-to-read print, I had zero issues with getting the right filter quickly and easily!
VARIETY – From shooting wildlife to people portraits to landscape images these filters worked 100% the way I would expect them to. Great optics, able to hold true color, and easy to clean if need be. I’ve always used a UV filter and various degrees of ND filters along with a polarizer and all of these are included in the kit! In the past, I would forego switching filters multiple times quickly as it would take too long and would be too cumbersome to do. With the MAVEN MAGNETIC FILTERS I had no problems or hesitations changing from UV to different stops of ND on the fly!
VALUE – From the filters themselves, the filter case, brush, cloth, and case to the quality of the system and ease of use I can honestly say that this system was well thought out, was designed by a great photographer and is by far, the best filter system I have used in my 15+ years of shooting professionally.
PERFORMANCE – I am very picky about my images, almost to a fault sometimes, and I can tell you that these filters did not distort, discolor, blur, cause vignette or negatively affect any of the images I used them for in a negative way. They have been reliable and spot on every time!
SUMMARY – I knew when Michael contacted me about these filters that they were going to be industry-leading. Why and How? Because Michael is not only an incredible photographer but he is a quality individual, a relentless worker, and a perfectionist. I don’t believe he would ever put his name on a product that is anything less than stellar and this is evidenced by his instructional videos and many other contributions he has made in his career. I wholeheartedly stand behind these filters and Michael and I trust him implicitly with any project he is involved in!
Thank you so much for reading my review! I used a Canon R5 with an adapted EF 24-70mm f/4 L IS USM lens for my testing along with an EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L ISii USM lens. My testing was done both indoors and outdoors, with and without strobes.
I always love talking about photography and if you would ever like to get in touch with me please drop me an email at [email protected] I post my images on my SmugMug page at www.rickpascalephoto.smugmug.com
My best to everyone always and of course to Michael for the opportunity to try these great products!
Get to know the MAVEN Magnetic Filters in the videos below! If you are looking for Lens filters for Canon cameras, as well as Nikon, Sony, Fuji, Olympus, or Panasonic, you have come to the right place!
