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Are you a smartphone photographer or videographer? Then the Haida MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder and smartphone filters might be a nice addition, giving you some extra creative options. I received a set from Haida to try out. Curious? Read about my findings in this review.
Using a smartphone as a camera is, of course, perfectly fine. The quality can be surprisingly good, especially with high-end models. Just like with real cameras, filters can also be used on smartphones. This offers extra creative possibilities.
Haida has also entered the market for smartphone photography accessories with a set of smartphone filters and a filter holder that makes use of the MagSafe system. This filters consists of a Golden Streak filter, a Blue Streak filter, an X-Star filter, a Mist Black 1/4 filter, and a CPL filter.
The MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder
The name says it all: MagSafe. The filter holder makes use of this fairly standardized system, using the magnet built into the smartphone. It simply clicks into place, after which the holder is rotated in front of the smartphone cameras.
The holder itself is made of metal, and the hinges are sufficiently stiff to keep everything in position. If desired, you can tighten or loosen the screws on the hinges.
The holder is designed in such a way that it can also function as a smartphone mini tripod. A separate ring with a 1/4"-20 mount can be used, allowing the filter holder to be screwed onto a larger tripod or something else.
When using the filter holder as a tripod, this does mean that it can no longer be used as a filter holder at that moment. You choose one or the other, but not both. If you want to place the smartphone down while using filters, a separate tripod is required.
Just as MagSafe holds the holder magnetically, the filters are also placed magnetically into the holder. The magnets are strong enough that you do not have to worry about losing the filters. If desired, you can also use multiple filters at the same time.
You do need to pay attention to ensure that the filter is positioned correctly in front of the smartphone camera. The holder does not automatically align itself in the correct position. You therefore need to rotate it until the filters are properly aligned with the lenses. If you do not do this, you will see the edge of the filter in the image. This happens very quickly, especially when using a wide angle lens.
If the smartphone is unable to focus, there is a risk that, with the streak filters, the focus will lock onto the pattern of the filter itself. This risk is particularly present with wide angle lenses. In practice, this is hardly an issue, because there is almost always something for the smartphone to focus on.
One issue that can play a role in practice is reflections. Because the filters do not seal perfectly, there is some space between the camera and the filter. As a result, light sources behind you can reflect in the glass of the filter.
The Filters
With the purchase of the filter holder, you receive a Mist Black 1/4 filter and a CPL filter. The Mist Black 1/4 creates a glow around light sources, while the CPL filter can, of course, remove reflections.
You can expand the filters with a set of special effect filters. This set consists of an X-Star filter and Blue and Golden Streak filters. The effects are intended for light sources. The strength of the effect depends on the intensity of the light source, but also on its shape. A point light source gives the maximum effect. A light source with a larger surface area will be much less affected, or hardly affected at all. The streak filters and X-Star filter will have almost no effect in daylight situations.
The use of these types of effect filters can, of course, be applied to photography. However, they are particularly well suited for video. The Blue and Golden Streak filters create an effect that is also seen with anamorphic lenses. If you are leaning further into video work, Introduction to Video: A Photographer’s Guide to Filmmaking is a practical companion.
The quality of the filters is exceptional, just as you’d expect from Haida. They are made of lightweight aluminum and glass. They have a 58 mm diameter and could, in theory, also be used with normal cameras and lenses with the same filter diameter when combined with the Haida NanoPro Magnetic Filter Holder.
Real Life Use
Because the effect of the filters depends on light sources, I went out to photograph in the evening. The most efficient way of working is to first place (or change) the filter and only then click the holder onto the smartphone. You need to pay close attention to the correct positioning of the filter holder, especially when using a wide angle lens.
The result of the effect filters is highly dependent on the light sources in the frame and their intensity. The brighter the light, the stronger the effect. Thoughtful use of the filters is therefore recommended.
Be careful when using wide angle lenses, especially with the Blue and Golden Streak filters. Distortion and unwanted effects can occur quickly. Sometimes you also see reflections due to the gap between the filter and the lenses of the smartphone cameras.
My Findings
The filters are well suited for smartphone photography and videography. The effect filters add extra atmosphere to your footage, provided they are used sparingly and under the right conditions.
It is unfortunate that the MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder is not equipped with some form of felt to protect the smartphone. The metal can and will cause scratches. Using a smartphone case with MagSafe support prevents this. However, this will increase the gap between the filter and smartphone even more.
The system is designed in such a way that there is always space between the lenses on the smartphone and the filters. In some situations, this can cause light leakage or unintended reflections. This is something to be very alert to.
Although the MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder can also be used as a mini tripod, this cannot be done in combination with the use of filters. You will then need to use a separate tripod. Only if this separate tripod is also equipped with MagSafe can you combine the two.
Just like with the smartphone case, when combining a tripod and filter holder, the distance between the filter and the lens becomes even greater. This can further increase the risk of reflections or focusing on the effect filters.
For the use of effect filters and the CPL filter, the filter must be rotated to achieve the desired look in your photo or video. Due to the strength of the magnet that holds the filter in place, this is not very easy. Often, you end up rotating the entire filter holder along with the filter on the smartphone.
If you take the time to install the filter holder and filter, working with the system can be a lot of fun. It can elevate creativity, but it has to be used in moderation. Too much, too often will make the effects feel like a gimmick.
Pros
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Well-presented set with case and basic filter set
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Good material quality
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Good filter quality
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Filter holder can be used as a tripod
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Mounting ring for a “real” tripod is included
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Multiple filters can be used simultaneously
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Strong filter magnets
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Easy to position on the smartphone
Cons
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Filter holder can scratch the back of the smartphone
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Distance between filter and camera increases the risk of light leakage and reflections
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Filter holder does not have its own MagSafe magnet
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Rotation freedom of the filter holder makes accurate positioning important
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Strength of the filter magnets makes rotating filters difficult
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Using the holder as a tripod and using filters is not possible at the same time
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Screwing the filter holder onto the supplied mounting ring is difficult
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The filter holder will occupy MagSafe, preventing its use for additional accessories
The Haida MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder is an accessible tool for using filters with a smartphone. Although the filters have the excellent quality I am accustomed to from Haida, the filter holder itself is not perfect.
There are a few things that would improve the Haida MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder: a seal between the filter and the camera to prevent reflections, felt on the holder to protect the smartphone from scratches, and a MagSafe magnet on the filter holder itself for attaching an additional tripod or other accessory.
If you can live with these drawbacks, or if they do not play a role in your use case, then the Haida MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder is a nice addition to your smartphone photography and videography.
The Haida MagSafe Magnetic Filter Holder is sold as a set for $108, together with the Mist Black 1/4 and CPL-filter. The filter holder is also sold seperately and will cost $30. The effect filters are sold as a set of three filters and can be bought for $80.
With thanks to Haida for providing the filter holder and filters.
English (US) ·