UK-based landscape photographer and YouTuber Andy Lockrecently switched to the Maven magnetic filter system, a move that completely changed his field workflow. After years of using traditional screw-on filters, he became frustrated with stuck threads, slow setup times, and missed shots—especially in changing outdoor conditions.
This growing frustration led Andy to search for a faster, more intuitive solution. That search brought him to the Maven magnetic filters, known for their color-coded designand quick-snap magnetic mounting system. In his latest vlog, Andy shares how these features not only solved his gear problems but also improved his creative process.
One of the first things Andy highlights is the color-coded rings. These allow photographers to identify filters at a glance—no more guessing or digging through gear bags during a time-sensitive shoot. The magnetic attachment system is another major advantage. It eliminates the need for threading filters on and off, which can be especially problematic in cold or wet environments.
Thanks to the Maven magnetic filter system, Andy now spends less time fumbling with gear and more time focused on capturing compelling images. His setup is faster, cleaner, and far more enjoyable to use in the field.
Whether you’re a landscape shooter, travel photographer, or someone who just wants a more streamlined kit, Andy’s experience shows how Maven’s system can elevate your photography.
Glow filters for nature photography are an underrated tool—but photographer Alex Armitageis changing that. In his recent video, he shares how using glow filters like the Maven Show GlowFilters has helped him reconnect with the artistic side of his work.
Many nature photographers focus on capturing technically perfect images: razor-sharp, clean, and distortion-free. However, Alex suggests that perfection isn’t always the goal. In fact, adding a slight softness with glow filters can enhance the mood and storytelling of an image.
Glow filters—also known as black mist or bloom filters—gently reduce contrast and bloom highlights. While that may seem like a drawback, it can actually make images feel more cinematic and emotional. Alex has been experimenting with Maven’s 1/4 and 1/2 strength glow filters for nature photography, and the results are inspiring.
Sometimes, the filter’s effect is very subtle. Other times, it creates a dreamy glow in the highlights, almost like a vintage film scene. According to Alex, it takes practice to understand how these filters behave in different lighting conditions. But once you do, they can become a powerful creative tool.
Using glow filters for nature photography has reminded Alex of the joy of telling visual stories. He’s moved beyond the need for technical perfection and toward something more expressive and personal.
If you’re curious about how Maven Show Glow Filters could change the look and feel of your outdoor shots, check out Alex’s video. You might just find a new favorite technique.
At Maven Filters, we love seeing how creative professionals incorporate our products into their workflow. Seed Creative, video production company based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, shared an in-depth review of our filters. In their video, they explain how these filters enhance their filmmaking process, improve efficiency, and provide stunning visual quality.
If you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or videographer seeking to enhance your footage, this review provides valuable insights into how Maven Filters can help you achieve the perfect shot.
Who Is Seed Creative?
Seed Creative is a highly skilled production company that specializes in commercial, corporate, and creative video work. With years of experience, they are known for their ability to craft compelling stories while maintaining professional production quality.
Beyond their technical skills, their passion for storytelling makes them stand out. They don’t just shoot video; they create meaningful content that resonates with audiences. For a closer look at their work, visit their website or follow them on Instagram @seed_creative.
We truly appreciate Seed Creative for their detailed review and for demonstrating how Maven Filters elevate their filmmaking process. Their expertise highlights why the right filters make a huge difference in achieving professional-grade video quality.
Why choose Maven Filters for video production
✅ Precise Exposure Control
Maven Filters give filmmakers full control over exposure, even in bright sunlight. Instead of adjusting shutter speed or aperture in ways that compromise image quality, these filters allow videographers to achieve the perfect balance while preserving cinematic motion blur.
✅ Faster Workflow with Magnetic System
Efficiency is crucial in video production, especially when working on tight schedules. Unlike traditional screw-on filters, which take time to swap, Maven Filters use a magnetic attachment system. This innovation allows filmmakers to change filters instantly, saving valuable time on set.
✅ True-to-Life Color Accuracy
Many ND filters introduce an unwanted color cast, requiring extra time for color correction in post-production. In contrast, Maven ND Filters maintain natural colors, ensuring consistent and accurate results straight out of the camera. By reducing the need for excessive post-processing, filmmakers can streamline their editing workflow.
✅ Versatile for Any Filming Environment
Filming conditions can change rapidly, requiring gear that adapts quickly. Whether working indoors, outdoors, or in fast-changing lighting scenarios, Maven Filters provide unmatched flexibility. Their ability to maintain clarity and color accuracy in various settings makes them an essential tool for professionals.
If you love coastal photography, don’t miss this feature on Sebastian Bevan at The Camera Loft!
Sebastian, an experienced seascape photographer, shares easy tips for taking great shots by the water. He uses the Maven Filters Splash Guard to keep his lens free from water spray. His tips cover long exposure shots, handling bright sunlight, and dealing with shifting weather.
Filters are an essential tool for photographers, helping to control light, reduce reflections, and enhance image quality. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various filter systems, from bulky square filters to traditional screw-ons. Recently, I had the opportunity to test Maven’s Magnetic Circular Filters—a system designed to simplify workflow while maintaining professional-grade results.
This Maven Filters Review by Pia Steen, reflects her honest experience with Maven filters, highlighting their unique features, performance, and practical advantages. Whether you’re considering upgrading your current filter setup or exploring magnetic systems for the first time, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you decide. Let’s dive in!
Transparency: I am sponsored by the filter manufacturer Maven. However, Maven has not asked or pressured me to write anything about their filters. This review is entirely voluntary and reflects my honest opinion. Nevertheless, it should be considered as advertising.
Square Filters vs. Magnetic Circular Filters
There are countless filter manufacturers, but the differences in quality can be significant. Common issues include color casts, blurriness, and flares.
For years, I used a square filter system. The key advantages of square filters are their flexibility, particularly when using graduated neutral density (GND) filters. With this system, you can shift the filter up or down to match the horizon, even if it’s not centered. Additionally, square systems allow stacking multiple filters without causing vignetting.
However, there are downsides. Square filter systems are bulkier than circular filters, taking up more space in your backpack. They also take a bit more time to attach to the lens, which can be inconvenient in fast-paced shooting situations.
Therefore, I took a closer look at magnetic circular filters from various manufacturers. These filters are smaller, take up less space, and can be quickly attached to the front of the lens using magnetic adapter rings. This process is much faster than using a square filter system—very convenient!
However, I noticed a significant issue when stacking two filters together (e.g., a polarizing filter and an ND filter). Even with an 82mm filter diameter on a 77mm lens, I experienced noticeable vignetting in the image. Adding another filter on top only worsened the problem. This is a major downside for me.
I use a polarizing filter for nearly all my shots, but when I attach an additional magnetic filter in front of it, vignetting becomes apparent at focal lengths below 24mm. If I wanted to stack two ND filters along with a polarizer, the resulting vignetting would be severe, making this setup nearly unusable in my opinion.
Additionally, with GND (graduated neutral density) filters, the horizon is fixed in the middle and cannot be shifted. However, thanks to the high dynamic range of modern cameras, I personally find that I rarely need GND filters anymore and can manage just fine without them.
Dark CPL? What’s That?
I mentioned my issues with filters to a friend, and he asked why I don’t use filters where the polarizer is integrated into the neutral density (ND) filter—a so-called Dark CPL.
I had heard about Dark CPLs many years ago but was never convinced by the system. Reports of image flaws, color shifts, and loss of sharpness made me hesitant. However, technology evolves, so I decided to give them another shot. I had a set of Dark CPLs sent to me to see if they could address my concerns.
The filters are from the brand Maven—admittedly, a name I had never heard before. The company is relatively new, having emerged from a Kickstarter campaign in the USA.
What immediately caught my attention was the distinct colors of the filter edges. The filters are no thicker than other magnetic circular filters and feel very high-quality.
Once the adapter ring is screwed onto the lens, it can remain permanently attached. What I prefer about this screw-in version compared to a fully magnetic system, where the adapter rings are also magnetically installed, is that the adapter ring doesn’t come loose when removing the filter. Since it’s screwed in place, it stays securely attached.
Additionally, the compatible lens cap protects the lens from scratches even with the adapter ring in place, allowing you to keep the ring on the lens permanently without any issues.
The different colors of the magnetic rings make it much easier to grab the correct filter from your bag without having to decipher the fine print indicating the filter density. The base color is always blue, signaling that the filter includes an integrated polarizer.
Here’s how the inventor, Michael, explains the color scheme:
•Yellow (10 ND): When the sun is still shining brightly, you need a strong filter to darken the image. Yellow represents the sun.
•Purple (6 ND): As the sun sets and the sky turns purple, you need a slightly weaker filter. Hence, the 6 ND has a purple edge.
•Red (3 ND): Red is reminiscent of the record button on cameras, as the 3 ND is often the most used filter in videography.
•Blue (Linear Polarizer): Blue symbolizes the sky and water, which this filter enhances or de-reflects.
This thoughtful color-coding system is a practical and intuitive way to identify filters at a glance.
I found this reasoning very appealing and logical. Indeed, after some time using the filters, you quickly learn to identify each one at a glance. It’s often the small details that make working so much easier.
For added clarity, the filter size and type are also engraved in white text on the back of each filter. The neutral density filters conveniently indicate the number of stops rather than the more traditional and complex nomenclature like “ND8,” “ND64,” or “ND1000.”
Another great feature: Each filter has unique grooves, making them easier to grip. The magnets are impressively strong and keep the filters securely in place, even when carrying the camera around.
The magnetic lens caps also come in different colors, adding a splash of brightness to your camera bag. If you choose, you can even identify your lenses by the color of the caps.
Quality of Maven Magnetic Filters
While stylish colors are a nice touch, what truly matters is the quality of the filters. How do they perform, especially with the integrated CPL?
Older systems from other brands often used two layers of glass that you rotated against each other to adjust the polarizer. This setup was bulky and prone to issues such as artifacts, loss of sharpness, and color shifts. That’s not the case with Maven’s filters.
The frames are made of aircraft-grade aluminum, paired with thin optical glass from AGC. This combination makes them both lightweight and durable. With the Dark CPL filters, there is a single piece of glass that rotates like a traditional polarizer. The difference is that the CPL is inherently darker, functioning as an ND filter as well. This two-in-one design means only one layer of glass is placed on the lens, reducing the risk of vignetting and simplifying handling.
Performance Highlights
•No Color Casts: I didn’t observe any color shifts or unwanted artifacts.
•Sharpness: Images remained crystal clear, with no noticeable loss of detail.
•Build Quality: The glass appears scratch-resistant and feels premium in construction.
•Flare Resistance: Direct sunlight produced flares similar to shooting without a filter, outperforming other brands that struggle more with direct backlight and generate additional flares.
The combination of robust materials and thoughtful engineering results in high-quality filters that are not only practical but also deliver excellent optical performance.
Filters from other manufacturers produce significantly more flares.
With Maven filters, you only see the flares that the lens itself would produce in backlight, even without a filter.
Water splashes can be wiped off easily without leaving streaks—another practical advantage.
But why does the set also include a linear polarizer? Naturally, it’s for shooting without an ND filter. If you only want to use a polarizer, you can do so. However, the system offers an additional clever trick: if you clip the linear polarizer in front of a Dark CPL, you essentially create a variable ND filter. This allows you to further darken the exposure by 1.3 to 5 additional stops. For example, a 10-stop ND filter can effectively become a 15-stop ND filter.
While circular (CPL) and linear polarizers (LPL) produce similar effects, linear polarizers offer slightly better color performance when used with mirrorless cameras. Circular polarizers, on the other hand, are compatible with both mirrorless and DSLR cameras. However, using linear polarizers with DSLRs can interfere with autofocus and metering systems.
You might wonder why Maven doesn’t use Dark LPLs instead. The answer lies in the combination of neutral density and circular polarization films in the Dark CPLs, which provide better color performance than standard CPL filters. The main advantage of Dark CPLs is their compatibility with both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, ensuring seamless functionality without sacrificing color quality. This flexibility makes CPLs the preferred choice over LPLs in Maven’s system.
Other Accessories from Maven
In addition to a wide range of filters and lens caps, Maven also offers magnetic lens hoods. These attach to either the adapter ring or the filter itself, allowing you to use the hood simultaneously with a filter. A truly brilliant feature! The lens hoods are available in various sizes and diameters to suit different setups.
Advantages of Maven Filters
I’ve discovered that Maven filters offer several advantages over other brands I’ve used:
•Easy installation
•No vignetting
•User-friendly color coding for quick filter selection
•Less glass in front of the lens thanks to combined filters with integrated polarizers
•Highly scratch-resistant due to premium glass quality
•Excellent sharpness
•Minimal color shifts compared to competing products
Initially skeptical, I am now completely convinced and have found my new go-to filter system with these magnetic circular filters. The combination of CPL and ND filters is perfect for long exposures, and the linear polarizer works wonderfully on its own or as a variable ND filter when combined with a Dark CPL. The logical color coding of the filter edges makes it incredibly easy to grab the right filter from my bag and start shooting immediately.
If you’re interested in these filters, you can support me by using this affiliate link: www.mavenfilters.com
Here are some images I’ve captured using Maven filters.
To make the mist appear smooth and flowing, I need a long exposure time. That’s why I use the ND 6 Dark CPL along with the linear polarizer.
Thanks to the ND 6 Dark CPL, I can achieve a long enough exposure, even in sunlight, to make the mist appear smooth and flowing.
The ND 6 beautifully allows the mist to flow over the ridge. (The image isn’t 100% sharp due to the strong wind and resulting camera shake—this is not caused by the filter.)
