Since the ultra-wide-angle lenses currently being marketed by mainstream manufacturers do not support screw-on filters, filter manufacturers have released larger filter holders and special coupling rings to expand their product lines. Haida’s M15 Magnetic Filter Holder is one of them.
Like my last review of Haida’s M10 system, this review sample was also provided by their marketing department. I’ve been using it with a Fujifilm 8-16mm f/2.8 lens for a few weeks now and am ready to share my thoughts on the mount.
While the M10 will meet most people’s needs, users of ultra-wide-angle lenses like the 12-24mm may need a specialized filter system. Haida offers adapters for all major ultra-wide-angle lenses, including the Sony 12-24mm f/4, Canon 11-24mm f/4, and Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8. Other specialized adapters can be found on the product page.
Like its M10 sibling, the M15 is well made and a good value for money. It’s sturdy enough to withstand any day-to-day use. I’m a little surprised that it doesn’t come with a carrying case like the M10 kit. The only time I can imagine damaging the stand is if you throw it in a bag or suitcase when transporting it.
The Haida stand doesn’t come with a storage case like the M10. Since it’s large to begin with, Haida believes photographers will likely store it however they like. For me, that means I put it in the front pocket of my F-Stop Gear Guru UL, which I usually use for spare clothes or snacks. The filter itself can be placed in a storage container that’s in my bag and on my ICU. Haida does include a filter storage case, so if you want to carry multiple filters, that might be a good option.
Like the M10, the square/rectangular filter holder feels sturdy and durable. Haida also uses a thin felt ring to prevent scratches when installing and removing filters. Like the M10, I found that water marks left behind on the filter, so it’s best to change the filter where it’s most likely to get wet. I simply remove the bracket, close it while I change filters, and then reattach it to the camera. This will prevent raindrops from getting on the filter and getting the felt ring wet.
Since the size and weight of the stand is significantly greater than the M10, Haida has removed the small red buckle used to unlock the stand and replaced it with a larger, stronger metal latch to improve reliability.
The size of the 150mm filter holder can really divide people. It’s inevitable. Those who specialize in using a particular lens will find ways to carry such a system. Not everyone wants to lug around all that extra gear. With that out of the way, I want to share my personal experience shooting with this kit.
When I attached the bracket to the lens and added a few filters to it, my first reaction was that it would put a strain on the lens mount itself due to the extra weight added to the already heavy front of the lens. While the aluminum adapter ring and bracket don’t weigh much on their own, they are far from the center of balance. Adding a few large glass panels around the edges would make the whole thing quite heavy. I checked with my local Fujifilm office and they assured me that the mount would handle the extra weight. I imagine other manufacturers would say the same.
Even though it’s safe to use, I couldn’t help but laugh the first few times I attached it to my Fujifilm X-T3. The camera body is so small, but the filter feels so huge. When I tested it out at sea in Jeju Island, many photographers came to help me test it. With such a large filtration system, there’s certainly nothing to hide. However, if you need to use filters on an ultra-wide-angle lens, you’ll have to stick with the larger ones.
The M15 can accept both proprietary round filters and 150mm square filters. The most interesting part of the M15 is the proprietary magnetic filter. Let’s take a moment to discuss these filters, their pros and cons, and specialized lens adapters.
While there are adapters for a variety of lenses, there are also screw-in adapters for lenses that can accept screw-in filters. As with any filter holder system, if your lens has internal focusing, you just have to be careful not to stress the focus motor when moving the holder. My personal experience is using a dedicated Fuji XF 8-16mm f/2.8 adapter, so I won’t go into detail.
Each custom ring is designed to fit over the built-in hood of an ultra-wide lens, and features ridges to help it fit flush. Unlike some other systems (like the Lee SW150), this is a single piece that fits over the front of the lens. You don’t need to remove your lens to attach the adapter. Then, simply tighten the clamp on the back of the adapter until it locks onto the lens. Once that’s done, simply attach the stand to the ring using a single-pin locking mechanism similar to those found on other stands you may have used. Be sure to insert the magnetic filters before installing, as they fit between the adapter and the holder. The system worked well, and I was able to quickly and easily install and remove it when I was caught in a downpour during testing.
The heart of the M15 system is the magnetic part of the mount. Haida has several different round filters that fit into the back of the holder. I mean, really fit it. It’s a little confusing at first because you just push the filter into the holder and release it. The magnets will lock the filter in place and you’re good to go. There’s no need for a barn door like the M10 system, which also means less chance of losing a piece of equipment.
Removing these filters is a different story. Since there is no latch or trigger mechanism to repel the magnets, you have to remove each square filter from the holder, turn it upside down, and then manually push the filters out. I kept pressing the edge of the filter with my fingernail against the backing that Haida includes with each filter, but it always felt like it would fall off. You can also wear gloves and hold them in your hands to avoid leaving fingerprints. However, the filter itself is so large that I don’t have the confidence to do this. Some kind of filter release mechanism would make this system more complete and safer for the filters.
This magnetic holder currently has a wide range of filter options, including CPL, Clear Night, ND, and ND + CPL combo filters. The CPL can be easily rotated using the small gears at the top and bottom of the bracket. At this price, rotating these filters seems a bit unnecessary. While they work well, I felt they didn’t match the high-end design of the rest of the unit. I wish the gears made less noise from the metal rubbing against metal as they rotated, and also that there was a lock on the gears to prevent them from accidentally hitting each other.
The camera’s square filter holder feels sturdy and holds the filter well. This filter is a little more difficult to install and remove than the smaller M10 filters, but that’s a good thing. This filter is larger, heavier, and more expensive. I was assured that the holder holds the filter securely every time I use it.
Since the holder holds the filter securely in place and I have relatively short fingers, I often have to remove the holder and carefully push the filter out because I can’t hold it with one hand. I find that people with larger hands will find this easier to do and are less likely to get fingerprints and smudges every time I clean it.
The Haida comes with an elastic cord that holds the factory lens cap in place when installing the lens adapter. So if you want to take this large adapter on the go to save a few steps during installation, that’s totally fine!
The test unit provided by Haida included a Red Diamond ND 1000 filter, a CPL M15 magnetic filter, and a Red Diamond 2-Stop Medium Edge graduated filter. I used both of these filters in the seascape photos you see here and in my Fuji 8-16mm f/2.8 review. Both the ND 1000 and CPL filters that came with the kit had magnetic slots, so I was never able to use both at the same time, as there was only room for one magnetic filter in the slot.
As I mentioned above, the CPL snaps in and rotates easily. There was no noticeable color cast in my tests. While it may not be as powerful as my usual screw-in black and white polarizer, it does a great job of eliminating reflections from water and enhancing contrast, as you can see in the two images below.
I also tested the smaller ND 1000 with the M10 frame and it worked very well. As you can see in the quick test below, the filter has only a slight warm/purple cast. Even for the most experienced photographers, this should not be a concern and will seem like a minor change. Haida has a long history of producing high-quality filters and these filters are suitable for this system.
The Haida M15 is priced slightly higher than the M10 system, which is still affordable for a 150mm system. The frame itself is $135, but you will need an adapter ring. The screw-in frame is $75, while the special ultra-wide adapter ring is $99. You will also need to purchase at least one magnetic frame to use this feature. Magnetic frames start at $200. While not a cheap investment, it is far from the most expensive option, and the Haida filters are excellent.
The Haida M15 is an excellent solution for its intended purpose. It is compatible with a variety of lens adapters and is easy to install and use. I would have liked to see an improvement in the removal of the magnetic filters, as this requires removing the square filter first. Otherwise, it is a great system in itself, with some excellent filters included.
Dylan Godby is an Australian photographer living and working in South Korea. He photographs families of all kinds, especially stepfamilies, and pre-wedding portraits. He enjoys travel, good food and wine, and time away from electronics.
There is no reason why they couldn’t offer a hood like the 8-16 so you can attach a magnetic mount. One magnetic filter holder is $200, which is outrageous, but a set of five filters with filter bags would be $200 if that’s reasonable. I know most photographers don’t use filters these days, and the pricing set by the marketing department is completely unreasonable or self-defeating.