02/03/2026 1:17 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
Sigma Forum
6
Posts
7
Users
0
Reactions
40
Views
0
I am honestly hitting a wall with this Sigma fp setup and it is driving me crazy. I spent way too much on the body and that 45mm kit lens and now I realized I basically cant shoot outside in daylight without getting totally blown out highlights because this thing doesn't have internal NDs. Its so annoying. I am looking at two main paths right now and I am totally stuck.
First is the PolarPro Peter McKinnon VND because everyone says its the gold standard but man it is pricey and I am down to my last 200 bucks for this project. My other thought was getting a Tiffen Black Pro-Mist 1/4 and maybe just some cheap fixed NDs from K&F Concept to save cash. My logic was that the Pro-Mist would give that filmic look everyone wants with the fp but then I have to swap filters constantly while we are moving around the city.
We are filming this music video in Seattle in about ten days and the weather is gonna be all over the place so I need to be fast. I am leaning toward the PolarPro just for speed but will I regret not having that mist effect? Or should I just get a cheap matte box? The fp is so small that putting a giant filter on it feels stupid but I need the quality. What do you guys think is the best move for a run and gun shoot when the budget is basically dead...
- PolarPro PM Signature II
- Tiffen Pro-Mist plus cheap K&F ND set
- Freewell Magnetic VND system
Its just a lot of money for pieces of glass and I am worried about color shift ruining the footage.
6 Answers
11
02/03/2026 1:30 pm
Just found this thread and totally agree that swapping glass in the rain is a nightmare! Since you want that mist look plus ND speed, check out the NiSi Swift VND Mist Kit 55mm. It is an amazing system because the mist filter just presses onto the VND! The color rendition is fantastic and you wont get that nasty X-pattern.
- 1 to 5 stops of control
- Includes a Black Mist 1/4 filter
- Super fast for run and gun
11
02/03/2026 1:40 pm
Agree with the NiSi suggestion, works great. Ive been happy using larger filters with rings to save money for other gear.
3
02/03/2026 1:17 pm
tbh if you only have 200 left the PolarPro might eat your whole budget and leave you with zero for extra batteries or gear. I would suggest being careful with the fixed ND route tho... swapping glass in Seattle weather is a mess when you're in a rush. Honestly, look at the Freewell Magnetic VND Filter System 77mm instead. Its super fast for run and gun and usually cheaper than the PM ones. If you're worried about that filmic look, you might want to consider just getting a K&F Concept Black Diffusion 1/4 Filter 55mm and stacking it later. But seriously, just get one good VND first. Color shift is real on the cheap stuff but Freewell is usually decent for the price. Just make sure to get step up rings so you dont have to buy new filters for every lens you get later on. You got this!
3
22/03/2026 12:50 am
Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.
2
03/03/2026 6:48 pm
Honestly that press-on or magnetic approach is fantastic for a place like Seattle! You really dont want to be fumbling with screw-on threads when it is cold or raining. It is a total lifesaver for speed and reliability. Just make sure you get something with high-quality coating so you dont get weird reflections or loss of contrast. One small tip: buy a larger diameter filter than your lens and use step-up rings. It stops any annoying vignetting from creeping into your shots on that 45mm! Love the fp for video, it is such a beast for music videos!
1
05/03/2026 1:48 am
Oh man, the struggle with the fp highlights is so real! I had a shoot last year where I forgot my filter bag and I basically had to hide in the shadows all day... it was a total nightmare! But honestly, once you get some good glass on there, that sensor really sings. I am a huge fan of Hoya for this kind of thing. You honestly can't go wrong with their glass! I've used them on a dozen projects and the color is just beautiful every single time. I have compared them to Tiffen and honestly, Hoya just feels a bit more natural to me for the fp's sensor. I've messed around with PolarPro too and while they're nice, Hoya just gives me that clean look I crave without the insane price tag. Just get a variable ND from Hoya and you are golden. It is so much easier than carrying a whole kit of fixed ones, especially in a place like Seattle where the sun disappears every two minutes. Seriously, just go with Hoya and don't look back, you are gonna love it!
