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Gobe ND Filter Review

If you’re a beginner photographer, a semi-pro or a pro photographer, neutral density filters (ND) should or already do play a role in your photography.  ND filters are especially important for the landscape and nature photographers, as well as videographers.   But… this isn’t a lesson, it’s a review!  Well, a little bit of lesson below.

The ND filters I have been using for some time now, are Gobe filters.  I have used Hoya filters and Tiffen filters in the past, but did not have the same enjoyable experience I’ve had with the Gobe.  The image in the banner for this page was taken with a 2 Peak Gobe ND1000 filter to smooth the water into a dream like state.

Square vs. Circular Filters

Square filters, aside from function, are very different than circular filters.  They are mounted with adapters that mount to the lens and allow the square lenses to be slid in to slots on the mount.  Nearly all types of square filter mounts allow for stacking up to 3 filters, as well as adding a circular polarizing filter, allowing for great flexibility.  Square filters also allow for easy use of graduated filters to prevent blowing out bright skies, or having foregrounds that are too dark and muddy.

Circular filters are mounted by simply screwing the filters onto the lens’ filter threads, and are much smaller and easy to manage than the square filter sets.  Can you stack circular filters to achieve more stops (darkening) or add on a circular polarizer?  Absolutely!  You can stack circular filters to your hearts content.  There are also some graduated filters in circular form, but man-oh-man can they be expensive!

Gobe Filters

Gobe creates 3 levels of filters for photographers and videographers, and runs the gamut of neutral density (ND) filter, colored filters, and star filters.  Gobe packages the filters in perfect little kits that are compact and easy to carry.  The kits come with screw on lens caps that keep the filters safe from scratches and smudges while in your bag.

·        ▲ The One Peak filters are the entry-level set that are geared toward beginning photographers.  The One Peak filters feature professional Japanese optical glass with a precision ND coating and have a 12 layer ultra-nano coating to repel oil and water.

·        ▲▲ The Two Peak filters are mid-level filter sets for semi-pro photographers and enthusiasts.  These filter sets feature professional grade Japanese optical glass with a precision ND coating and a 16 layer ultr-nano coating to repel oil and water.

·        ▲▲▲ The Three Peak filters are marketed as the professional filter set.  These filters feature the best German Schott glass with a precision ND coating and are protected by a 16 layer nano-coating.  However, it appears that Gobe is no longer manufacturing any of the 3 Peak filters, with the exception of UV and CPL (circular polarized) filters. 

Here are the three reasons you should be using Gobe filters on your lenses:

Reason Number One to Use Gobe Filters – Image Quality

I have been using the 2 Peak filters for some time, and have been getting really great results from them.  I am somewhat of a pixel peeper, and have yet to find any anomalies when using these filters.

Color Casting

From my experience, I have seen no discernible color casting using these filters.  I have read from others that have used these filters that sometimes produce a slightly yellowish tint, but I have not experienced this with my usage. 

Vignetting

Out of many filters available for photographers to use, there are often complaints of getting a mild or worse vignette on photos in post-production.  This darkening of the corners can be a problem for many, although many photographers even add a vignette to their photos in post.  I have observed no Vignetting whatsoever with Gobe filters, even when stacked.  However, I do use the Fujifilm X-Series cameras, which usually remove Vignetting in camera.  So, your mileage may vary.

Noise

Any time a filter is used, it can degrade the photo in some way.  Using ND or colored filters could potentially introduce noise into your photos, which can add a distracting grainy look to the photos.  Some photographers enjoy some noise in their photos, while others prefer their images to be super clean and tack sharp.  I have not observed any introduction of noise into my photos while using Gobe filters, unless I improperly expose the photo in the first place.

Reason Number Two – Cost

Obviously, the costs are going to vary depending on your lens and needed filter size. The larger the filter, the larger the price tag.  Also, the 1 Peak filters are slightly cheaper than the 2 Peak filters sets.

Example:  In checking prices, here is a quick example of the price difference between 1 & 2 Peak kits:

·        ▲ 58mm ND Stopper Kit with a 3 stop ND8, a 6 stop ND64, and a 10 stop ND1000 for $61.00.

·        ▲▲  58mm ND Stopper Kit with a 3 stop ND8, a 6 stop ND64, and a 10 stop ND1000 for $68.00.

It seems to me to be a no brainer and spend $7.00 more for the better glass and extra coatings.  Of course, everyone has different budgets, so go with what you’re comfortable with.

Reason Number Three – Size and Weight

As you can see in the photos, the way Gobe packages these into stacks makes for a very easy to store and carry lens system. In addition to the stacks, each kit comes with a nice little drawstring pouch for extra protection.  The only problem with the pouches is that they don’t provide any labeling on them to tell the difference if you have more than one.  Of course, this could be easily remedied by marking it yourself with a permanent marker.

Additionally, the weight of these stacks is very manageable for everyday usage, as well as in busy camera bags.

Thanks for reading and please share this post with your photography loving friends!

Matthew Reed, Editor, GenXploreMore