This groundbreaking solution for shooting with filters has just received an update. The second generation H&Y Revoring Filter offers better control and more functions.
Rewiring from H&Y was the solution no one expected. This solved the annoying need for different sized filters for different sized lenses or the equally annoying but less expensive need to use a step-up ring for each lens to fit a larger filter. Problem solved. The inconvenience may be minor for a person who does not use filters often or who does not own many lenses, but for a person who uses filters almost all the time and changes lenses frequently while shooting, This solution was remarkable.
The H&Y Revoring was released through crowdfunding in 2022 and was later made available globally through various retailers. It included a basic revoring adapter, which could be used with any screw-in filter and fit a range of filter diameter sizes. Another option was the Revoring VND+CPL combination filter, which we reviewed a while ago. In short, it was great and remarkable but it wasn’t without its flaws. A few weeks ago, H&Y announced the second generation of the revamped VND+CPL, which includes physical enhancements and expanded compatibility.
H&Y Revoring VND+CPL Mark II
Second Generation Revoring VND+CPL Filter Comes in five different size ranges, similar to the variants available with the first edition. The smallest for extremely compact lenses is the 37-49mm, followed by the 46-62mm, 52-72mm, the most standard 67-82mm, and the larger 82-95mm, which may come in handy for those who Planning to take. The recently announced Sony 28-70mm f/2 G Master lens. Like the first version, it still comes with a circular polarizer with ND3–1000 and an effective range of 1.5–10 stops of light.
The Mark II generally retains the same dimensions (67–82 mm depending on version) of 4.25 x 0.5 inches (110 x 12.7 mm) as the construction of the filter frame and variable size adapter is generally the same. Due to the physical changes on the pins and magnets discussed below, the second generation is 6.4 grams heavier (145 grams from 138.6 grams in the first version) which is quite negligible considering the overall weight with the camera gear.
more control
The Mark II generally retains the same dimensions (depending on 67–82 mm version) of 4.25 x 0.5 inches (110 x 12.7 mm), as the construction of the filter frame and variable-size adapter remains largely the same. Due to the physical changes to the pins and magnets discussed below, the second generation is 6.4 grams heavier (145 grams compared to the first version’s 138.6 grams), which is negligible considering the overall weight of the camera gear.
The second version now includes three pins, the third dedicated to controlling the variable-size adapter. Additionally, all three pins now have small knobs that can lock each pin in place to prevent unintentional adjustments. Locking the frontmost pin keeps the variable ND at its current setting. Locking the middle pin secures the CPL at the current setting. Locking both prevents any adjustments to the filter layers.
The third pin locks the size of the filter thread, which can be useful when rewiring is used with multiple lenses of the same filter size. It also provides additional protection when mounted on a lens, provided the blades of the variable adapter extend fully to the size of the filter threads. Alternatively, when the third pin is unlocked while the front (VND) and middle (CPL) pins remain unlocked, the pin can be used to adjust the filter size without rotating the main circular frame. This may be helpful for users with small hands or those who have trouble holding the filter frame firmly.
extended functionality
The Revoring VND+CPL Mark II retains the compatibility of the first version with various accessories/attachments and has been made compatible with even more. Both versions are compatible H&Y Magnetic Clip-On FiltersThese include additional ND filters to limit VND by more than 10 stops. Limiting the VND to a fixed point (about 6 stops for wide-angle lenses) avoids the cross-polarization or X artifact that can occur with any variable ND filter greater than 6 stops when used with wide lenses. Appears together. H&Y also offers circular graduated neutral density (GND) filters that mount in the same manner. Other magnetic clip-on filter variants include effect filters such as blur or streak filters.
What’s new in the second edition is improved compatibility with accessories in H&Y’s SWIFT system that offers modular attachments for portrait photography, landscape photography and filmmaking. Revolut Mark II is now compatible with bridge adapter It acts as a layer that bridges the polarity of the magnets so that accessories can be further attached magnetic square filter holder Which makes a landscape photographer’s kit or mounts a magnetic collapsible lens hood that can be great for shooting through glass, or can mount Revoring Swift Carbon Fiber Magnetic Matbox To complete a filmmaker kit.
boundaries
The revamped VND+CPL has two limitations, which apply to both current versions, mostly affecting wide-angle lenses. The first, mentioned above, is the X-shaped artifact that appears when using more than 6 stops of VND on a wide-angle lens. This artifact reduces as the focal length increases or the aperture widens. Magnetic clip-on ND filters are available to act as booster ND filters, keeping VND below 6 stops. Alternatively, square ND filters connected via a bridge adapter and square filter holder can be used.
The second limitation is that the 0.5-inch thickness of the revoring may cause the edges of the filter or the frame to be visible on some ultra-wide-angle lenses, especially those with larger barrels. For example, with the Sony 16-35mm f/2.8 GM Version 1, the edges are clearly visible at 16mm but disappear around 18mm. The smaller 16-35mm lens may or may not have this problem. Testing with the Sony 20mm f/1.8G revealed no trace of frame edges. This limitation may encourage users to choose thinner filters or wide-angle adapters rather than rewiring for some wider lenses.
conclusion
Since this version uses the same glass as the first one and all other H&Y filters, testing focused on the ergonomic implications. The unique patented mechanism that allows the filter thread to compress and expand remains a remarkably convenient solution. The addition of different filter variants and magnetic attachments expands this further. Although not a necessity for all photographers and videographers, it is a highly useful tool for those who frequently use filters, especially when working with multiple lenses.
Improved pins and locks provide more control, making the workflow easier when shooting. The modular design of Revoring Swift accessories allows Revoring VND+CPL Filter Acting as a standalone tool or a base layer for more complex setups, all are ready to help users achieve the images they envision.
what i liked
- Better control over filter layers
- Extended compatibility with modular accessories
what can be improved
- Thinner Hardware (if it’s possible)
- Pins and locks can be changed to sliding switches so that they do not fall out