UPDATE: As of the 24th November 2020 GOBE has been re-branded as URTH
First Impressions: GOBE Filters + Discount Code
Although we use the NiSi square filter system (if buying in Australia) for our landscape images we have always used the round screw-in filters for our everyday use – notably the Hoya brand. Filters usually last a long time if they are well looked after and we haven’t needed any for quite a while, however, when we sold our Sony FE 24-70 f4 lenses to upgrade to the Sony FE 24-105 f4 lens we now needed 77mm UV, C-PL (Circular Polarizer) & ND8 threaded filters.
We’d heard about GOBE filters but never had the need for any of their products until recently. Their products looked interesting and their commitment to the environment really piqued our interest. Being very mindful of the environment and doing ‘our bit’ was a big plus for us. In addition, their products were very competitively priced which was a huge bonus. GOBE is an Australian company (as are we), so it was great to be supporting a local company as well as one that cared about our planet.
GOBE produces a range of UV, CPL (Circular Polariser), ND filters (fixed and variable), Filter Kits, Cleaning Kits, Lens Adapters, and the newly released 100mm Square ND Filters (check out our review). Not only have they released the screw-in filters in every filter thread size from 40.5mm to 86mm but also at Entry, Mid & Pro levels. Each level is made from better quality materials to fit everyone’s budget. Here’s the difference –
Entry Level ▲ – This level of GOBE filter is great for beginners but passionate photographers. The filter features Japanese optics + Gobe’s 12-layer multi-resistant coating.
Mid Level ▲▲ – This level of GOBE filter is great for aspiring professional photographers. The filter features Japanese optics + GOBE’s 16-layer multi-resistant coating.
Pro Level (Top Level) ▲▲▲ – This level of GOBE filter is highly recommended for professional photographers. It features German SCHOTT B270 optical glass + GOBE’s 16-layer multi-resistant coating.
UPDATE
As mentioned above, on the 24th of November 2020 GOBE was re-branded to URTH. In turn, this has heralded a new era for the company with plenty of new products being released in late 2020. These will include 100mm & 75mm Square Filter Holder, Square ND filters, Square ND Grad filters, Circular Graduated filters, a Night filter, and more.
We ordered The Duet ▲▲▲ (top level) kit which includes the UV Pro Level filter and the CPL Pro Level filter. We ordered these on a Monday and they were delivered FREE on Thursday! Great service. The filter container is packaged in a recyclable cardboard box (as above) and not in the packaging as displayed below. The filter case is durable and although they would be sufficient to transport your filters safely anywhere, they are bulky. Having said that, all filter manufacturers have bulky cases which are a pain unless you buy a filter pouch of some sort. Inside each filter container, was a nifty GOBE lens cloth (you can never get enough lens cloths). A great touch. We were also delighted to find that GOBE has really thought outside the box on this one and provided a Lens Filter Cap with the kit. These are fantastic. It contains two hardened aluminium caps that screw into the top and bottom side of your lens filters (looks a bit like a filter sandwich). This means that you can keep multiple filters (with the same filter thread size) together. Such a great idea and a space saver in the camera bag.
Above: GOBE – The Duet Kit – 2 filters encased with the screw-in Lens Filter Cap
The filters are extremely well made and really feel solid and at the price point we did not expect them to be serious contenders in the filter market. We were wrong! Not only are these filters cheap in comparison to the big name brands but they are on a quality level pegging in our opinion.
We will be testing the filters thoroughly over the next couple of weeks however our first impressions are that photographers should sit up and take notice of the wonderful products that GOBE is producing and the impact that they are having on the environment. It’s not often these days that you find a brand that produces quality products at a cheap price which also contributes to the environment. So do yourself a favour and have a look at these great filters. We’ll definitely be buying them for all our lenses.
To get a 15% discount off the range of GOBE products simply add the Promo Code ‘WideScenes‘ at checkout. If, for some reason, the coupon code does not work please contact us and we will have it rectified and advise you.
Above: Gobe ND1000 (10 Stop) 100mm Square ND Filter ▲▲
If you are interested in checking out some of our other GOBE/URTH product reviews, see below –
Disclaimer: Although we are affiliated with URTH Filters and receive a commission on any sales when using the coupon code, this review is totally unbiased (we are also NiSi Resellers). As Professional Photographers we would never recommend the use of any product unless we use the product ourselves. We always strive to give you our honest opinion in order to help you make the best choice. We did receive the product with compliments of URTH but were not paid for this review. We may also receive commissions on other links in this post.
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Thank you for your mail, just at the righ time as I need some polarising filters. I wanted to have them coated anti dust/ humidity to keep the filter clean longer. Do I need to buy the Pro série to get that feature?
Do they sell variable ND?
PierreF
Hi Pierre. Not sure if the filters are coated for anti-dust/humidity. The different levels of filters refer more to the quality of glass used in the filter. If you want the best, as we do, then order the Pro Level. They do sell a Variable ND filter. You can have a look at it at the following link https://mygobe.com/au/58mm-variable-nd-filter-2peak.html Make sure you select the correct filter thread size when ordering and enter WideScenes in the coupon code box at checkout. If you need any further help just let us know. Cheers Paul & Helen
thank you
mail exchange working well now.
I am in discussions with Gobe as their website does not seem to accept WideScenes in the coupon box
Hi Pierre. Thanks for letting us know. We have sent them an email to rectify. Cheers Paul & Helen
Hi Pierre. The issue has been fixed and the coupon code now works. Cheers Paul & Helen
How efficient !! yes working now and order has been placed.
ps: I am in EU till early Aug (visiting family and country)..so do not be surprised if you do not hear about me. cheers. Pierre
Great to hear Pierre. Safe travels. Look forward to catching up on your return. Cheers Paul & Helen
I am convinced and will buy the CPL Pro Level Filter. Is the Promo Code ‘WideScenes‘ still in use.
Bill
Hi Bill. Thanks for your comment. Yes, the Promo Code is still valid on the GOBE Filters. Enjoy the filter. Cheers Paul & Helen
Hi. Thanks for your reviews. They are helping convince me to buy GOBE NDs. To get the 15%, do I need to buy direct from GOBE, if so how do I go about that. Can’t find a direct link to order from the company. Thinking I’ll purchase 95mm filters and use step down rings. Any comment about that? Plan/need to order today : 3-24-2020
Hi Timothy. Thanks for your message. Yes, you need to buy direct from Gobe. If you go to the Gobe site at https://mygobe.com/ and click on the product you want there should be a ‘Shop Now’ button. If you click on this it will take you to the product page. Under the choose an option dropdown select the size you want and add to cart. At checkout you should be given a coupon code box. Add widescenes to the box and it should give you the 15% discount. If you have any further problems let us know. Cheers Paul
BTW: another question about GOBE ND filters. What is meant by “peak 1 & “peak 2” and what is the differences in the two….quality of glass perhaps?
Correct. Both the 1 Peak and 2 peak are quality Japanese optical glass. The 1 peak has 12-layers of ultra-nano coating and the 2 peak has 16-layers ultra-nano coating. Hope this helps. Cheers Paul
why would someone want more layers??
Hi Jordan. Thanks for your comment. If you are referring to the difference between 12 layers and 16 layers of nano-coating then it is better to have as many layers as possible for quality purposes. Some of new URTH Plus+ filters now have 30 layers of nano-coating. Hope this answers your question. Regards.