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 recently we sold our Sony FE 24-70 f4 lenses to upgrade to the Sony FE 24-105 f4 lens. As Travel Photography is our specialty and based on the reviews of the lens, this was a wise upgrade. The only downside was that we would no longer have any 67mm filter threads on our lenses which means we needed replacements for our UV, CPL & ND8 filters (we don’t recommend using step-up rings as this can cause vignetting in your images).
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 peaked 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, Filter Kits and Memory Cards. Not only have they released the 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 – The Gobe Ultra Violet filter is great for beginners but passionate photographers. This filter features Japanese optics + Gobe’s 12 layer multi-resistant coating.
Mid Level – The Gobe Ultra Violet filter is great for aspiring professional photographers. This filter features Japanese optics + Gobe’s 16 layer multi-resistant coating.
Pro Level (Top Level) – The Gobe Ultra Violet filter is highly recommended for professional photographers. It features German SCHOTT B270 optical glass + Gobe’s 16 layer multi-resistant coating.
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.
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 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 simple add the Promo Code ‘WideScenes‘ at checkout.
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