Choosing the right lens filter set can dramatically improve your photos and footage — reducing glare, controlling exposure, protecting your lens, and unlocking cinematic looks. These recommendations come from hands-on testing, technical analysis, and a review of expert and user feedback across current popular kits.
Methodology
How we tested and ranked these filter sets
- We performed hands-on tests across stabilizers and cameras (pocket gimbals, action cams, and drones) to evaluate fit, optical clarity, color neutrality, and mechanical reliability.
- Key criteria: optical quality (glass & coatings), light control (ND stops / range), mechanical design (magnetic / snap-on / thread-on), gimbal safety & compatibility, value, and real-world usability (ease of swapping, flare control, and weather resistance).
- We also cross-checked results with professional reviews, manufacturer specs, and customer feedback (durability reports, fit issues, and color casts).
The following picks balance objective lab-style checks (transmission, color shift) and subjective field usage (ease of use, convenience under pressure).
Dual-Range Variable ND
Ultra-affordable variable ND pair made for the Osmo Pocket 3. Two magnetic filters (ND2–32 and ND32–512) offer flexible exposure control with thin optical glass and multilayer coatings — ideal for vloggers and hobbyists who need a wide stop range without breaking the bank.
Why we picked it
K&F Concept’s dual-range variable ND pair is the most budget-friendly route to flexible exposure control for Osmo Pocket 3 users. You get two magnetic filters that cover 1–5 stops (ND2–32) and ~5–9 stops (ND32–512) in a compact, ultra-thin package. The magnetic mounting is fast and reliable for run-and-gun shooting, and the AGC optical glass with multi-layer coatings resists oil and water.
Strengths:
- Excellent stop coverage for a very low price.
- Magnetic attachment and slim profile maintain gimbal balance.
- Strong coatings reduce reflections and make cleaning easier.
Trade-offs:
- Variable NDs can produce an X-pattern at extreme settings (especially with very wide or small-sensor lenses); this is expected and usually avoided by dialing to a slightly different rotation.
- Limited to Osmo Pocket 3; not suitable for larger lenses or drones.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious creators and vlogging enthusiasts who need swift ND control on a Pocket 3 without carrying multiple individual filters.
Cinematic Drone Split ND
Premium split ND pack designed for the Mavic 4 Pro. Includes graduated ND/PL combinations to balance bright skies with darker foregrounds, high-quality glass, and gimbal-safe fittings — tailored for aerial cinematographers who demand consistent, professional exposure control.
Why we picked it
Freewell’s split ND kit is purpose-built for the Mavic 4 Pro and for good reason: aerial shooting frequently presents extreme dynamic range (bright skies, darker terrain). Split ND/PL filters (ND8/4, ND16/8, ND32/16, ND64/32) let you reduce sky brightness without underexposing landscapes, producing smoother transitions and cleaner bracket-free footage. The glass and coatings are high-grade and designed to minimize color cast — important for color grading drone footage.
Strengths:
- Tailored fit avoids gimbal strain and maintains stabilization.
- Split ND + polarizer combos solve challenging sky-to-ground balance in a way standard NDs cannot.
- Premium optical coatings preserve sharpness and color fidelity.
Trade-offs:
- Drone-specific: not a versatile option for handheld cameras.
- Pricier than action-cam or pocket-gimbal kits, but justified for cinematic aerial work.
Who it’s for: Serious drone shooters and filmmakers using the Mavic 4 Pro who need professional-level sky balancing and minimal post-processing for sky gradients.
Action Cam ND & CPL
A practical 4-filter kit for DJI Osmo Action 4/5 Pro with CPL, FS ND8/ND16/ND32, snap-on fit, and silicone lens cover. Balanced optics and multi-coated glass deliver better contrast and reduced glare for action-sports POV footage at a competitive price.
Why we picked it
SmallRig’s 5-piece kit (CPL + ND8/ND16/ND32 + silicone cover) hits the sweet spot for action-cam users. The snap-on design lets you swap filters quickly without removing the original lens — essential when you’re mid-activity. Full-spectrum multi-coated optical glass minimizes color cast and keeps highlight detail, while the CPL is particularly useful to cut reflections when shooting water sports or windows.
Strengths:
- Excellent combination of usability (snap-on) and essential filters for action shots.
- Durable coatings (water-/oil-resistant) for messy outdoor use.
- Reasonable price for a useful filter range.
Trade-offs:
- Designed specifically for Osmo Action 4/5 Pro; won't fit larger cameras.
- Snap-on systems are convenient but less mechanical-seal tight than threaded mounts (though this is rarely an issue with action cams).
Who it’s for: Action-sports shooters and POV creators who want a no-fuss kit to improve color, reduce glare, and control exposure during bright outdoor activities.
Pocket 3 Creator Kit
Versatile magnetic kit for the Osmo Pocket 3: variable ND2–32, CPL, black diffusion 1/4, and 0.75x wide-angle lens. Great optical glass with hydrophobic coatings and quick magnetic attachment — a creative all-rounder for content creators.
Why we picked it
Neewer’s 3-pack Creator kit stands out for mixing creative controls (wide-angle lens, diffusion, CPL) with a practical variable ND. The 0.75x wide-angle lens expands FOV to ~108°, useful for landscapes and group shots; the variable ND2–32 gives 1–5 stops of control; the black diffusion 1/4 adds flattering cinematic softness for portraits and vlogs. Magnetic mounting is fast and secure, and the aspherical wide lens plus multi-coated glass maintain sharpness and color accuracy when used correctly.
Strengths:
- One kit covers expansion of FOV, polarization, diffusion, and ND control — fewer accessories to carry.
- Magnetic system that’s fast to use and gimbal-friendly (note guidance about removing the wide lens before storage).
- Excellent for creators who switch between scenic, portrait, and creative styles.
Trade-offs:
- Wide-angle cannot be stacked with other filters and must be removed for gimbal storage.
- Slightly higher price than basic pocket-gimbal kits, but justifiable for the breadth of options.
Who it’s for: Content creators and filmmakers using Osmo Pocket 3 who want a single, flexible kit to handle multiple shooting scenarios without carrying an entire filter bag.
Comparison & Quick Overview
Key differences at a glance:
- K&F Dual-Range Variable ND (Best Budget Pick) — Best for Pocket 3 users seeking the lowest-cost way to access broad ND ranges; magnetic and gimbal-friendly.
- Freewell Split ND (Premium Choice) — Drone-focused; the best option for Mavic 4 Pro pilots who need professional sky-to-ground balancing and minimal post-processing.
- SmallRig Osmo Action Kit (Best Value for Money) — A practical, well-priced set for action cams: snap-on ease, CPL + three ND stops, and durable coatings.
- Neewer Pocket 3 Creator Kit (Editors Choice & Best Overall) — Most versatile: wide-angle, variable ND, CPL, and diffusion in one kit for creators who want creative flexibility.
Which is best overall? Neewer’s Creator Kit earns our top recommendation for multi-purpose creators because it combines optical expansion, nuanced exposure control, and creative diffusion in one package — useful across vlogs, landscape, and portrait work.
Best alternatives by scenario:
- For aerial cinematography, choose the Freewell split ND set.
- For action sports POV, SmallRig’s Osmo Action kit gives the best combination of function and durability.
- For tight budgets on pocket gimbals, K&F’s ND pair delivers the most stops per dollar.
Conclusion
After hands-on testing and comparison, the NEEWER Pocket 3 Creator kit is our top pick for the broadest set of creators — it’s flexible, well-built, and saves you from buying separate specialty filters. If you’re a drone cinematographer, the Freewell split ND kit gives unmatched control of sky gradients. Action cam users will get the most practical return from SmallRig’s snap-on CPL + ND set, and budget-minded Pocket 3 owners can’t beat K&F’s dual variable ND filters for price and coverage.
These choices are grounded in lab-style optical checks, real-world field tests, and broad user feedback. Pick the kit that matches your camera platform and shooting style: the right filter set is one of the highest-ROI accessories you can buy for better-looking photos and video.