1. Introduction
This manual provides comprehensive instructions for the APEXEL 67mm Variable ND (Neutral Density) and CPL (Circular Polarizer) Filter Kit. This versatile kit is designed to enhance your photography experience on both DSLR cameras and smartphones, allowing for greater control over exposure, color, and contrast. Please read this manual carefully before use to ensure proper installation and optimal performance of your filter kit.
2. Product Overview
2.1 What's in the Box
The APEXEL 67mm Filter Kit typically includes the following components:
- Packaging Box x 1
- Phone Filter Clip x 1
- Adapter Ring x 1 (58-67mm)
- Variable ND2-ND32 Filter x 1 (or 67 CPL Filter, depending on selected variant)
- Carry Bag x 1
- Cleaning Cloth x 1
- Hex Wrench x 1
- Instruction Manual x 1
2.2 Key Features
- Premium Multi-Layer Nano Coating: Crafted with imported Nitto Grade-A polarizing film, dual-side ultra-smooth polishing, 24-layer AX+AF nano coating, and an aerospace-grade aluminum alloy frame with a sandblasted oxidation finish. This ensures ultimate clarity, prevents vignetting and color shifts, and provides waterproof/scratch-resistant durability.
- Adjustable Light Reduction (ND Filter): The ND2-32 filter offers an adjustable light reduction range from ND2 to ND32 (1 to 5 stops). Its rotary adjustment design allows for quick and easy exposure control, suitable for various lighting conditions from overcast skies to bright daylight.
- Glare and Reflection Control (CPL Filter): The HD CPL filter effectively eliminates glare from non-metallic surfaces like water and glass, enhancing color saturation and contrast for more vibrant images.
- 2-in-1 Professional Solution: Features AGC optical glass with dual hydrophobic coatings. The 67mm threaded filter is compatible with both DSLR lenses and smartphones via the included clip-on mount and 58-67mm adapter.
- Universal Phone Compatibility: The improved mobile phone clip features a curved-edge design to prevent light leaks and is compatible with most smartphones up to 13mm thick, including iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and Xiaomi models.
- Bonus Cold Shoe Mount: The phone clip includes a cold shoe mount, allowing you to attach accessories like LED lights or microphones for vlogging or low-light shooting.
3. Setup and Installation
3.1 For Smartphone Use
Follow these steps to attach the filter to your smartphone:
- Clip the filter holder: Securely clip the filter holder onto the main camera lens of your smartphone. Ensure it is centered precisely over the lens and the curved edges prevent light leaks.
- Select and attach adapter ring: Choose the appropriate 58-67mm filter adapter ring and screw it clockwise into the filter holder.
- Install the filter: After the adapter ring is installed, screw the 67mm filter (ND or CPL) clockwise into the adapter ring.
- Tighten and complete: Gently tighten the screw clockwise until the filter is securely in place. Installation is complete.
3.2 For DSLR Camera Use
The 67mm threaded filter can be directly mounted onto any DSLR camera lens with a 67mm filter thread. Simply screw the filter clockwise onto the front of your camera lens until secure.
4. Operating Instructions
4.1 Using the Variable ND Filter (ND2-ND32)
The Variable ND filter allows you to control the amount of light entering your camera lens, enabling slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright conditions. This is particularly useful for:
- Achieving motion blur effects (e.g., silky smooth water, streaking car lights).
- Reducing depth of field in bright light for portraits.
- Balancing exposure in scenes with strong highlights.
- Video shooting to maintain cinematic shutter speeds.
To adjust the light reduction, simply rotate the outer ring of the ND filter. The markings on the filter indicate the ND stop (e.g., ND2, ND4, ND8, ND16, ND32), corresponding to 1 to 5 stops of light reduction. Rotate until you achieve the desired exposure and effect.
4.2 Using the CPL Filter (Circular Polarizer)
The CPL filter is used to manage reflections and enhance colors. It is particularly effective for:
- Reducing glare from water surfaces, glass, and other non-metallic objects.
- Deepening blue skies and making clouds more prominent.
- Increasing color saturation and contrast in landscapes.
To use the CPL filter, rotate its outer ring while looking through your camera's viewfinder or at your phone's screen. You will observe changes in reflections and color saturation. Adjust until the desired effect is achieved. The maximum polarization effect is usually at a 90-degree angle to the sun.
5. Maintenance and Care
- Cleaning: Use the provided cleaning cloth to gently wipe the filter surfaces. For stubborn smudges, a small amount of lens cleaning solution can be applied to the cloth (not directly to the filter). Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
- Storage: Always store the filters in the included carry bag when not in use. This protects them from dust, scratches, and impacts.
- Handling: Handle filters by their edges to avoid leaving fingerprints on the glass surface.
- Protection: While the filters feature a waterproof and scratch-resistant build, avoid unnecessary exposure to water, extreme temperatures, or direct impacts to ensure their lifetime performance.
6. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Light leaks around the phone lens. | Filter clip not properly aligned or secured. | Ensure the phone filter clip is centered precisely over your smartphone's main camera lens and fully secured. The curved-edge design should fit snugly. |
| Filter not screwing onto the adapter ring or DSLR lens. | Incorrect adapter ring size or cross-threading. | Verify you are using the correct 58-67mm adapter ring. Ensure the filter is aligned straight before gently screwing it clockwise. Do not force it. |
| Vignetting (dark corners) in photos. | Filter not fully seated or lens focal length too wide. | Ensure the filter is fully screwed in. For some ultra-wide smartphone lenses, slight vignetting may occur. Try zooming in slightly if possible. |
| Color shifts or unexpected color casts. | Extreme ND settings or external light sources. | While the filter is designed to minimize color shifts, very high ND settings can sometimes introduce a slight cast. Adjust white balance in-camera or during post-processing. Ensure no external light is leaking into the lens. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | APL-67CPL Filter |
| Filter Type | Variable Neutral Density (ND2-ND32) / Circular Polarizer (CPL) |
| Filter Diameter | 67mm |
| Adapter Ring Compatibility | 58-67mm (for phone clip) |
| ND Filter Range | ND2 to ND32 (1 to 5 stops light reduction) |
| Lens Coating | FMC (Fully Multi-Coated), 24-layer AX+AF nano coating |
| Glass Material | AGC Optical Glass, Nitto Grade-A polarizing film |
| Frame Material | Aerospace-grade Aluminum Alloy |
| Water Resistance Level | IPX4 |
| Phone Clip Compatibility | Universal (supports phones up to 13mm thick), curved-edge design |
| Additional Features | Cold shoe mount on phone clip |
| Origin | Mainland China |
8. User Tips
No specific user tips were available from reviews or Q&A for this product at this time. However, general tips for using camera filters include:
- Experiment with ND settings: Practice with different ND stops to understand how they affect shutter speed and motion blur in various lighting conditions.
- Rotate CPL for best effect: Always rotate the CPL filter while observing your scene to find the optimal angle for glare reduction and color enhancement.
- Check for dust: Before shooting, always check both sides of the filter for dust or smudges, as these can become visible in your final image.
- Secure attachment: Ensure the filter and clip are securely attached to prevent accidental drops or misalignment during shooting.
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, product support, or service inquiries, please contact the seller or APEXEL Optics Store directly. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.
