The New NiSi V7
For many landscape photographers, using filters is an essential part of capturing great photos. But when you’re rushing to catch the perfect light, trying to quickly mount a filter system can be a frustrating experience. To answer this challenge, NiSi listened to photographer feedback and launched their most advanced yet easy-to-use filter holder design yet – the V7.
The new NiSi V7 100mm Filter Holder represents a huge leap forward in the functionality of high-quality 100mm filter holder systems. Featuring a total transformation in the mounting and locking mechanism and a new easy-to-use installation for the CPL, the V7 responds beautifully to some of the greatest challenges of using filters out in the field. Here’s a breakdown of the major improvements that have been made and why I’m officially in love with it.
The CPL
NiSi has overhauled the CPL in two amazing ways. First, the new True Color polarizer which was released in conjunction with the V7 Holder is the most color neutral CPL available on the market. Because CPLs require the use of optical layers to achieve the polarizing effect, color cast is often a challenge that comes with using them. The True Color CPL is truly impressive in its performance and prevents the yellow color cast that is introduced by most CPLs. Having a truly neutral CPL makes all the difference in revealing the gorgeous colors of any scene no matter your subject.
The second change to the CPL – and perhaps my favorite – is the easy Point to Point installation design. If you have ever tried to mount a polarizer when your fingers are cold or you’re in a rush, then you know the struggle of trying to thread on those tiny threads! It can be frustrating trying to mount the CPL in the field when all you want to do is get to work photographing the scene before you. Well, NiSi has responded to this challenge in a BIG way by introducing a new and simple way to mount the CPL. Simply line up the white marks on the 82mm adapter and twist. Just like that, you’re ready to shoot at a moment’s notice. This simple solution has made shooting with the V7 system an absolute joy because I can worry less about the gear and focus on my work.
Mounting and Locking
The next major change is that NiSi has brilliantly revolutionized the way in which the V7 Filter Holder mounts and locks onto the adapter. This is a big shift from the design of the system’s predecessor. On the earlier V6 system, the mounting pin and locking pin were two separate mechanisms both located on the same side of the filter holder. When I’m out shooting, I frequently make adjustments without looking directly at my camera and, because the pins were co-located and of similar size and feel, oftentimes I would get these pins mixed up if I needed to make an adjustment on the fly. Another challenge was that if the locking pin was not fully retracted, the mounting pin would be unable to securely latch onto the adapter. This meant that if you were in a rush and didn’t make absolutely sure the filter system was securely locked in place, there was potential for disaster.
Thankfully, the V7 fully resolves both of these challenges by integrating the mounting and locking mechanisms into a single multifunctional pin. It is so easy to securely mount the holder and lock it into the place while never missing a beat. This is a tremendous improvement without having to sacrifice any of the amazing functionality that we have come to expect from NiSi – no vignetting up to 16mm, the use of up to 3 ND filters at a time, and a high-quality lightweight construction designed to handle whatever crazy place we decide to bring it.
When I’m out shooting, I want a seamless experience where I am 100% focused on the scene before me, NOT on fiddling with my equipment. The V7 Filter Holder system makes this so easy to achieve by making each component quick and easy to use thereby maximizing every critical moment in the field.