NiSi Switch english
Gear & Reviews
February 15th 2020
Review - NiSi Switch
Testing the latest NiSi family member
By Laura Oppelt
By Laura Oppelt
“Flexibility“ – this word has become an important expression in today's society. Nothing worse than immobility and non-adaptability. That counts for many areas in our modern world, landscape photography included. For that reason every equipment brand aims for innovative and elaborate products. With the new 100mm filterholder - called “Switch“ - NiSi proved that their product range has gotten a wider variety than ever before. The concept is simple - flexibility in every situation. I had the pleasure to test the NiSi Switch and want to share my experiences in this review.
What's the NiSi Switch?
The Switch is a filterholder designed for the 100mm system by NiSi. It works with the 82mm main adapter, which is included in the following kits: V6, V5Pro and V5. If you are a NiSi user already, you can just order the Switch as an additional filterholder. It is made for photographers who need graduated ND filters positioned at different angles. The two filter slots can be rotated together or independently from each other around 360 degrees in every direction. This allows the Switch flexibility for complex lighting situations.
The Switch is a filterholder designed for the 100mm system by NiSi. It works with the 82mm main adapter, which is included in the following kits: V6, V5Pro and V5. If you are a NiSi user already, you can just order the Switch as an additional filterholder. It is made for photographers who need graduated ND filters positioned at different angles. The two filter slots can be rotated together or independently from each other around 360 degrees in every direction. This allows the Switch flexibility for complex lighting situations.
How does it work? - Handling
The complete system can be easily attached to the lens and is as simple as clever. In case your lens doesn't have a standard 82mm thread range you use one of the adapter rings. In my case 77mm for the Canon EF 16-35mm f/4 wide-angle lens. The main adapter is mounted next. A circular filter can also be integrated into the main adapter, if needed. Last but not least the Switch filterholder is attached to the main adapter. The holder itself consists of high-quality aluminum and has a locking screw in order to fix the whole system to the lens – bombproof. Nevertheless it's possible to rotate it 360° which allows maximal flexibility. The Switch is easy and convenient to use, the two filter slots can be rotated smoothly and even with thick gloves handling the system works excellent.
What's the difference between the Switch and the V6 filterholder?
The main difference (and advantage) of the Switch is the possibility to adjust the first filter independently from the second one as the filter slots aren't fixed. But the Switch only offers space for two square filters, whereas the V6 filterholder can handle up to three square filters at the same time. Both systems allow the use of an additional circular filter in combination with the square filters located in the holder itself. But only the V6 is a useful option when working with a circular polarisation filter as the two small wheels at the back of the holder (which allow the rotation of the CPL) are missing on the Switch.
The main difference (and advantage) of the Switch is the possibility to adjust the first filter independently from the second one as the filter slots aren't fixed. But the Switch only offers space for two square filters, whereas the V6 filterholder can handle up to three square filters at the same time. Both systems allow the use of an additional circular filter in combination with the square filters located in the holder itself. But only the V6 is a useful option when working with a circular polarisation filter as the two small wheels at the back of the holder (which allow the rotation of the CPL) are missing on the Switch.
The new NiSi Switch filterholder (right) compared to the V6 holder (left)
Why do I need the Switch filterholder?
You do not necessarily need it – the other NiSi holders like the V6 or V5 are definitely fine, too. But in some situations you may appreciate the flexibility of the Switch. Especially when you use a hard graduated ND filter in combination with a soft one you are able to position the soft ND filter in a different direction. Imagine the light strongly coming in from one side, you can correct the overhang of light and find the right balance through turning the soft graduated filter only. When using a normal holder you could just turn both filters, which would cause problems with the hard graduated filter and the straight horizon. Second scenario could be a conic mountain setting itself apart from the sky as background. With two independently adjustable soft ND filters the difference between bright background and dark mountain can be handled easier than with just one soft graduated ND filter or two that cannot be rotated in opposite directions.
You do not necessarily need it – the other NiSi holders like the V6 or V5 are definitely fine, too. But in some situations you may appreciate the flexibility of the Switch. Especially when you use a hard graduated ND filter in combination with a soft one you are able to position the soft ND filter in a different direction. Imagine the light strongly coming in from one side, you can correct the overhang of light and find the right balance through turning the soft graduated filter only. When using a normal holder you could just turn both filters, which would cause problems with the hard graduated filter and the straight horizon. Second scenario could be a conic mountain setting itself apart from the sky as background. With two independently adjustable soft ND filters the difference between bright background and dark mountain can be handled easier than with just one soft graduated ND filter or two that cannot be rotated in opposite directions.
The Switch is easy to handle and allows the filters independent rotation around 360 degrees
Conclusion
I have been waiting – and searching – for a filterholder like the NiSi Switch for quite some time and was super happy about the chance to test it now. From the beginning I liked the idea behind the concept, yet was curious if it is able to fulfill the expectations when working in the field. It definitely is! NiSi confirms once again that their equipment is on a high-quality level. The product is functional, easy to use and well-built. But now as we're slowly coming to the end of this little review, the question arises if it's worth the upgrade from a previous filterholder like the V6 to the Switch or not. In my eyes, one disadvantage of the Switch compared to the V6 is the fact that there's one filter slot less. But are there really that many situations in which we need more than two filters? Especially when you have in mind that a third (circular) filter can be attached to the Switch as well. On the other hand, are there that many situations which necessitate the use of two graduated ND filters being rotated independently from each other? You get my point? In the end every photographer has to decide for him- or herself if he or she prefers working with more filters over being more flexible with fewer filters. Also, the decision between Switch and e.g. the V6 depends on which filters you're going to use the most: if you prefer using a mix of ND, graduated ND and circular polarisation filters, go for the V6. If you often work with different graduated filters, go for the Switch. Anyway, last thing before we're done here: I wouldn't want to miss my beloved V6 filterholder as it's my go-to choice in almost every situation. The Switch cannot replace the V6 yet, but has turned out to be an awesome alternative under specific circumstances that require more flexibility. That said, I can highly recommend purchasing the NiSi Switch system in addition to the filterholder you already use. You'll see, it will make you feel well-prepaired for every situation – and flexible!
I have been waiting – and searching – for a filterholder like the NiSi Switch for quite some time and was super happy about the chance to test it now. From the beginning I liked the idea behind the concept, yet was curious if it is able to fulfill the expectations when working in the field. It definitely is! NiSi confirms once again that their equipment is on a high-quality level. The product is functional, easy to use and well-built. But now as we're slowly coming to the end of this little review, the question arises if it's worth the upgrade from a previous filterholder like the V6 to the Switch or not. In my eyes, one disadvantage of the Switch compared to the V6 is the fact that there's one filter slot less. But are there really that many situations in which we need more than two filters? Especially when you have in mind that a third (circular) filter can be attached to the Switch as well. On the other hand, are there that many situations which necessitate the use of two graduated ND filters being rotated independently from each other? You get my point? In the end every photographer has to decide for him- or herself if he or she prefers working with more filters over being more flexible with fewer filters. Also, the decision between Switch and e.g. the V6 depends on which filters you're going to use the most: if you prefer using a mix of ND, graduated ND and circular polarisation filters, go for the V6. If you often work with different graduated filters, go for the Switch. Anyway, last thing before we're done here: I wouldn't want to miss my beloved V6 filterholder as it's my go-to choice in almost every situation. The Switch cannot replace the V6 yet, but has turned out to be an awesome alternative under specific circumstances that require more flexibility. That said, I can highly recommend purchasing the NiSi Switch system in addition to the filterholder you already use. You'll see, it will make you feel well-prepaired for every situation – and flexible!
info@laura-oppelt-photography.de
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Copyright © 2024 - Laura Oppelt Photography
Copyright © 2024 - Laura Oppelt Photography
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