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Freewell REAL LOCKING VND/CPL Filters Explained – Pros, Cons & Real-World Use

2.8K views· 45 likes· 9:45· Sep 8, 2025

🛍️ Products Mentioned (9)

FREEWELL REAL LOCKING VND/CPL FILTERS: https://freewellgear.com/collections/real-locking-variable-nd-cpl-filter/products/variable-nd-filter 10% OFF CODE: LOCK10 DISCLOSURE Freewell sent me a unit for review. I have NOT been paid for this video. The opinions expressed in this video are my own. === WHAT I SHOOT MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL WITH === CANON R5: https://amzn.to/3fRhRI2 SMALLRIG CAGE FOR R5: https://amzn.to/3cYUBG0 SMALLRIG NATO TOP HANDLE: https://amzn.to/2Q4SLug ATOMOS NINJA V: https://amzn.to/3dIfYL5 CANON 16-35mm/2.8: https://amzn.to/3wtMV6u FALCON EYES RX-24TDX: https://amzn.to/3fNQtL5 APUTURE 120D: https://amzn.to/2PIboV9 Heads up! This is a completely independent and honest review. My posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links you won't pay a penny more, but I'll get a small commission, which helps to keep this station going. Thanks! =========== CUSTOM FILMMAKER APPAREL: hhttps://www.deafdirector.com/shop ========== CHAPTERS 0:00 REAL Locking VND Sytem 0:21 Snap Lock vs Magnetic 1:16 2-in1 VND/CPL 1:41 Stackable Filter System 2:10 What comes in the Kit 4:26 Glow Mist Add On 4:47 Setup & Demonstration 7:54 Size Profile 8:18 Room for Improvement 9:08 Final Verdict If you're interested in contacting Bryan for work please email me at thedeafdirector@gmail.com ++++++++++++++++++++ Bryan Redding is an award-winning Cuban American Cinematographer and Director based in Athens, Georgia. He loves being on set and sharing his knowledge. In addition to his love of cinematography, Bryan has complete high range hearing loss which, according to his audiologist, leaves him functionally deaf in certain environments, hence making him the Deaf Director. This has not stopped Bryan from continuing his passion on set and behind the camera, and he uses his experience with his physical condition to propel his unique vision. The content of this video and my opinions were not paid for by any outside persons. DEAF DIRECTOR gets some funding via your transactions with purchase links with the following affiliate programs: Amazon Affiliate B&H Affiliate SUPPORT THE CHANNEL AND BUY THRU OUR LINKS! #freewell #camera #cameraaccessories #cinematographytips #cinematography #filmeducation #filmmaker #filmmaking #learnfilmmaking #cinematographer

About This Video

In this video I break down Freewell’s REAL Locking VND/CPL filter system and why the “locking” part is the whole point. I walk through the snap-lock approach (and how that differs from magnetic systems), then get into the practical benefit of having a 2‑in‑1 Variable ND plus CPL setup when you’re moving fast. I also show how the system is designed to be stackable, what actually comes in the kit, and how the whole thing feels once it’s mounted and you’re working. I do a real setup and demonstration so you can see how it fits, what the profile looks like on a lens, and what it’s like to operate in the field. I also talk about the Glow Mist add-on option, because a lot of you want diffusion without building a giant filter sandwich. And yes—I call out room for improvement where I think Freewell can tighten things up. Freewell sent me a unit for review, but I wasn’t paid for this, and my verdict is straight: it’s a smart system with legit usability wins if you care about speed, consistency, and keeping your filters from drifting when you don’t want them to.

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