Haida M15 Holder Review
Half a year ago, I decided to buy a new camera system, this time i bought the Sony A7RIV, and for most most photographers, especially those who shoot landscapes, seascape, and cityscape photography it is crucial to have a ultra wide angle lens, so i decided to buy the sigma 14-24 F/2.8. All landscape photographers normally use filters, especially ND filters, a lot of landscape photographers move to a square filter system over time — they have a wider selection of filters, and they let you move your filters from lens to lens more quickly. The main companies that make square filter systems are Lee, Nisi, Kase, and HiTech, all of which are well-known among landscape photographers. Tto use filters on Sigma 14-24 F/2.8 we have two chances, or we use the filters in the rear of the lens, or we use the traditional filters, as this lens is considered an extreme UWA lens and isn't straight, so the filter system has to be bigger. As you know I'm a Haida ambassador in Portugal, and i ask help to them that sent me a Holder M15. Haida sent me The M15 Holder for Sigma/Sony, a CPL M15 Filter, 2 ND filters, and 1 Grad Filtere filters I'm Ambassador, but doesn't prevent of make a honest and legitimate review, i will make my best to be a neutral photographer
ABOUT HAIDA
"Haida" in English translates to "All rivers run into the sea, all rivers flow to one". Haida was founded in 2007, headquartered in Ningbo, China The company focuses on research and development and manufacture of various types of optical filters, is a professional photographic filters, film filters and other products as the core of high-end manufacturing and brand marketing company. Haida has its own distribution network in more than 40 countries around the world now, especially in the European and American market. Haida products are deeply praised and loved by professional photographers, photo enthusiasts and professional photography magazines. The Haida team is constantly providing innovative products and services to photographers around the world.
PACKAGING AND UNBOXING
In the Box:
- Haida M15 Filter Holder
- Filter Holder
- 4 x Filter Slots
- 6 extra screws
- Screw toll
- Lens Cap Holder
- Cleaning Cloth
- Limited 1-Year Warranty
DESCRIPTION
This Haida M15 Filter Holder allows for the convenient use of up to three separately available 150mm wide, 2mm thick filters along with a separately available Haida Magnetic Filter for the Haida M15 Filter Holder. Mounted within a nonthreaded aluminum alloy ring, a Haida Magnetic Filter for the Haida M15 Filter Holder is made specifically to fit between the Haida M15 Filter Holder and a separately available adapter ring for the filter holder. For filters such as a Haida Magnetic Circular Polarizer, the filter holder's external dial integrates with the filter ring, allowing for the independent rotation and adjustment of those filter types. Pre-installed with one pair of plastic filter slots, the aluminum alloy filter holder is initially configured to accommodate one rectangular filter. Use of the Haida M15 Filter Holder is easily accomplished by placing a separately available Haida M15 Filter Holder Adapter Ring onto a compatible lens, followed by an optional Haida Magnetic Filter for the Haida M15 Filter Holder. After being fitted onto an adapter ring, the filter holder's pull-andrelease locking knob helps to provide a reliable, yet adjustable connection that allows the holder to be rotated 360°, which benefits the use of rectangular graduated neutral density or other filters that are enhanced by varied positioning. Durable, lightweight filter holder allows for the convenient use of up to two separately available 150mm wide filters that are each 2mm thick along with a separately available Haida Magnetic Filter for the Haida M15 Filter Holder Use of the filter holder is easily accomplished by placing a separately available Haida M15 Filter Holder Adapter Ring onto a compatible lens, followed by an optional Haida Magnetic Filter for the Haida M15 Filter Holder A cleaning cloth is provided as well as an elastic lens cap holder.
SPECIFICATIONS
Package Weight: 0.5 Kg
Holder Weight without ring: 160 Gr
Holder Weight with ring: 350 Gr
Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 28 x 18 x 20 Cm
Holder Dimensions Without ring: 20 x 17 x 1.8 Cm
Holder Dimensions With ring: 20 x 17 x 5 Cm
BILD CONSTRUCTION AND MATERIALS
Like the M10, the M15 holder is well built and feels like you got what you paid for. It feels durable enough to survive any normal use you might throw at it. I was a little surprised that a carrying box was not included with this as with the M10 kit. Haida does not include a case for this holder as they do with the M10, but designed a M15 bag, and i know they launch a pouch, like the older version of 150 holder system.
As with the M10, the holders for the square/rectangular filters also feel sturdy and well-attached. Again, Haida have used a thin ring of felt to help prevent scratches when inserting and removing filters. As with the M10, I have found that getting this wet can leave streaks on the filters, so it’s best to change filters out of situations when that could get wet. I simply removed the holder, sheltered it while changing filters, and then put it back on the camera afterwards. This kept my filters free of raindrops and prevented the felt from getting wet. As the size and weight of the holder are significantly more than the M10, gone is Haida’s small red tab to release the holder. It has been replaced by a larger sturdier metal pin that inspires confidence.
ASSEMBLY - MOUNTING THE ADAPTER AND HOLDER
When you first try to set up your M15 filter system, it can seem a bit counter-intuitive.
-> Step-Up Ring for rectiniline lenses The Haida M15 system have six step-up rings: 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm, 95mm, 105mm.
-> Adapter Ring for Non rectiniline For Non rectiniline lens there's a speciic ring for each lens. The lens adapter lets you connect the filter holder to the lens. Each of the dedicated rings is designed to slip over the in-built hood of the extremewide angle and has lugs to guide you in mounting it flush. You do not need to remove the lens in order to mount the adapter. From there, all you need to do is tighten the collar on the rear side of the adapter so it locks around the lens. Once that’s done, you can simply attach the holder to the ring using the single-pin locking mechanism similar to other holders you may have used. Just remember to insert any magnetic filters before attaching this as they mount between the adapter and the holder. This system works really well and I was able to get it on and off quickly and easily between the downpours I faced while testing it.
Ring Samples:
Canon 11-24mm F4L USM
Canon 14mm F2.8L II
Canon TS-E 17mm F/4L Tilt-Shift
Nikon 14-24mm 2.8G ED
Nikon 14mm F2.8D ED Lens
Nikon PC 19mm F/4E ED Tilt-Shift
Sony 12-24mm F4 G
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 DG HSM II
Sigma 12-24mm F4.0 DG HSM Art
Sigma 14mm F1.8 DG HSM Art
Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG DN
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2
Pentax-D FA 15-30mm F2.8 ED SDM WR Lens
Tokina 16-28mm F2.8 PRO AT-X Olympus 7-14mm F2.8 PRO
Fujifilm XF 8-16mm F2.8 R LM WR Zeiss T*15mm F2.8
-> Magnetic Filters The interesting part of the M15 is that we can attach magnetic filters directly to the ring, such as ND, Night Filter, IR, and the indispensable CPL
The magnets snap the filter into place and you’re good to go. Not having to use the light barrier like the M10 system means one less piece of kit to lose, as well. Getting those filters out is another story as well. Since there is no tab or trigger mechanism to push the magnets apart, you need to remove any square filters from the holder, tip it upside down and physically push the filter out and let it drop. I’ve been doing this using my fingernail to push the edge of the filters out over the padded cases Haida provides with each filter, but it still feels like I’m going to drop them every time. You could also put on gloves and drop them out into your hand to avoid getting fingerprints on them. However, the filters themselves are so large, I’d not be confident doing this. Having some sort of release mechanism for them with make this system feel a little more developed and safer for the filters. The CPL can be easily rotated with the butom on the top and bottom of the holder. It feel they don't go with the premium feel that the rest of the unit. I would have liked to hear a little less metal-on-metal as these gears were rotated. There are a few little things that I feel could be improved, though. The magnetic filters can be a pain to remove as you first have to disconnect the holder from the lens adaptor. This is easy enough, but then you need to push the magnetic filters from the front. The trouble is that’s where your 150mm filters are. So you need to move them and then push the glass of the magnetic filter to release it. This was easily resolved with a little bit of tape. I created a small tab to help release the filter from the back. It would be nice if Haida could do something like this as standard.
->Filter Holder
Last is the filter holder itself. There isn’t much to explain here, as it is pretty much exactly like others filters brands system. The filter holder has a small knob on the side, which you pull out as you’re placing the filter holder onto the adapter ring. Let go of the knob, and your filter holder stays in place.
THE 150MM SLOTS
The slots for the square filters in my opinion feel a little bit more sturdy and hand grip inserting the filters. The filters are bigger and that didn't help, become more difficult to insert and remove than the smaller M10 filters, but this is a good thing. The filters are much larger, heavier, every time i need to insert or replace this filters i fill my heart beeting.
VIGNETTING
I have tested this holder with everything out to my Sigma 14-24 F/2.8 (at 14mm) using the included adapter rings and have not seen any vignetting at all.
M15 FIELD TEST
While all of the information above is good to know, the real question is: How does it perform?
I’ve already mentioned some of the things I’m looking for in a good filter system but let me summarize and add a few more:
- The holder must be solid and durable
- It should be easy to mount onto the lens
- It should be able to be properly tightened and not fall off
- Filters should be easy to place in the slot(s)
- Filters should be easy to remove from the slot(s)
- There shouldn’t be any vignetting even when all filters are used at the widest focal length
After thoroughly testing the holder in various conditions, I can safely say that the M15 meets all my requirements, but I think some issues could be improved
FINAL THOUGHTS
I think Haida did a good work in this Holder, the build quality is awesome, the assembly system is very intuitive and easy, the only thing that could be maded, was continue with the dropin system in this holder, or something similar, something that would allow the CPL to be disassembled, without removing the holder with the square filters.
The part of the disassembly of the magnetic filters could be improved, i need to put the fingers on the filters to remove them, a simple strip, for example of tape, was enough to remove the filters.
For its intended purpose the Haida M15 is a great solution. It is available with a wide variety of lens adapters and is easy to attach and use.
Not being bad, it could be a little bit smoother to place and remove of the square filters in the slots.
Aside from that, it is a great system that comes backed up with some excellent filters.
WHAT I LIKED
- Solid constrution;
- Simple assembly system;
WHAT I FEEL COULD BE IMPROVED
- Better attachment for magnetic system;
- Less Metalic noise rotation CLP filter.
PRICE VS PERFORMANCE
- The M15 Holder System come with the Ring adapter for the lens, and with the holder, this pack can be buyed for 190€ in diferents dealer, i work with Microgamma in Spain.
- The Magnetic CPL Filter is sold seperatly and can be buyed for 184€ in diferents dealers.
