Sometimes, the pursuit of a technically perfect photo can get a little boring. That's when creative filters come into play—tools designed not to correct an image, but to add a unique, artistic flair directly in-camera. K&F CONCEPT sent me a set of their 82mm prism filters to experiment with, and they are an incredible way to inject some dreamlike, abstract, and psychedelic effects into your work.
I tested out three distinct filters from their Nano-B series: the Kaleidoscope Prism Filter, the Linear Mirage Pentaprism Filter, and the Bilateral Motion Blur Effect Filter.
Before I break down each filter, it's worth noting they share some excellent core features. All three are made from high-quality K9 optical glass, which ensures high light transmission and clear, sharp images at the center. They are mounted in a solid, rotatable frame, which is the most important feature. Being able to rotate the filter allows you to precisely control the angle and placement of the effect in your composition. Each filter also comes with three microfiber cleaning cloths, which is a nice touch.
As the name suggests, this filter fractures your image into beautiful, repeating patterns, just like looking through a kaleidoscope. It creates multiple reflections of your subject around the frame, leaving the center clear. This is perfect for creating mesmerizing, symmetrical compositions and drawing the viewer's eye to a central point. It's a bold effect that works incredibly well for abstract shots or music video visuals.
As the name suggests, this filter fractures your image into beautiful, repeating patterns, just like looking through a kaleidoscope. It creates multiple reflections of your subject around the frame, leaving the center clear. This is perfect for creating mesmerizing, symmetrical compositions and drawing the viewer's eye to a central point. It's a bold effect that works incredibly well for abstract shots or music video visuals.
Of the three, the Bilateral Motion Blur filter is my absolute favourite. This filter creates streaks of motion blur on either side of the frame while keeping the central vertical axis relatively sharp. The effect is similar to a cinematic "anamorphic" flare or a zoom burst, giving a powerful sense of speed or focus. It’s incredibly effective for guiding the viewer’s eye directly to the subject in the middle. I find this effect to be the most versatile and artistic of the set, as it adds dynamic energy without being as overpowering as a full kaleidoscope effect.
While these are fun for all kinds of photography, I think they truly shine in a controlled environment like a studio. Studio portraiture can sometimes look a bit sterile or too "perfect." These filters are the ideal tool to break that mold. By shooting through them, you can introduce organic light flares, beautiful distortions, and unpredictable artifacts that add character and depth to your portraits. They interact wonderfully with studio lighting, turning a simple key light into a source of creative visual flair. It’s a fantastic way to get unique looks in-camera, saving you time trying to replicate these effects in post-production.
The K&F CONCEPT Prism Filters are an affordable and incredibly fun way to spark your creativity. They are well-built, easy to use thanks to the rotating frame, and produce genuinely unique results. They encourage experimentation and can help you break out of a creative rut by transforming ordinary scenes into abstract works of art.
While all three are excellent, the Bilateral Motion Blur filter has earned a permanent place in my camera bag for its ability to create dynamic, cinematic images. If you’re a photographer or videographer looking to add some unique in-camera effects to your arsenal, this set is a fantastic place to start.
If you're interested in buying these filters, you can do so using the following link:
K&F CONCEPT Linear Mirage prism Filter:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4hkVN6a (use promo code DEFILTERS05 for 5% off)