Overview : Meet Alter. It's a Rapid Filter System (RFS) that lets you engage and disengage lens filters the moment you need them. It attaches via the universal filter threads your lens has, and then you can screw a ND or CPL filter on to it (between 40.5mm and 105mm filter thread size).
Features :
- Adjustable friction hinge
- 270 degree hinge rotation
- Zero light leak
- 360 degree hinge orientation
- Magnetically secured closed
- Milled aerospace aluminum with anodize
Quality/Usability : I'm always browsing Kickstarter to see what new innovative gear people come up with. Typically these items don't come from big name manufacturers. So its not everyday that you find new items that are unique. Most often than not, they are just revised versions of something else.
Meet Alter. It's a Rapid Filter System (RFS) that lets you engage and disengage lens filters the moment you need them. Included with the Alter RFS is the RFS, ring mount, rubber wrench, hex and wrench tool and instructions. It is made from milled aerospace aluminum.
The ring mount looks like a filter but this is what will hold the RFS in place. It screws on just like a filter and threads onto the front of your camera lens. There are grooves on the inside act as traction and to prevent your hands from slipping when you're trying to tighten or loosen the ring mount.
Alter RFS attaches via the universal filter threads your lens has, and then you can screw a ND or CPL filter on to it (between 40.5mm and 105mm filter thread size). It's based off of a hinge system. To keep the flap closed, there are three magnets that keeps it securely closed.
The included filter wrench allows you to tighten the ring mount securely to your lens. You can tighten the ring mount as tight or as loose as you want. If loose enough, this will allow you to either have the hinge at the top or on the side for a side flip. Just make sure you don't over tighten.
Once the ring mount is tightened securely, install the filter of your choice and you're good to go.
Whether you have the Alter RFS flipped up or to the side, you still have full access to the zoom and focus rings.
In this picture, I have the Canon 5D Mark III with EF 70-200 f2.8L IS III with a CPL filter. Since the CPL filter is slightly thicker, it does not fold completely back.
Here, I have the Canon 5D Mark II with EF 16-35mm f4L IS with a ND filter. Since the ND filter has a smaller thickness, it's able to sit a little more flush on the camera lens.
One of the main features of using the Alter RFS is not having to constantly remove the filter when it is not needed, so you're still able to use your lens cap to protect your filter and lens. Even if you don't have a filter, you can use the Alter RFS to hold just your lens cap. When you need to take a shot, just flip it up. No more pinching to remove the cap and throwing it in your bag, pocket or losing it.
Conclusion : Overall, the Alter RFS Rapid Filter System: Hinged Lens Filter Adapter is a nice innovative lens filter adapter. It's similar to the magnetic types from other brands but keeps your filter close to your lens. It's easy to install and easy to use.
One of the biggest things I can see that would scare people away is the ability to use a lens hood. Because of the hinge, it gets in the way of mounting a lens hood. There is also some vignetting but it can be easily resolved with step-up rings.
Manufacturer: Alter
Site: Preorder from Kickstarter
Site: Preorder from Kickstarter
