A little earlier this year, Fotodiox released a new series of filter systems for use specifically for wide angle lenses, lenses that traditionally are unable to accept filters due to a protruding front element. Though somewhat pricey, the WonderPana line addresses a need that I'm certain some of you have been looking for.
Fotodiox’s WonderPana Systems are ideal for panorama, nature, architectural, fashion and event photographers, as well as analog and digital filmmakers who are looking to better manage lighting balance. A lens hood filter system designed for Super Wide Angle (SWA) and Ultra Wide Angle (UWA) lenses, they are compatible with the following lenses:
- Nikon: 14-24mm FX, 14mm FX
- Canon: 14mm Full Frame, 17mm TS Full Frame
- Tokina: 16-28mm Full Frame, 10-17mm APS-C
- Sigma: 12-24mm Full Frame, 12-24mm II Full Frame, 8-16mm APS-C, 14mm
- Panasonic: Lumix 7-14mm, micro 4/3 format
- Olympus: 7-14mm, 4/3 format
- Korea Lens (Samyang and various private label versions): 14mm Full Frame
Both WonderPana Systems allow the use of Fotodiox PRO 145mm round filters including UV, Polarizer and Neutral Density (ND) filters. The large circular filter design prevents the typical glare and unwanted reflection issues often found in other designs.
WonderPana 145 Filter System
The WonderPana 145 Filter System includes a metal adapter hood that accommodates the Fotodiox PRO 145mm round filter format. It is compatible with all Fotodiox PRO 145mm filters, including the new 145mm PRO filters. It is also easily upgradeable to the WonderPana 66, allowing the use of industry standard 6.6” rectangular filters. The WonderPana 145 System holder is available with several different filter kit options.
WonderPana 66 Filter System
The WonderPana 66 Filter System will accept all Fotodiox PRO 145 filters, in addition to industry standard rectangular 6.6” filters from Schneider Optics. The WonderPana 66 System can accommodate two filters at the same time: either two rectangular filters, or one circular and one rectangular filter. Similar rectangular filter systems compatible with LEE (150mm) and Cokin X-Pro (130mm) rectangular filters are also slated for release in 2013.
PRO Filters
Six of the new PRO filters are available in Fotodiox’s exclusive 145mm round format, similar to a traditional round screw-in filter, only much larger in size. These 145mm filters, in concert with the holding system, enable full coverage of the protruding front-lens elements inherent in SWA and UWA lenses in the following filter types: Multi-Coated UV, Circular Polarizer and 4, 8, 16, and 32 ND filters.
Fotodiox is also releasing four 6.6” x 8.6” 4mm thick, rectangular-shaped Graduated Neutral Density filters in the following grades: ND .6 Soft and Hard Edges; and ND .9 Soft and Hard Edges. These CR-39 based ND filters can weather almost any environment, as they are touted as practically unbreakable and very scratch resistant.
We will be taking a look at these in an in depth review later this month. Until then, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For more information, check out Fotodioxpro.com.
nearly 500 dollar...not bad for a bit of glass an plastic
I am calling on the China After Market Manufacturers (CAMM) to stop these greedy pigs.
Let me guess, you think $490 of it is profit and the executive just rakes all the money into a pile on his bed at night and sleeps with it?
Yes, yes and Yes!! these are greedy pigs who are ruining photography!!
Coming from the photo manufacturing industry, it's freakishly expensive to make product. By the time you get the final product in your hand, you've paid for molds, labor, raw materials, and shipping. Then you have minimum orders, marketing, customer service, and educating sales reps. After THAT, you can then sell through stores, but they still need to make a profit so you have to add more price on there. When all is said and done, you still need to eat at night and getting you a $500 product ends up costing the company $450. So you make $50. Yay. Better sell lots.
When in the photography industry, you must trust a Schneider!
Jokes aside, 500bucks is a pittance. Look at the WonderPana 145 Ultra Kit... its 600 over dollars but you try to get the glass they offer from B+W. You can't get that filter set from B+W even for 77mm size for that price much less the whole system.
I enjoy CAMM electronic products like the YN565EX... but for glass I'd go Japan or Germany
Thank you Jaron, I am not in the industry but know it takes a LOT more then just poof out of the furnace comes an item and hey, let's just see what we can get for it! Obviously, Joe still believes in Santa.
Good glass don't come cheap.
Putting 10$ worth of plastic in front of 2200$ worth of wide angle zoom doesn't make sens.
lets wait and see if it is better then the already expensive sing ray or hitech ND filters.
i doubt it´s worth the premium.....
and by the way for 500 euro i get a whole beginners telescope or a a nice notebook.
this price is just redicilous....
Sweet D50.
This looks more advanced than my Leefilters SW-150. So i think the price is neat.
i did a diy job of an ND Grad for my Sigma 14mm, i stupidly didn't realise how big a filter it needed so the 82mm i used is only good in DX mode on my D700, some pics in my Flickr stream http://www.flickr.com/photos/22649608@N08/8181613003/in/photostream/