This groundbreaking solution for shooting with filters just got an update. The second-generation H&Y Revoring filter offers better controls and more functions.
The Revoring from H&Y was the solution that pretty much no one expected. It solved the annoying need to have different-sized filters for different-sized lenses or the equally annoying but less expensive fix of using step-up rings for each lens to fit a larger filter. The inconvenience could be minor for someone who doesn’t use filters often or doesn’t have many lenses, but for someone who uses filters almost all the time and frequently changes lenses during a shoot, this solution was remarkable.
The H&Y Revoring was released in 2022 through crowdfunding and was later made available globally through various retailers. It comprised the basic Revoring adapter, which could be used with any screw-in filter and fit a range of filter diameter sizes. Another option was the Revoring VND + CPL combination filter, which we reviewed a while back. To summarize, it was great and remarkable but not without flaws. A couple of weeks ago, H&Y announced the second generation of the Revoring VND + CPL, featuring physical enhancements and expanded compatibility.
The H&Y RevoRing VND + CPL Mark II
The second-generation RevoRing VND + CPL filter comes in five different size ranges, similar to the variants available with the first version. The smallest is 37–49 mm for extremely compact lenses, followed by 46–62 mm, 52–72 mm, the most standard 67–82 mm, and the larger 82–95 mm, which might come in handy for those planning to get the recently announced Sony 28–70 mm f/2 G Master lens. Just like the first version, it still comes with an ND3–1000 and a circular polarizer with an effective range of 1.5–10 stops of light.
The Mark II generally retains the same dimensions (based on the 67-82mm variant) of 4.25 x 0.5 inches (110 x 12.7mm) as the construction of the filter frame and variable sized adapter is generally the same. Because of the physical changes on the pins and magnets discussed below, the second generation is 6.4 grams heavier (145 grams coming from 138.6 grams on the first version) which is pretty much negligible considering the overall weight with the camera gear.
More Controls
The Mark II generally retains the same dimensions (based on the 67–82 mm variant) of 4.25 x 0.5 inches (110 x 12.7 mm), as the construction of the filter frame and variable-sized adapter remains largely the same. Due to the physical changes to the pins and magnets discussed below, the second generation is 6.4 grams heavier (145 grams compared to 138.6 grams on the first version), which is negligible considering the overall weight of the camera gear.
The second version now includes three pins, with the third dedicated to controlling the variable-size adapter. Additionally, all three pins are now small knobs that can lock each pin in place to prevent unintentional adjustments. Locking the frontmost pin keeps the variable ND at its current setting. Locking the middle pin secures the CPL at the current setting. Locking both prevents any adjustments to the filter layers.
The third pin locks the size of the filter thread, which can be useful when the Revoring is used with multiple lenses of the same filter size. It also provides additional security when mounting onto the lens, provided the blades of the variable adapter are fully expanded to the size of the filter thread. Alternatively, when the third pin is unlocked while the front (VND) and middle (CPL) pins remain unlocked, the pins can be used to adjust the filter size without rotating the main circular frames. This can be helpful for users with smaller hands or those who have trouble gripping the filter frames firmly.
Expanded Functionality
The RevoRing VND+CPL mark II retains the compatibility of the first version with various accessories/attachments and has been made compatible with even more. Both versions are compatible with H&Y’s magnetic clip-on filters. These include additional ND filters for exceeding 10 stops and limiting the VND. Limiting the VND to a certain point (around 6 stops for wide-angle lenses) avoids cross-polarization or the X artifact that becomes visible with any variable ND filter beyond 6 stops when used with a wide lens. H&Y also offers circular graduated neutral density (GND) filters that mount the same way. Other magnetic clip-on filter variants include effects filters like mist or streak filters.
What’s new with the second version is an improved compatibility with the accessories in H&Y’s SWIFT system that offers modular attachments for portrait photography, landscape photography, and filmmaking. The RevoRing Mark II is now compatible with the bridge adapter that serves as a layer that bridges the polarity of the magnets to be able to further attach accessories like the magnetic square filter holder which forms a landscape photographer’s kit or mount the magnetic collapsible lens hood that can be great for shooting through glass, or mount the RevoRing Swift carbon fiber magnetic mattebox to complete a filmmaker kit.
Limitations
The Revoring VND + CPL has two limitations, applicable to both existing versions, that mostly affect wide-angle lenses. The first, mentioned above, is the X-shaped artifact that becomes visible when using the VND beyond 6 stops on wide-angle lenses. This artifact diminishes as the focal length increases or the aperture widens. Magnetic clip-on ND filters are available to act as booster ND filters, keeping the VND below 6 stops. Alternatively, square ND filters connected through the bridge adapter and square filter holder can be used.
The second limitation is that the Revoring’s 0.5-inch thickness can cause the edges or frames of the filter to be visible on some ultra-wide-angle lenses, particularly those with larger barrels. For example, with the Sony 16–35 mm f/2.8 GM version 1, the edges are clearly visible at 16 mm but disappear around 18 mm. Smaller 16–35 mm lenses may or may not have this issue. Testing with the Sony 20 mm f/1.8 G revealed no trace of the frame edges. This limitation may encourage users to opt for thinner filters or wide-angle adapters instead of the Revoring for some wide lenses.
Conclusion
Since this version uses the same glass as the first one and all other H&Y filters, testing focused on the ergonomic implications. The unique patented mechanism that allows the filter thread to constrict and expand remains a remarkably convenient solution. The addition of different filter variants and magnetic attachments enhances this even further. While not a necessity for all photographers and videographers, it is a highly useful tool for those who frequently use filters, especially when working with many lenses.
The improved pins and locks provide more control, translating to a smoother workflow when shooting. The modular design of the Revoring Swift accessories allows the RevoRing VND + CPL filter to function as a standalone tool or a base layer for more complex setups, all geared toward helping users achieve their envisioned images.
What I Liked
- Better controls on the filter layers
- Expanded compatibility with modular accessories
What Can Be Improved
- Thinner hardware (if that’s even possible)
- Pins and locks can be turned into sliding switches so they don’t protrude
