rwoodvira

Breakthrough filters have gotten a lot of positive press. The X2 uses Japanese glass with aluminum; the X4 has German (Schott) glass with brass. Both seem to get positive reviews on Amazon & Adorama. Could someone tell me if there is a significant difference in image quality between the two?

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I own a Breakthrough X4 3-stop ND filter (purchased direct from them) and an X1 UV MRC4 ultra-thin Nanotec coated weather sealed protection filter (purchased from Amazon). I have been highly pleased with the design and manufacture of Breakthrough optics and absence of color cast and vignetting I have obtained from both filters. I have not tried an X2 ND filter. You might also check out their latest X4 GND filters which are designed to be used with a revolving filter holder.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I have not used either of these models of filters. That said, aluminum has some metallurgical properties which would cause me some concern around using any filter with an aluminum ring or aluminum threads. Specifically, aluminum tends to "work harden" when it is stressed or put under load. This can be very beneficial in strengthening aluminum parts, but it is also why aluminum parts can be prone to "seize" in some circumstances. I'd be afraid that there would be a risk of these filters getting stuck on metal mounting threads. On the other hand, aluminum will either develop a self-protective layer which will prevent corrosion, or can be anodized to eliminate the need for painting.

I'd be interested to know about any alloying or other steps the manufacturer may have taken to prevent problems that might otherwise be likely with the aluminum models.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

There was a recent post about Breakthrough ND X4 having a color cast.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-610390-1.html

OP contacted Breakthrough about the problem. PM him for details.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Besides the difference in glass (German Schott in the X4, Japanese optical glass in the X2).... And the difference in the frame material (aluminum in the X2 is more likely to gall and get stuck when used in metal threads.... brass in the X4 is unlikely to gall, less likely to get stuck... but both work fine in the plastic threads used in many modern lenses)....

There's also a difference in the multi-coatings. The X2 uses 8-layer coatings.... anti-reflective. The X4 uses 16-layer "nano" multi-coatings, which anti-reflective too, but are also more resistant to water, finger oils, and scratches. The 16-layer coatings are also easier to clean.

You'll find similar differences between the B+W XS-Pro (similar to X4) and B+W F-Pro (similar to X2, except all B+W are in brass frames and all use Schott glass).

At less than half the price ($67 in 77mm size for 1.8/6-stop ND), I'd be tempted to try the Formatt Hitech Firecrest filter. It gets good reviews, the only exception being that it's very slim and can be a little difficult to mount on a lens (and fragile, don't drop it!). It's got 16-layer multi-coated Schott glass, just like the much, much more expensive Breakthrough X4 and B+W XS-Pro. I don't think the Firecrest uses a brass frame, though.

Gobe 2Peak and Benro Master are two new lines of filters which seem to have similar specifications and a pretty reasonable prices. They can be a bit hard to find, though.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

And It Should be noted he's the only person in the country that has reported a color cast using their product. You can watch about a dozen different tutorials about the quality standards of these filters, and they ALLLLL say the same, No Color Cast. I Personally use the product and I Personally do Not see or experience any color cast.

treadwl Loc: South Florida

I have both the 6 and the 10 stop ND filters from Breakthrough. They are excellent. I have had no color cast issues. They are both better than any others I have used in the past.

Haydon

Breakthrough are highly regard filters but I do remember back on the Canon forums several years ago a thread that became volatile between several members and the owner of BT concerning a warranty/return. It was handled very unprofessional in my opinion. Buyer beware if an issue leads to warranty work. That may have changed now but that thread was nothing short of caustic. Personally I prefer filters with brass threading where sticking and binding is minimized.

uhaas2009

I use the x2- 10 stops, 25 years ironclad guarantee. No complaint, no colorcast. The only problem I have is 10 stops are really dark to see though it.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

ClarkG Loc: Southern Indiana USA

I use only B+W filters. They are superior quality. Slightly more expensive, but worth the added quality.

rwoodvira

Just a short note thanking everyone for their help. I'll check out the other brands. I'll probably go with the Breakthrough. I'm going to the camera show up in NY and I think they have a booth.

bwilliams

What ever brand you choose do not go with aluminum they react to the metal threads and seize.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

It seems today that a majority of lenses threaded for filters use plastic so the aluminum issue today is generally moot. So it comes down to the optical quality of either.

tcthome Loc: NJ

When/where is the show? Thanks in advance for any help! , Tom