The Filter Systems
LEE Filters' Filter Systems are designed to mount square filters onto camera lenses. The advantage here is that you can attach a filter to multiple lenses. So you don't have to buy filters in different sizes. LEE Filters has therefore designed different filter holders to offer every photo and video creator suitable options across the whole range.
LEE85 Filter System
The LEE85 filter system has been developed especially for photographers with smaller cameras and lenses who need to travel light but don't want to compromise on filter quality and versatility. The holder is precision-manufactured from aluminium and is both compact and easy to use. It's perfect for any form of photography on the move, especially handheld.
The LEE85 system offers complete creative freedom with a wide range of filters, including Neutral Density Grads, long-exposure stoppers and a clip-on polariser. The holder can be used with up to three filter slots plus the Polariser.
LEE100 Filter System (100mm Filters)
The LEE100 filter system is the most-used system in the LEE range. It's a great all-rounder that can be used with DSLR and large-format cameras. The LEE100 filter system is an innovative product with improved performance, ergonomic handling and enhanced aesthetics.
LEE has completely redesigned the 100mm filter system, with some clever new design features. Operation has also been simplified, as it can be handled with just one hand. In addition, Filter Guide Blocks with one, two or three slots can be swapped quickly and easily.
The system includes innovative refinements such as the locking system that prevents unintended rotations, and the clip-on polariser that snaps into place in a single fluid motion. The weight is also 16% lighter than the original holder. At the same time, the system offers durability thanks to its glass-filled nylon design.
The adapter ring is available in different thread sizes from 49mm to 105mm and can easily be screwed onto the front of the lens. Finally, the filter system is fully compatible with all existing LEE adapter rings and filters.
SW150 Mark II Filter System (150mm Filters)
The SW150 Mark II Filter System has been designed specifically for ultra-wide-angle lenses. Unlike its predecessor, the SW150 Mark II is also compatible with the new SW150 polariser and the Little, Big & Super Stoppers.
The large front element of ultra-wide-angle lenses means compatible filters are bigger than those in the standard 100mm range. The SW150 Mark II is fitted via a lens adapter designed specifically for that particular lens (these adapters are sold separately). Each adapter consists of a front ring, a compression ring and a locking ring. Once fitted, these form a collar that stays on the lens at all times.
The required adapter depends on your lens. The range of adapters is constantly being expanded to keep up with newer lenses. So keep an eye on the LEE range if the right adapter ring for your lens isn't there yet.
The Filters
LEE Filters has a wide range of filters to meet the demands of every image maker. The filters are suitable for different purposes: from landscape and street photography to commercial, studio and fashion photography. The possibilities LEE Filters offers are unrivalled. We're happy to explain which types of filters there are and how they come into their own.
Neutral Density Graduated Filters
The Neutral Density Graduated Filters are all handmade in LEE's factory, based in the United Kingdom. LEE Filters uses resin of the highest quality optically correct polycarbonate. The reason this substrate is used is because of its ability to absorb the dye evenly and in a controllable way. The carefully selected organic composition also gives the resin the highest optical quality and very low reflection. The production process can therefore be controlled at every stage. This allows LEE Filters to guarantee maximum consistency and reliability for its filters. Such a careful approach means the graduation lines of the filters can be precisely controlled. Subtle transitions are possible without rough edges or density variations that could degrade a photographic image.
Want to learn more about Neutral Density Graduated Filters? Take a look here!
Long Exposure Stopper Filters
The original and hugely popular LEE Filters Stopper range consists of long-exposure filters. These filters are manufactured with fused glass and an added dye to achieve deeper colours and higher densities. This makes it possible to significantly reduce the amount of visible light that passes through.
The unique quality is partly achieved by the slight blue colour cast the Stoppers contain. This cast is deliberately added to the filter to reduce infrared light pollution — something that can cause issues with digital sensors. Instead of being applied to the filter surface, the dye is added to the fused glass itself. This creates a natural optical vignette in the corners of the Stopper filters, particularly noticeable when used with wide-angle lenses. This vignette gives images the 'classic' Stopper quality that photographers worldwide love and has redefined the look of long-exposure digital photography.
With stoppers ranging from a 6-stop reduction to a 15-stop reduction, there's plenty to choose from. All our stoppers can also be used in combination with other filters, such as ND Grads and Polarisers.
ProGlass IRNDs (Photography and Film)
LEE Filters' ProGlass IRND filters are vacuum-evaporated onto glass using ultra-thin layer technology to reflect unwanted light from the lens. This technology gives a clean, pure, clinical look with neutral, vivid colours. Infrared and ultraviolet light is excellently controlled, without colour cast or optical vignetting.
The ProGlass IRND filters are manufactured using ultra-high-quality glass, making these filters neutral without a colour cast. They block UV and IR pollution, giving images sharp, accurate exposure. The filters were originally developed for the film industry. The CINE versions of the ProGlass range are used for major feature films and TV productions.
Polarisers
Polarising filters are often the "go-to" option for most landscape photographers. They cut through haze, saturate colours and darken blue skies. On top of that, reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water or glass are removed.
All three LEE Filter Systems have polarising filters available, and in the case of the LEE100 you get unique clip-on filters that can be easily adjusted, fitted or removed.
