LEE Elements Circular ND, VND, and CPL Filters Released

Lens Filters

by Jeff LochNovember 5^th, 2021

LEE Filters, a British company specialized in lighting gels and high-quality optical filters, has just launched a new lineup of circular filters: LEE Elements. These filters for photographers/filmmakers consist of two ND, two Variable ND, and one CPL filter. Let’s take a closer look at these!

If you started your filmmaking career a couple of years ago when Tungsten lighting was still a thing, you are probably familiar with LEE Filters’ gels. If not, you probably heard of the company’s high-quality photo and video filters available in various sizes. Last year, the company launched LEE 85, an ecosystem for small mirrorless cameras. While this system is excellent, it is mainly made for photographers.

LEE Filters has now introduced LEE Elements, a series of affordable, high-quality circular filters to conquest a new market.

LEE Elements features

LEE Elements filters are circular filters available in various sizes: 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm. For each dimension, you’ll have the choice between five filters:

• Little Stopper: an ND filter that offers 6 stops of light reduction.
• Big Stopper: an ND filter with 10 stops of light reduction.
• A regular circular polariser/CPL filter.
• Two Variable ND filters that go from two to five or six to nine stops of light reduction.

All filter frames are made from black anodized aluminum. Thanks to some knurled markings on the filter, you can quickly and easily attach the filter to your lens, even with gloves.

On the inside, LEE incorporated high-quality multilayer-coated optics. In addition, the front/back of the filters received scratch-resistant and anti-reflective coatings, as well as hydrophobic and oleophobic coatings. According to LEE Filters, these coatings are “equivalent to those found on Panavision’s PanaND and LEE’s ProGlass Cine IRND filters, providing enhanced protection against moisture and fingerprints.”

LEE Little and Big Stopper

The LEE Elements Little and Big Stopper are 6 and 10 stop ND filters. These Stopper ND filters were already available for LEE 85/100/150 square formats systems, and are now available as circular filters for the first time.

The LEE Elements Little Stopper and Big Stopper feature stackable housings, which means you can combine them with other filters for creative purposes.

LEE Elements CPL

The LEE Elements CPL features a fluid rotation mechanic for precise polarisation adjustments. It gives you fine control over the contrast of your final image.

VND Filters

Last but not least, the two LEE Elements VND filters are certainly the most appealing for filmmakers. They are available in two strengths (2-5 stops and 6-10 stops) and feature a bracketed design with a rotational limit that eliminates the risk of cross-polarization anomalies.

On the filters themselves, you’ll find markings to help you recall your settings and help you know in which direction you must turn your filter.

Price and availability

Each LEE Elements filter comes with its single-piece, impact-resistant protective hard case with a custom foam insert, and also comes with its cleaning cloth.

All filters will start shipping by November 15th, with pricing ranging from €190 to €330 per filter, depending on the size you choose.

For more information, please visit LEE Filters’ website here.

Do you often shoot with circular filters, or do you prefer 4×4/4×5.6″ mattebox filters? Which is your go-to VND filter? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!