PolarPro BaseCamp Announced – Ultra Lightweight Variable ND Matte Box

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by Jakub HanNovember 12^th, 2019

PolarPro BaseCamp is a new ultra-lightweight matte box with a variable ND filter. It weighs 438 grams when all components are in use and 298 grams in its minimal setup. The matte box can be fixed in place on 15mm rods or directly on the lens via adapter rings. The installation is completely tool-free. BaseCamp matte box is available now.

PolarPro BaseCamp – Ultra lightweight VND matte box. Image credit: Jakub Han

PolarPro is a camera accessories manufacturer known mostly for their high-quality filters. Many filmmakers are using their variable ND filters for mirrorless and DSLR setups. Today, the company announces a bit more complex product. PolarPro BaseCamp is an ultra lightweight matte box with variable ND filter functionality.

PolarPro BaseCamp VND Matte Box

PolarPro BaseCamp features ultra lightweight construction. The total weight is only 438 grams when all components are in use, and only 298 grams in the minimal setup. The matte box can be customized according to different scenarios, workflows, and applications – flag and hood are removable. Thanks to its low weight, the PolarPro BaseCamp matte box can be suitable for aerial use with high-payload cinema drone setups.

PolarPro BaseCamp – Ultra lightweight VND matte box. Image credit: Jakub Han

The matte box is built from aluminium, carbon fiber, and Aerospace polymers. The installation is completely tool-free. The matte box can be fixed in place on 15mm rods (via the removable 15mm rods adapter) or directly on the lens via adapter rings. PolarPro offers different sizes of the rings starting at 77mm.

PolarPro BaseCamp – Ultra lightweight VND matte box. Image credit: Jakub Han

Variable ND System

The variable ND functionality works by combining a circular polarizer filter and a fixed square ND filter. There is a built-in mechanism in the matte box that can turn the circular polarizer (CPL) filter to adjust the strength of the ND. Turning the CPL filter is possible via an opening on top of the matte box.

PolarPro BaseCamp – Ultra lightweight VND matte box. Image credit: Jakub Han

All filters are custom made by PolarPro, so users can’t insert other standard-sized (4 x 5.65 or other) square filters. PolarPro offers two strengths of the VND: 2-5 and 6-9. The square ND filters have aluminium frame with a small aluminium grip on top for better handling and safer locking in the matte box.

PolarPro BaseCamp – Ultra lightweight VND matte box. Image credit: Jakub Han

Pricing and Availability

PolarPro BaseCamp is available now. The price for the complete VND kit will be $699 with a launch week price of $599. The core unit will be selling for $299 (launch week pricing is $199). Each square ND filter will cost $199, the Circular polarizer filter will cost $149, rail kits $120, Thread plates and Light fly each $40.

PolarPro BaseCamp – Ultra lightweight VND matte box. Image credit: Jakub Han

We currently have the BaseCamp matte box in our office and we are working on a short video review which will come soon, so stay tuned.

What do you think of the lightweight PolarPro BaseCamp? Do you use matte box for your work? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.