The fact that filters for landscape photography are in rising demand, is proven by the ever-growing range of filter brands available. The market used to be held by earlier brands like LEE, Hitech and Cokin, but the market today is more and more diversive with brands like Benro, 84.5, NiSi or Lensinghouse entering the arena. Ray Master filters is is not a new player on this market, but one which promised high quality for a competitive price.
Ray Masters is a manufacturer of high quality camera filters, founded 9 years ago by a group of passionate photographers. The production and development takes place in Slovakia. The filters are manufactured under strict conditions and meet high quality standards. Each filter is optically tested in simulated daylight conditions. The filters are made of high quality plastic and competitively priced.
I received a set for testing purposes by the manufacturer which I gladly took for a rigorous test!
Unboxing
A set of four gradient filters, the ND8 Soft Grad and Hard Grad, the Hard Grad ND4 and ND8 Reverse Grad, made available by the manufacturer for a comprehensive test. The filters were delivered in a cardboard folder in which it is firmly seated. A plastic coating is on both sides, which comes off easily.
The quality of the plastic filters is good, you can immediately see that the gradations are well made and there is no clearly visible color cast. The plastic itself is sturdy and as far as I can see they are difficult to scratch
The folder itself immediately provides an overview of the available filters.
In the field
The filters went along on a recent trip to Texel. In terms of gradation and color neutrality the Ray Master filters compare very well to my current set of LEE filters. Let us therefore put them in the holder and start field testing. The filters fit well on the LEE filter holder, with no wiggle room or being too tight. They will also have no problems with other compatible holders, while Ray Master Filters now also delivers high-quality and well-designed filter holders. The material feels familiar and almost the same as my LEE filters; quality resin that is strong and not easily scratched if you handle it carefully
Below a selection of images which I made during the tests:
Conclusions
Ray Master filters retail very well for their quality; the retail price is around € 30,- (for the 84 mm versions) and € 60,- (for the 100 mm versions) each for the normal gradient filters. They can certainly match the more expensive brands like LEE .
This test, and their pricing, has made me decide to become reseller / ambassador for Ray master Filters. They are as of now for sale in my webshop. Have a look for interesting introduction prices and keep a look at my workshops page for a new workshop for filter use, which shall have an irresistable offer.
