I’ve been curious about magnetic filter systems for years. They’ve always seemed like the perfect solution on paper; fast to attach, easy to stack, and far more compact than the bulky square filter kits that dominate most professional setups.
But I’ve also seen their weak points. As a photo tour leader, I’ve witnessed more than a few magnetic filters hit the ground, shattering on rocks. But on those freezing winter days, I’ve also felt how much of a challenge it is to handle the tiny knobs of a square holder with numb fingers.
So I waited. I wanted the technology to mature, the quality to improve, and the usability to match or surpass what I get from my trusted square filters. Now, with the NiSi JetMag Pro Landscape ND Kit, I decided it was time to finally put a magnetic filter system through proper testing.
Over the past month, I’ve taken it on hikes, used it in challenging weather, and compared it directly to my regular kit. This review shares my hands-on experience with the NiSi JetMag Pro; the good, the bad, and whether I think magnetic filters are now ready to take a place in a professional photographer’s bag.
Pros
- Fast magnetic attachment with secure twist-lock for both ND filters and lens cap
- Easy to swap and stack filters
- Lightweight, compact pouch; travel-friendly
- No visible color cast; excellent sharpness
- Stacks cleanly with minimal vignetting
Cons
- No lock on the CPL
- Magnetic cap can loosen inside a backpack
- Not compatible with some ultra-wides (like the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8)
First Impressions & Build Quality
It didn’t take long for the NiSi Jetmag Pro Landscape ND Kit to make an impression, about five minutes, in fact. That’s when a filter slipped off and hit the ground. Luckily, it landed on grass, so no harm was done. In hindsight, I’ve realized this was user error from not twist-locking the filter properly, but it was still a reminder to handle magnetic filters with care. Particularly, the circular polarizer that doesn’t have a lock.
Since that day, I’ve had no further issues, though I do make a habit of removing the CPL when walking with the camera in my hands.
Once mounted correctly, the system feels secure. The build quality is excellent, solid but lightweight, with glass that feels premium. I’ve used it in rain, wind, and along rugged coastlines without any issues. The coatings remain intact, the frames haven’t warped, and thereโs no visible wear despite a few bumps along the way. This is as expected.
The magnetic ring itself attaches firmly, and the filters easily snap into place. Combined with the included magnetic lens cap, it’s quick and convenient to work with in the field. Overall, it’s a system that feels purpose-built for photographers who value both durability and convenience.
Ease of Use: How the NiSi JetMag Pro Performs in the Field
One of the standout features of the JetMag Pro is how quick it is to get a filter on and off. Once you’ve attached the magnetic adapter ring to your lens, the filter snaps into place instantly.
In the field, this is more useful than it might sound on paper. For example, swapping from a CPL to a 6-stop ND takes seconds, so you can quickly go from freezing the motion to creating that silky water effect you see in long exposure photography.
But the JetMag Pro doesn’t just rely on magnets; there’s also a twist-lock mechanism. After snapping the filter on, you give it a small twist, and it locks securely in place. The same applies to the magnetic lens cap.
This simple locking action eliminates one of my biggest concerns with magnetic filter systems: the risk of a filter falling off if bumped. In practice, it feels as secure as a traditional filter holder, but with the speed and simplicity that magnets bring.
I recorded a quick clip in the field to show you how it works in practice:
Stacking filters is equally straightforward. The thin profile means you can combine, for example, an ND and a CPL without introducing vignetting. Swapping them out is genuinely less of a hassle than any other system I’ve used, and when you’re shooting in rough conditions, that ease of use does make a difference.
Image and Filter Quality
In terms of image quality, the NiSi JetMag Pro performs exactly how youโd hope, and honestly, that’s where a filter system either earns its keep or ends up in the drawer. I’ve run it through everything from long exposures at the coast to more controlled scenes in the mountains, and I haven’t noticed any color cast creeping in. That’s a big deal for me, because I don’t want to spend extra time in post-processing correcting something that shouldn’t be there in the first place.
Recommended Reading: 3 Ways to Remove Color Cast in Photoshop
Sharpness is also spot on. Even when stacking multiple filters, there’s no visible loss in detail.
Vignetting is minimal to non-existent, even with two or three filters combined, at least on the lenses I’ve tested. Flare control is good, too, though, like with any filter, shooting directly into the sun will always require a bit of careful positioning and maybe some shading with your hand.
Simply put, the JetMag Pro doesn’t get in the way of making the image you want. That’s exactly what I want from a filter system; no surprises, no compromises.
NiSi JetMag Pro Portability and Packability
One of the main reasons I wanted to test a magnetic filter system in the first place was size. My square filters take up a lot of space; one pouch for the filters, another for the holder (I even pack a second holder for my Nikkor 14โ24mm f/2.8). It adds up quickly, both in weight and bulk.
The JetMag Pro kit, on the other hand, fits into a single small pouch. That includes all the step-up rings, the filters themselves, and the magnetic lens cap. It’s light enough that I hardly notice it in the bag, and compact enough to tuck into my jacket pocket.
For hiking and travel, that makes a real difference. I’ve always carried filters, no matter the length of the hike, but occacionaly that has meant leaving my square system behind and packing a slightly less ideal selection of screw-on filters.
Lately I’ve found myself instinctively packing the JetMag Pro. Itโs simply less to carry, and that’s a nice change when you’re trying to keep the backpack as light and compact as possible.
Pros and Cons with the NiSi JetMag Pro
Every system has its strengths and trade-offs, but the JetMag Pro’s design leans heavily towards convenience without sacrificing performance. Here’s a quick look at the highlights and a couple of limitations worth knowing about.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Fast magnetic attachment with secure twist-lock for both ND filters and lens cap | No locking mechanism on the CPL |
Lightweight, compact, travel-friendly | Magnetic cap can loosen in a backpack |
No visible color cast | Not compatible with some ultra-wides (like the Nikkor 14โ24mm f/2.8) |
Excellent optical quality with no loss of sharpness | |
Stacks cleanly with minimal vignetting |
One thing worth noting is the CPL design. Because it doesnโt have the twist-lock, like the ND filters, stacking a CPL first and then adding NDs means the whole stack isnโt physically secured to the adapter. It hasnโt been a problem for me (yet), but it does feel less solid than locking an ND directly onto the lens.
NiSi JetMag Pro vs Square Filters vs Screw-On Filters
I’ve been using the NiSi V7 100mm square filter system for years, and it’s still one of my favorite pieces of gear. It’s solid, versatile, and works beautifully across my lenses. I’ve also owned various B+W screw-on filters, though I haven’t used them much in recent years.
Over the past few weeks with the JetMag Pro, I’ve noticed some clear differences between the three systems, both in the field and when packing my bag. The magnetic filters really stand out for their speed and simplicity, while the square system is still my go-to when I need to use my non-compatible lenses. Screw-onsโฆ well, they still work fine, but after using both square and magnetic systems, I find them more fiddly and slower to handle.
If I had to sum it up:
- Jetmag Pro is the system I now grab for most hikes, travel, and everyday shooting.
- Square system is what I reach for when I know I’ll need graduated filters or my 14-24mm f/2.8
- Screw-ons have become more of a backup, mainly for those “just in case” situations.
Comparison Table
While my personal preference has shifted toward the JetMag Pro lately, I think itโs important to look at how it compares objectively to both square and screw-on filters. The table below breaks down the key differences in portability, ease of use, versatility, and cost so you can decide which best fits your style of shooting.
Feature | Magnetic Filter System (NiSi JetMag Pro) |
Square Filter System (NiSi V7 100mm) |
Screw-On Filters (B+W & similar) |
---|---|---|---|
Speed & Ease of Use | Snaps on instantly, twist-lock secures it; easiest to swap in the field | Slower; requires mounting holder and sliding in filters | Quick to screw on/off but slower than magnetic when stacking |
Security | Locking mechanism prevents accidental drops; solid feel | Very secure once mounted; unlikely to fall | Secure, but can stick or cross-thread over time |
Portability & Pack Size | Lightweight, compact pouch fits filters, rings & cap | Bulky; separate pouch for filters & holder | Lightweight; minimal space required |
Lens Compatibility | Wide range with adapter rings; not for all ultra-wides | Works with more lens types via different holders | Thread-size dependent; needs step-up/down rings |
Flexibility | Easy stacking; no vignetting with 2 filters; no grads | Supports grads, ND, CPL, special filters | Limited stacking; grads impractical |
Price & Value | Mid-high; strong balance of quality & convenience | Higher upfront cost for full kit | Lower cost per filter, quality varies by brand |
Of course, no single system is perfect for every situation. Square filters still have the advantage when working with graduated NDs or bigger lenses, while screw-on filters can be a budget-friendly option if you only use them occasionally.
Who Should Buy the NiSi JetMag Pro
The NiSi JetMag Pro isnโt going to replace every filter system for every photographer, but for the right person, it’s a genuinely practical upgrade.
If you’re a landscape photographer who uses filters regularly, you’ll appreciate how much faster and easier it is to get a filter in place with the magnetic system. For travel and hiking, the lightweight and compact pouch makes a real difference. I’ve found myself choosing the JetMag Pro over my square system for most outings lately, simply because it’s less hassle to carry, quicker to use in the field, and still gives the same selection of filters.
It’s also a great fit if you often work in cold weather. Not having to fumble with tiny screws or align filter slots when your fingers are freezing is a welcome change. Being able to work fast means you can focus on your composition and camera settings.
The secure twist-lock for both the filters and the lens cap makes it a good choice if you’ve hesitated to try magnetic systems for fear of losing a filter in the field.
The only real drawback comes down to lens fit. For example, I can use the JetMag Pro with my 14โ30mm f/4, but it’s not compatible with my 14โ24mm f/2.8 due to the large thread size. Thatโs a limitation of this specific kit, not of magnetic systems in general.
Best for: Landscape and travel photographers, hikers, and cold-weather shooters who value speed and portability without compromising on image quality.
Less ideal for: Those who use Graduated ND filters or whose most-used lenses arenโt compatible with this specific kit.
Conclusion
After several weeks of testing, the NiSi JetMag Pro has earned a regular place in my camera bag. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it looks like my beloved square system might be heading for early retirement.
The magnetic attachment and twist-lock mechanism make it faster and more secure than any other filter system I’ve used, and the build quality is exactly what I’ve come to expect from NiSi. Add in the lightweight and compact pouch, and it’s a system I’m reaching for more often.
It won’t be the perfect fit for everyone, especially if the kit doesn’t support your go-to lens, but if it does fit your setup, it’s hard to ignore the speed, convenience, and reliability it offers.
If you value portability and efficiency without sacrificing quality, the NiSi JetMag Pro is well worth considering.
Pros
- Fast magnetic attachment with secure twist-lock for both ND filters and lens cap
- Easy to swap and stack filters
- Lightweight, compact pouch; travel-friendly
- No visible color cast; excellent sharpness
- Stacks cleanly with minimal vignetting
Cons
- No lock on the CPL
- Magnetic cap can loosen inside a backpack
- Not compatible with some ultra-wides (like the Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8)
If youโre just starting out, my guide on how to choose your first filters is a good place to explore the different systems before committing.
Frequently Asked Questions About the NiSi JetMag Pro
A magnetic filter system with a twist-lock mechanism for added security. The kit includes ND filters, a circular polarizer, step-up rings, and a magnetic lens cap.
No. In my tests, it produced no visible color cast, no loss of sharpness, and minimal vignetting even when stacking filters.
Yes, but it depends on the lens’s filter thread. For example, I can use it with my Nikkor 14โ30mm f/4 but not my Nikkor 14โ24mm f/2.8.
Very secure thanks to the twist-lock feature, which works for both the filters and the lens cap.
Landscape, travel, and cold-weather photographers who want a lightweight, fast, and reliable filter system.
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