Haida M10-II Filter Holder Review
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The Haida M10-II Filter Holder system makes several improvements to an already flexible and high-performing filter system. I have used the Haida M10 filter holder system for 2+ years and has become an integral part of my landscape photography. The Haida M10-II improves on the design and functionality in several areas. And yes, the drop-in filters and square glass filters for the M10 also work with the M10-II holder. I am using my drop-ins and glass filters interchangeably across both holders.
Improvement 1 - Add & Remove The Holder With One Hand
The Haida M10-II filter holder affixes to the adapter ring with a spring-loaded latch. The redesigned release latch allows you to add and remove the entire filter assembly with one hand. You can firmly grip the holder in your hand and press the release latch with a finger or thumb.
One-handed adding and removing of the filter assembly is especially useful when you are using 100mm glass filters. If you need to recompose a scene or refine your focus point, the entire holder with filters can be removed one-handed. Your other hand is free to hold a lens, adjust the camera settings, or attend to whatever else is necessary. This change makes field workflow even nimbler than it already was.
The Haida M10-II Filter Holder System offers several improvements over the original M10.
The redesigned spring-loaded release latch allows the entire filter holder to be affixed and removed with one-hand.
Improvement 2 - Rotation Lock Thumbscrew
The thumbscrew on the Haida M10-II filter holder locks the assembly in place. Get the perfect angle with every shot.
A feature of the M10 system I really like is that it “floats” freely in the adapter ring. The release latch securely holds the filter assembly in place yet it can rotate around in the adapter ring groove. Often to adjust the angle of my polarizer, I’ll rotate the entire assembly instead of using the small dial on the drop-in polarizer. It’s a faster workflow in the field. In other scenarios, I rotate the assembly to avoid a potential for light leak with 100mm glass filters, positioning the 100mm rails in a direction that blocks light from entering between the filters.
The M10-II filter holder adds a thumbscrew to lock down the assembly preventing it from rotating, Once I have oriented the holder in the adapter ring, I twist the screw and secure the exact angle of my filters. If I lift and move my tripod to change composition, there is no shifting or position creep of the filters.
Improvement 3 - Stronger Drop-In Filters And Better Labels
The labels on the Haida M10-II drop-in filters are clear and easy to read - even when in a filter bag.
The M10-II drop-in filters are made with an aluminum allow, so they are sturdy and light. My original M10 drop-in filters are made with a hard, rigid plastic. I’ve never had any problems with them and found the frames to be strong. Haida just upped the build quality that much more with the aluminum alloy construction.
What I enjoy even more about the Haida M10-II drop-in filters is the labeling. The silk screens on the drop-ins are brighter and much easier to read. Landscape photographers are often working in low light at the bookends of the day. The bright, clear labels make it easy to tell my filters apart when they are in my filter case.
Improvement 4 - Smoother 100mm Glass Filter Experience
The Haida M10-II system is well-known for its drop-in filters. Drop-ins make changing filters in the field quick and easy. The M10-II holder also accommodates traditional 100mm glass filters. The M10-II has a 1-slot and 2-slot option, which you need to decide on when you make your purchase. (Unlike other filter holders you may own, you cannot add and remove rails for 100mm glass. I advocate the 2-slot configuration for more flexibility.
The M10-II rails for the 100mm filters are redesigned for smoother insertion and removal of glass filters. There is less friction with the M10-II and the rails are smaller than its predecessor.
The 100mm filter rails on the Haida M10-II Filter Holder are redesigned. The rails are shorter and there is less friction inserting and removing 100mm glass.
And Of Course…
A filter system is only as good as the photos they allow us to create. The optic quality and image resolution with the Haida M10-II filters continues to be excellent. I’m glad I switched to the Haida system and I don’t see any reason I’d move away anytime soon.
Moss Covered Tree Sweet Creek Oregon
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