Just over a year after launching the Maven Magnetic Filter System, Michael the Maven has returned with a new wave of filters, adding much-requested filter variants to the color-coded magnetic filter family.
In total, the Maven Wave 2 lineup comprises 17 new filter products, including an improved color linear polarizer, three Dark Polarizer (neutral density plus circular polarizer combo filters), three gradient filters, five new neutral density filters, a Bahtinov mask for focusing on stars, an infrared 720-nanometer filter, a step-up ring with built-in splash guard, plasma flare effects filters (blue and gold), plus a new transparent Quick Carry case and other new accessories.
That is a lot of new filters. “We are expanding the Maven filter ecosystem, so creators can access, adapt and rapidly change the filters they use. These new designs showcase our patent-pending two-color technology, building upon a universal language of convenience in identifying which filter does what. We had many requests for dark CPLs and variable filters and we also wanted find a way for those to work together in a convenient, yet adaptable system,” explains the creator, Michael the Maven.
Like many others, PetaPixel has been impressed with the original Maven filters, awarding them the title of “Accessory of the Year” for 2023, and calling them “the best filters we’ve used in years.”
The new dark circular polarizer filters are an especially exciting addition, meaning that landscape photographers who need polarization and neutral density effects no longer need two separate filters but can achieve both effects with a single piece of glass.
Maven adds that the new Dark CPLs have a “hidden feature,” too. A new navy-blue linear polarizer can be added to the front of any other Maven polarizer, including those from the original launch earlier this year, providing an additional 1.3 to five stops of filtration. “In the case of a 3-Stop CPL, it would become a 4.3-8 Stop Variable Density filter. The same linear polarizer can convert the other Dark CPLs and even a half fill graduated variable filter, also with 1.3-5 stops of filtration,” Maven explains.
The Maven Variable Systems can also be combined with the Maven specialty filters, enabling creators to make unique combinations, like Variable Show Glow, Variable Plasma Streak, and more.
“By breaking the two variable polarizing filters into their own components, we give our customers more options in a lighter footprint, without requiring them to buy multiple types of variables leading to a deep cost savings,” the filter company says.
The Kickstarter campaign has a complete list of all the new filters. The new filters are available in 67, 72, 77, and 82mm filter sizes, with additional sizes coming next year based on demand. Super early-bird specials range from $49 for any single filter to up to $599 for any 15 filters, representing an up to 70% discount off eventual retail prices.
Speaking of retail, the original Maven Magnetic Filters are available in 77mm and 82mm sets for $479 and $499, respectively.
Disclaimer: Make sure you do your own research into any crowdfunding project you’re considering backing. While we aim to only share legitimate and trustworthy campaigns, there’s always a real chance that you can lose your money when backing any crowdfunded project.
Image credits: Maven