Creating smoky water effects with K&F CONCEPT Filters

On my recent trip to the coast, I took along the K&F CONCEPT Magnetic Filter Kit, and it was the perfect chance to test out how well these filters handle long exposure seascapes.

Instead of using a single heavy ND, I stacked the CPL with the included ND filters from the kit, giving me plenty of flexibility right there on the shoreline.

Why stack filters?

Stacking a Circular Polarizer (CPL) with ND filters gives you more creative control:

• The CPL reduces glare on the water and deepens the blues in the sky.
• The ND filters cut light, allowing longer exposures even in bright daylight.
• Together, they transform crashing waves into silky, mist-like water while keeping the rocks and coastline sharp.

The results

Grabbing the Tamron 16-30mm wide-angle and my Sony a7RV, and popping it on a tripod. Working with shutter speeds of 5–15 seconds, the waves softened into smooth, smoky trails that wrapped around the rocks, almost like fog rolling in from the sea. The contrast between the sharp foreground and flowing water gave the images a surreal, fine-art feel.

I was especially impressed with:

• Colour accuracy – No strong cast, just clean, natural tones, and a pop of colour.
• Ease of use – The magnetic system meant I could swap filters quickly without fumbling.
• Durability – Salt spray and sand are always hazards, but the coatings make them easy to wipe clean.

Real-world impressions

• Bright sunny days: stacking filters gave me the extra stops I needed for long exposures without blowing out highlights.
• Cloudy skies: the CPL helped boost contrast in moody conditions.
• On the move: light, compact, and easy to handle on a tripod setup by the water.

Final thoughts

The K&F CONCEPT Filter Kit is more than just handy—it’s a creative tool that can take your seascapes to the next level. By stacking the CPL and NDs, I was able to capture that classic smoky water effect that turns a beach scene into something truly magical.

If you’ve ever wanted to create those dreamy, misty water shots, this kit is a brilliant and budget-friendly way to get started.

Check out the full review here.

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