PolarPro
PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II)
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Released 2022
Best Nd Filters · head-to-head
PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) is cheaper at $499.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Freewell
Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9)
$499.99
Released 2024
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) | Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | — | $499.99 |
| Brand | PolarPro | Freewell |
| Released | 2022 | 2024 |
| Filter type | variable | variable |
| Density range stops | 2 to 5 or 6 to 9 (two separate SKUs) | 1 to 9 (two filters: 1-5 and 6-9, hybrid reversible with CPL/ND32-CPL) |
| Common thread sizes (mm) | 49, 67, 77, 82, 95 | 67, 72, 77, 82 (via included adapter rings) |
| Coating | 16-layer anti-reflection / scratch-resistant coating | multi-coated German optics (dust/oil/scratch/water resistant) |
| Color cast note | PolarPro markets Edition II as color-neutral "Cinema Series" glass across the stop range; no independent lab CCT deviation figure published | Freewell markets a proprietary 'TRUE COLOR' coating process specifically to minimize the color shift common to other VNDs |
| Front filter thread | No | — |
| Magnetic | No | Yes |
| Glass type | Cinema Series glass (8K-rated) | optical glass (German optics, brand does not publish substrate name) |
Sources — PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II): polarpro.com (verified 2026-08-16). Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9): freewellgear.com (verified 2026-08-16).
What's the difference between the PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) and Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- Density range stops: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) 2 to 5 or 6 to 9 (two separate SKUs) vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) 1 to 9 (two filters: 1-5 and 6-9, hybrid reversible with CPL/ND32-CPL)
- Common thread sizes (mm): PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) 49, 67, 77, 82, 95 vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) 67, 72, 77, 82 (via included adapter rings)
- Coating: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) 16-layer anti-reflection / scratch-resistant coating vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) multi-coated German optics (dust/oil/scratch/water resistant)
- Color cast note: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) PolarPro markets Edition II as color-neutral "Cinema Series" glass across the stop range; no independent lab CCT deviation figure published vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) Freewell markets a proprietary 'TRUE COLOR' coating process specifically to minimize the color shift common to other VNDs
- Magnetic: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) false vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) true
- Glass type: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Signature Edition II Variable ND (PMVND Edition II) Cinema Series glass (8K-rated) vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) optical glass (German optics, brand does not publish substrate name)