My Favourite Filter System just got better!
In early 2019, Haida launched the M10 Filter Holder system and M10 Drop-in filters. I was blown away with not only the excellent optical performance of the filters, but because the system is so easy to use, I’ve found myself using filters more in my photography. It’s been a few years since my initial review of the M10 system and Haida has just announced the release of their second generation, M10-II Filter Holder and M10-II Drop-in Filters.
I’ve extensively reviewed the original M10 Filter Holder and M10 Drop-in Filters from Haida, so rather than discussing their similarities, I’m going to be focusing on what separates them. Of course, if you would like to check out my earlier reviews, please visit https://www.australianphotography.com/gear/review-haida-m10-filter-holder-kit-and-red-diamond-filters and https://www.dylangiannaphotography.com.au/blog/haida-m10-cpl-nd-review.
In full disclosure, I’m a Haida Co-Photographer and they provided me with the M10-II Filter Holder and M10-II CPL Drop-in Filter used for this review. However, the opinions expressed in this blog are my genuine thoughts and beliefs. The units I have been testing and reviewing are preproduction, but I’m told that there is no difference between the pre and full production units.
What’s New?
The locking lever which secures the holder to the adaptor ring has undergone a redesign. In comparison to the previous model that required a pulling motion to release the locking lever, you now simply press the lever. This is a welcomed improvement that allows for single-hand operation and is particularly useful in colder conditions when your fingers aren’t quite as nimble or when wearing gloves.
For the graduated filter users out there, rejoice! Just like the previous generation, the filter holder can be freely rotated 360 degrees to adjust the angle of the graduated filter whilst remaining securely attached. Haida has taken it a step further and included a fastening mechanism that when tightened, locks the holder in place, avoiding any accidental changes to the graduated filter’s angle.
The redesigned filter holder slots that support the 100mm filters are now screwless. Using a dovetail style design, you can switch between the two or three slot holders without worrying about misplacing those pesky little screws. This may seem like a minor change, but it is one that will enable greater creative freedom and flexibility. As is the case with all filter holders when shooting at ultra-wide focal lengths, there is a limit to the number of filters you can stack before it will introduce vignetting to your frame. Whilst I do use my holder across a wide variety of lenses both narrow and wide, because I don’t want to risk misplacing those little screws on location, I have my M10 Filter Holder configured to hold a maximum of 2x 100mm filters which I know won’t cause vignetting at ultra-wide focal lengths. With the M10-II, this is no longer the case as I can easily configure the holder on location to suit my needs.
Even the M10 Drop-in Filters have received a refresh and I’m so pleased that they addressed the build quality. In my previous review, I was very impressed with the image quality, but I found the lightweight plastic material used in the housing and components didn’t feel sturdy and I wished that they used the same aviation grade aluminium as the M10 Filter Holder. Haida has done just that! All M10-II Drop-in filters now feature aluminium hardware, making the filter far more robust and sturdier. Even the rotational dial on the CPL is made from aluminium! Switching from plastic to aluminium components does mean there is a slight weight increase, however, this is well worth the trade-off.
To match the filter holder, second-generation adaptor rings feature the new M10-II logo. Fortunately, that is all that has changed. This means you can use both the new or older adaptor rings on both the first and second generation M10 Filter Holder.
What’s Missing?
The drop-in filter system found across Haida’s M7 and M10 range makes using and switching filters simple and convenient. In my opinion, it is this feature that sets them apart from other manufactures. The problem is you can only use one Drop-in Filter at a time. Haida’s release of the 2 in 1 CPL + ND does get us one step closer but having a second slot would enable the stacking of multiple M10 Drop-in Filters. I imagine avoiding vignetting given the thickness of these filters might present Haida’s design team with a challenge, particularly when used with 100mm filters. I would like to see Haida make an additional accessory for the M10-II Filter Holder that would allow you to remove the 100mm front filter slots in favour of an additional M10 Drop-in Filter slot.
Final Thoughts
Haida hit the ball out of the park with the first generation M10 Filter Holder. This second-generation looks to take it up a notch with subtle but worthwhile improvements to ergonomics and usability. If you already own the first generation M10 Filter Holder, then this probably isn’t worthwhile upgrading to, unless you shoot with graduated filters regularly. For those looking to switch to Haida or invest in your first filter system, this is hands down the best filter holder I’ve ever used!
If you would like to pre-order the M10-II Filter Holder in Australia, please visit the link below and don’t forget to use my affiliate code DG10 for 10% off your entire order! https://bit.ly/3GWgVMZ