Kolari Clip-In OLPF for Lumix: A Deep Dive (Finally)

[Dhopkins802]

I finally got around to completing my deep dive review of the Kolari Clip-In OLPF designed for Lumix S Series 24MP sensors. An unexpected bonus is that it also works on the S1RII. See more below:



I hope this answers most questions that have been floating around out there about this product. If you have anymore, drop them below!

 

[PJD]

Hi Dan: Really well done review, and thanks for all your hard work! Most important comment & question: Your dog is a star! What's its name?

I'm enjoying using the Kolari OLPF in my S5iiX. I haven't done a ton of shooting with it yet, but so far I'm very pleased with the results the filter produces.

Although it's true a higher-resolution sensor (or my camera's 96MP Hi-Res stills mode) without an OLPF will less often exhibit moire/aliasing artifacts, in my experience these artifacts occur fairly often in real world shooting, including when shooting in Hi-Res mode. So, I plan to keep the OLPF installed in my camera pretty much 100% of the time. The very slight image softening produced by the filter doesn't concern me at all. But everyone has different preferences & that's cool.

Thanks again & cheers!

 

[Pete_W]

So, I plan to keep the OLPF installed in my camera pretty much 100% of the time. The very slight image softening produced by the filter doesn't concern me at all. But everyone has different preferences & that's cool.

I am wondering if I should get one for my S5ii. I often see aliasing in my railway photos from the fluted sides on stainless steel railcars.

 

[CharlesH]

Thanks for the very thorough review Dan. About the comparison with the S1H, I found with my S1H the moiré control was often not quite enough, and it's encouraging this OLPF seems to do a better job. Also, in the comments section of your YouTube someone mentioned the loss of micro focus from the OLPF could be restored with a minor tweak of sharpening in post. This was definitely the case with S1H, and whenever I did still photography with that camera I would always add a small amount of sharpening. Video always seemed fine without it.

About anamorphic, I only have L-Mount, not PL mount, so there isn't a way to shim. Thanks for mentioning the issue and we'll see how it goes - maybe not use the filter for anamorphic. Anyway, I'm off to order the OLPF for my S1II. Thanks again.