Polarpro Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters review

We tested the Polarpro Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters – combining ND and polariser in one. The results? Read more to find out

Photography News|01.09.2025

test|2 min read

At a glance

The results from the Polarpro Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters are even better than with the original VND version. The image quality is even more impressive and the polarisation works incredibly well – even using a wide-angle lens, when the sky can darken more in one area than another. We found very little evidence of this.

PROS: Combines ND and polariser, Chroma glass improves colour accuracy, independent controls, image quality, works well even with wide lenses, quick-swap magnetic system (with adapter)

CONS: No polariser markings or click-stops, expensive Helix version, requires additional adapter

What are the Polarpro Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters?

Trendy filter firm Polarpro made its name with high-grade variable ND filters, designed and promoted heavily by magician-turned-YouTuber Peter McKinnon. The newest versions are available in a VND/PL style: a combined variable ND and circular polariser which can be used to cut out reflections and add colour saturation to certain parts of an image like the sky.

What are the key features of the Polarpro Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters?

The Polarpro Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters were tested to uncover why they’re praised for precise control.

Adjustable ND range

The Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters have an adjustable ND filter in click-stops from 2-5-stop, which we tested. Alternatively, there’s also a 6-9-stop. The Chroma glass allows the filter to have two independently controlled elements for neutral density and polarisation. The new glass also increases the filter’s colour accuracy.

Polarising control

When you carefully rotate the whole filter around – without changing the VND setting – you can see the effect of a polarising filter. You can see glare and reflections changing, and the sky darkening, for example. What you see is what you get, all from one filter. But there aren’t any click-stops or specific markings to let you see how far the polariser has moved.

Mounting options

The system uses a baseplate to screw onto your lens, then the actual filter uses magnets and a small bayonet system to make them fast to attach.

Polarpro Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II filters price and availability

The simple screw-on Chroma VND/PL McKinnon Edition II 2-5-stops filter is £239. The same filter in a Helix Maglock version costs £300, plus you need the right-size £25 adapter to fit your lens.

For more information, visit the Polarpro website.

Verdict

Overall rating 9/10

The best VND filter system we’ve ever used.

PROS: Combines ND and polariser, Chroma glass improves colour accuracy, independent controls, image quality, works well even with wide lenses, quick-swap magnetic system (with adapter)

CONS: No polariser markings or click-stops, expensive Helix version, requires additional adapter