Freewell Mag Filters and Brandon Li – Cool collab
Our take
The convergence of cutting-edge technology and creative vision has long been a driving force in the evolution of visual storytelling, and Freewell’s latest collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Brandon Li exemplifies this synergy. This partnership has yielded the Brandon Li x Freewell VND/CPL filter kit, a product that marries the brand’s innovative engineering with Li’s decades of experience crafting compelling cinematic narratives. Having previously explored Freewell’s magnetic filter system in a hands-on review, we recognized its potential to streamline on-set workflows without compromising image quality. Now, with Li’s input, the lineup gains a new dimension of purpose and precision. For creatives seeking tools that enhance both efficiency and artistry, Freewell’s New Filter Is a Super-Slim Locking, Magnetic Hybrid VND/CPL stands as a testament to what’s possible when form meets function.
What sets this collaboration apart is not merely the pedigree of its creator, but the thoughtful integration of real-world filmmaking demands into its design. Li’s influence is evident in the filter’s ability to adapt to dynamic shooting environments, offering seamless transitions between varying light conditions while maintaining the intuitive magnetic attachment that Freewell pioneered. This isn’t just another accessory gathering dust in a gear bag—it’s a tool engineered for the immersive demands of modern visual creation. The result is a product that feels both aspirational and grounded, offering something for seasoned professionals and emerging artists alike. For those who appreciate a curated approach to gear, the Brandon Li collaboration represents a new benchmark in adaptive filtration.
At its core, the Brandon Li x Freewell kit challenges the status quo of filter design by prioritizing speed and versatility without sacrificing control. Traditional ND and CPL filters often require tedious adjustments or bulky systems that slow down the creative process. These new filters, however, invite the user into a more fluid workflow, where adjustments happen as naturally as the light shifts around them. It’s a subtle but powerful shift—one that honors the authentic needs of creators who don’t just want great tools, but tools that disappear into the background, letting their vision take center stage.
As we move deeper into an era where visual content defines cultural discourse, the lines between technical excellence and creative expression continue to blur. Could this collaboration mark the beginning of a broader trend where gear brands move beyond mere product development to become co-creators in the artistic process? One thing is certain: the future of filmmaking tools lies not in their complexity, but in their ability to amplify the storyteller’s voice.
The post Freewell Mag Filters and Brandon Li – Cool collab appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.
We shared some news on Freewell filters recently in a review format (First time I’ve tried them, tldr; they’re great) anyhoo – the team have brought out a new kit with Brandon Li and it’s well worth a look!
Take a look at the series here
Here’s what the team at Freewell have to say:
Freewell Introduces the Brandon Li Signature VND/CPL System – The World’s Slimmest Locking VND with a 100% Mechanism-Free Design
Hong Kong – May 2026 – Freewell, a global leader in premium camera accessories, announces the launch of the Brandon Li x Freewell VND/CPL System, a next-generation filter solution built for filmmakers who demand precision, speed, and reliability in real shooting environments.
Co-developed with filmmaker Brandon Li, this system redefines how variable ND filters are designed and used. After around 2 years of development and multiple prototype iterations, Freewell has engineered the world’s slimmest locking VND with a 100% mechanism-free design—removing traditional internal components that often cause failure, inconsistency, or bulk.
Unlike conventional VND systems that rely on complex internal mechanisms, this design delivers pure optical performance with zero mechanical dependency, resulting in a slimmer profile, improved reliability, and consistent results in demanding shooting conditions. Built as a complete modular system, the VND/CPL unit works seamlessly with an included ND32 filter to deliver a full 1–10 stop range, while maintaining control over reflections through the CPL. Optional diffusion filters such as Glow Mist further expand creative possibilities without disrupting the workflow.
The system is designed to reduce friction during production. Instead of carrying multiple filters and constantly swapping them, creators can rely on a single, compact setup that adapts instantly to changing light conditions.
Key Features:
· World’s Slimmest Locking VND – Ultra-thin profile without compromising performance?
· 100% Mechanism-Free Design – No internal mechanical parts, ensuring long-term reliability?
· Hybrid VND + CPL System – Control exposure and reflections simultaneously
? · Expandable 1–10 Stop Range – Combine with ND32 for extended light control
? · True Color Optics – Maintains accurate tones without unwanted color shift?
· Modular Workflow System – Add or remove filters without interrupting your setup?
· Multi-Size Compatibility – Works across lenses from 49mm to 95mm?
· Integrated Protection – Front and rear caps included with built-in grey card
“This system was built to remove the usual friction filmmakers deal with when traveling or shooting on location. You don’t have to think about swapping filters. It just works the way you need it to.”? — Brandon Li
“This product took around two years of development and multiple iterations to get right. The goal was simple but difficult to execute: remove all mechanical dependency and create the slimmest possible locking VND without compromising optical performance. What we ended up with is a system that’s more reliable, more compact, and built for real-world use.”? — Gary Lu, Product Designer, Freewell
The post Freewell Mag Filters and Brandon Li – Cool collab appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Sime.
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