If you’ve ever wanted to add a little extra sparkle and drama to your photos, the K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set is a fun, affordable, and surprisingly versatile addition to your kit.
This set comes with three filters that create 4-point, 6-point, and 8-point starburst effects, allowing you to play with how light sources turn into radiant beams.
Please note: While K&F CONCEPT sent me these filters for review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — First impressions
I’ll admit, I was a little skeptical at first. When I first tried them, I didn’t quite get the effects I was hoping for. It took a bit of research and experimentation to really unlock their potential. These filters are not just “pop them on and shoot” products; you need to understand how they interact with light.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — How to get the best results
- Light Source Matters: You need to point the filter at a strong, defined light source such as a candle, fairy lights, or street lamps.
- Aperture Settings: To really make the star effect shine, use an aperture of around f/16 or smaller.
- Exposure Compensation: If you are using Aperture Priority mode, avoid negative exposure compensation. Dialling in -2 or -3 EV actually stopped the star effect from appearing altogether. Keeping exposure balanced or slightly brighter helps the star pattern stand out.
- Rotate the Filter: You can rotate the filter to adjust the angle of the star pattern, which gives you more creative control.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — Build and design
- Solid Construction – As with most K&F CONCEPT gear, the filters are well-made with lightweight but sturdy glass and aluminium frames.
- Slim Frame – The slim profile helps reduce vignetting even on wide-angle lenses.
- Protective Case – Comes in a neat case that keeps them safe and easy to carry.
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — Features and specifications
- Filter Size: 67mm threaded
- Star Effects: 4-point, 6-point, 8-point
- Material: Optical glass with etched diffraction lines
- Multi-Coated: Helps with reflections and light transmission
K&F CONCEPT 67mm Star Filter Set — In use
Once I figured out the technique, these filters were a lot of fun. Each star pattern creates a unique mood:
- 4-point: Subtle, cinematic sparkle
- 6-point: Balanced, perfect for city lights at night
- 8-point: Bold and dramatic, ideal for festive or glamour shots
They are also great for creative still life or product photography, where you can use candles, jewellery, or reflective surfaces to create controlled bursts of light. Even better, they really shine with street lights on a night walk or during the holiday season with Christmas decorations and fairy lights.
Pros
- Affordable way to add creative flair
- Three filters in one set
- Great build quality with a protective case
- Once you learn how to use them, the results are stunning
Cons
- Slight learning curve, you will not get results without proper technique
- Works best with defined light sources, not flat light
- It can be overdone if used too often
So, how do you use them?
For best results, treat them like a sunflare or subburst. You need to point your camera at a bright light source, say candles, fairy lights etc. You need to use and f-stop lower than f/16 for best results. However, I did use them in the studio with a fairy portrait (below) and an aperture of f/3.2. You can just make out the flare on the light behind the models. Subtle, but I am OK with that.
I must say I was more impressed than I expected to be. Granted using a higher f-stop (f/3.2) does not give the best results, but when you are looking for just a touch of magic, these star filters do a great job.
Model: Emily Reinhard
