NiSi SWIFT System: How it works and advantages

The new NiSi Swift is a revolutionary system for the combined use of screw-in filters.

Normally when two screw filters are to be used at the same time, they are screwed on top of each other. This is a standard and widely used procedure, but at the same time not optimal. Mounting by threading takes valuable time and jamming may occur by inserting the filter incorrectly and problems may arise when we want to remove it.

In addition, the thread needs a few extra millimetres in thickness to be secured, and when we want to use several filters together, the possibility of introducing vignetting increases exponentially.

Over time, various solutions have been created to solve these problems, for example the use of filters with magnetic mounts, but this has not been a definitive or safe solution. To the advantage of an apparent speed of installation, we are exposed to problems related to the magnet, which is very susceptible to the reliability and stability of the mounting itself. In fact, while being used in the field, external agents, such as sand or simply dirt, can be interposed between the filter and the mount, which compromises stability and can ruin the glass of the filter itself. Furthermore, stability is also called into question by slight jolts or accidental shocks, not to mention that removal must remain simple without being able to increase the power of the magnet.

NiSi has researched for years and found the ideal solution to the problem: a press-on coupling that guarantees both speed of installation and removal and safety of use in the field, as no weather conditions, even adverse ones, can affect the safety of the filter, which is firmly secured to the underlying or main anchorage ring.

The NiSi Swift system consists of a set of filters and 1 adapter ring, for example:

• ND variabile True Color 1-5 stop filter
• ND16 4 stop filter
• Black Mist ⅛
• Black Mist ¼
• True Color CPL
• UV IR Cut
• Adapter ring for SWIFT

NiSi Swift: How does it work?

The system is initially designed to have as a base the True Colour 1-5 stop variable ND filter that will screw onto our lens like a normal screw-on filter, or the Swift adapter ring if we want to use the other Swift filters without Variable ND.

If at this point, for example, we want to increase the density beyond 5 stops, we would simply press-on the Swift ND16 4 stop filter on top of it, and thus we have a variable ND filter from 5 to 9 stops. With a simple movement, we have from 1 to 9 stops of light absorption without screwing anything but the initial VND 1-5 or the main Swift adapter ring.

Additional filters can be installed in addition to or instead of the ND16, such as the IR UV Cut filter or the Black Mist ¼ or ⅛ filter and the True Color CPL for fantastic cinematographic and photographic effects.

Should you wish to use one of the additional filters without the use of the True Colour 1-5 stop variable ND filter, simply mount the Swift adapter ring on the lens and press in any other filter (currently ND16 4 Stop, UV IR Cut, Black Mist ¼ and ⅛, True Color CPL ).

Thanks to this ingenious and practical installation system, it is possible to obtain as many as 15 filter combinations; once the available SWIFT filter set inevitably increases, the combinations will be almost infinite.

The combinations of the Swift System

Kits and Filters for NiSi Swift

The products that make up the NiSi Swift can be purchased individually or in three practical kits:

• NiSi SWIFT VND kit: containing the ND Vario 1-5 stop filter and the ND16 for 1 to 9 stops
• NiSi SWIFT Add On Kit: ideal for those who already own the ND Vario 1-5 stop filter (includes ND16 (1.2) 4 stop, the Black Mist ¼ and the adapter ring for Swift)
• NiSi SWIFT VND MIST kit: the kit that includes not only the ND filters but also the Mist filter (includes ND Vario 1-5 stop, ND16 (1.2) 4 stop, the Black Mist ¼ and the adapter ring for Swift)

All kits include the case and a protective cap for use with filters fitted.