DIY Photography Bokeh Masters Kit, Special Effects System for Portraits

by DIY Photography

• The kit work with almost any wide aperture lens with a filter size - Tested with the following lenses: Nikon 50mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.4, 85mm f/1.8, 28-105mm f/3.5-f/4.5, 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, EF 50mm f/1.4, EF 85mm f/1.8, EF 100mm f/2.8L IS USM, EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6, Sigma 30mm f/1.4
• Allows you to create your own special effect images "in camera" without having to rely on post-production software
• Can be placed over a UV filter
• For the wedding or party photographer, this kit offers you a marketing opportunity for creating images that other photographer may not be able to replicate
• Allow you to turn a night scene or landscape into something completely different and unique

Product Details

• Item Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B004PV8N1I
• Item model number: BMK
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #93 in Camera & Photo > Accessories > Lens Accessories > Lens Caps
• Date first available at Amazon.com: February 27, 2011

Product Description

The Bokeh Masters Kit turns light into shapes. By definition, "bokeh" refers to the nature of the blur that can be created using light. It refers to those parts of the image that are out of focus - generally those sections of the photo that are found beyond the measured depth of field.You will see the effect most pronounced when using point light sources such as candles, street lights, flashlights, etc. However, you will find this system works in most lighting situations. Just remember, it is designed to be most effective with areas of your image that are out of focus.This kit contains 21 custom shaped discs including stars, hearts, a happy and sad smiley, animal icons, sports icon and several signs. In addition, you receive eight blank discs with which you can cut your own patterns. Using the included holder, you mount it on the lens, insert your selected disc and shoot your portrait. In this way, you can tailor your special effects to your portrait needs. The Bokeh Masters Kit is designed to work even if it is not 100% flat to the lens.Generally speaking, the "Bokehtinator" works best with lenses of filter size up to 62mm and with apertures of 2.8 or wider. However, the Bokehtinator may also work with other wide-aperture lenses of similar thread size. Testing is recommended.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 33 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars 99% profit, 1% quality March 13, 2012

By dmg

I discovered the concept of BOKEH filtering via enternet and cut out a few of my own using construction paper - sandwiching them between two UV filters to hold it on the end of my camera. After that success, I quickly bought this Bokeh Masters Kit.

When the kit arrived it was exactly as described, but:

1) the cutouts were not all cleanly cut and smooth
2) The choice of shapes is a bit random and is missing some common designs like a 5 pointed star.
3) The bracket slots on the mounting kit allow light to come in outside of the shape, creating other "noise" imaging.
4) The rubber band mounting kit does not allow the device to remain securely on your lens - particularly when zooming or focusing - I finally modified and attached the mounting kit to a cheap UV lens vs using the rubber band approach. This also let me black out the back of the UV lens behind the slots to prevent the extra light leakage.

I'm wishing I spent my $25 on other camera accessories and stayed with my own free DIY cutout filters.

Congrats to the company with the idea to market something for $25 that probably costs less than $1 to manufacture - but I wish more of the $25 was invested in the quality of the product...

-DMG March 2012

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars was ok January 2, 2013

By Pdibs

Amazon Verified Purchase

The Product is made of a hard plastic and it is kinda difficult to use/mount on the camera. i was hoping it was going to be something of a lens cover that screwed on or snapped on and was made of a solid plastic instead of a cut out. i also feel like it is a little over priced, i would happy pay 10-15, not 25 /:
also it doesn't work properly with every single lens. i have the default lens that comes with the cannon EOS rebel t3i and it didn't work too well.
but! it's not terrible just little things that bothered me.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Cool product December 20, 2012

By D. Roberts

Amazon Verified Purchase

Works well with my 50mm 1.4. Tried with my Sigma 30mm but got a lot of fringing. Like it but wish there was a Christmas tree and another star. The blank circles that are included are tough to cut. I can't imagine using half of the designs but oh well.