X-Series Traction Filters: A New Generation Of Photography Filters

An innovative new startup is looking to bring a new generation of advanced filters into the market including UV, ND and Circular Polarizers. All filters are super slim with up to 16 layers of coating and very high quality glass and are now offered as part of an ongoing (and already successful) Kickstarter campaign.

San Francisco based startup breakthrough.photography created 3 new lines of filter – the X1, X2 and X3. Some of the filters include Traction (texture CNC machined into the metal to make it easier to get on and off – which you can see in the image below).

Here are some of the features of the advanced filter X3 series:

Available in either Neutral Density or UV.
SCHOTT B270 optical glass made in Germany.
State-of-the-art 16-Layer Multi-Resistant Coating.
nanotec Nano Coating Layers to repel dirt and water.
3.2mm Traction frame CNC Machined from brass.
Weather-sealed construction.
Available in small, medium and large sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 57mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm.

Here are the features of the mid level X2 series of filters:

Available in either Neutral Density, Circular Polarizer or UV.
AGC glass made in Japan.
State-of-the-art 8-Layer Multi-Resistant Coating.
nanotec Nano Coating Layers to repel dirt and water.
3.5mm Traction frame CNC Machined from aluminum.
Weather-sealed construction.
The X2 Circular Polarizer has a very color neutral polarizing film plus Traction frame on the sides and very front for ease of use with lens hood attached and should cost about $130.
Available in small, medium and large sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 57mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm.

Here are the features of the entry-level X1 series of filters:

Available in UV.
State-of-the-art 4-Layer Multi-Resistant Coating.
3.5mm Traction frame CNC Machined from aluminum.
Weather-sealed construction.
Available in small, medium and large sizes: 49mm, 52mm, 55mm, 57mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm.

Traction on the X3 filter – more than just a gimmick

We recently had a chance to talk to Graham Clark from breakthrough photography and although we were asked not to disclose too much information about the company’s future plans, it seems that following the successful completion of the Kickstarter campaign in the next few days, we will see a number of very unique products that will interest a large number of photographers.

The X2 and X3 ND filters

Be sure to check out the Kickstarter campaign – pricing for the X1 series start at $20 (for all filter sizes!) and goes up to $80 for an X3 ND filter with 3/6 stops (again in all sizes).

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.