Tilta Mirage Matte Box VND Kit | Includes 95mm Variable ND Filter | 4" x 5.6" and New 95mm Circular Filters | 67/72/77/82mm Adapter Rings | Lightweight | Cartridge Filter Design

When Tilta released its first light with clamp on mattebox a few years ago, I went ballistic. Finally, a small clamp on solution that would allow me to use multiple filters only… it didn’t. You were allowed a single 4 x 5.65mm.I looked at several more modular solutions such as Bright Tangerine or Basecamp Polar Pro. These were what I needed, but I just couldn’t justify the high cost.Finally, Tilta created their own! The mattebox system, by itself, runs 119 USD but allows you to use their new CIRCULAR 95mm filter system. So far they have anamorphic flares, various diffusion densities modeled after Pro-mist, and their own variable ND gadget.You might be wondering why you should invest in a system that uses a brand new filters type that legendary filter makers like Tiffen have yet adopted. Well, the answer is simple: The matte box allows you to use 4x5.65mm filters ON TOP of the new 95mm circular system.The advantage of the circular filters is you can get variable ND and polarizers to rotate. (They must rotate in order to function properly.) Tilta has solved this problem by simply making their own version of this.You can also stack multiple 95mm circle filters on top of each other by purchasing additional trays and frames. The rotatable circle design allows you to use filters that rotate but in a much smaller package. Those who have used polarizers in the old 4x4 form know that you need a bigger mattebox with a rotating 4x4 tray.Tiltas new system solves this. To use it, you are (currently, as of October 2023) limited to Tilta’s filters, but their quality is on par with VNDS and polas from more expensive brands. These aren’t just cheaply produced pieces of glass. And with the success and convenience of this product, I am thinking Tiffen will start manufacturing their own versions that work with the 95mm circle format very soon.PROS: lightweight, low cost, durable, modular, easy to install and remove quickly, uses cinema standard 4x5.65 filters; new 95mm circular filter allows variable ND and polarizers to work easier than 4x4 optionsCONS: The only current filter options for the 95mm circle trays are filters manufactured by Tilta; the riser that supports the mattebox (if you aren’t using the clamp-on attachment) is short and won’t work with rails that are too low under the lens; the riser doesn’t come with the smaller package; limited to one 4x5.56mm; people have complained about the color cast with the VND, however I’ve never used a VND that didn’t have some form of cast… if you really care, use regular single density ND.

Excellent product from Tilta always thinking about ergonomics. Light weight, quick to mount & 3 different glass options. Screw on circular, drop in and square slide glass. Can be mounted to rails with the 15mm rod adapter or clamped on to a 95mm lens/step ring.The sun hood pivots smoothly and fully covers the top of the matte box unlike the cheaper options. The case it comes in is a nice touch. Will be mounting the Nucleus Nano II with the adapter instead of getting the $599 full motorized kit. Check out the options on Tilta’s website for picking apart certain pieces for your rig not everything is listed here on amazing.Overall would highly recommend.

When I looked into purchasing the Tilta Mirage Matte Box, I did not know the extent to all the accessories available for it...wow! Anyway, this matte box is a perfect match for my small camera rig. It comes with plenty of adaptor rings to fit most common lens sizes, a circular filter holder, a top flag and a nice case. It is light and well built. It also holds my 4X5 filters securely plus they go in and out easily. It's a great value and I highly recommend it.

This is my first matte box/ nd filter kit. I was worried about all the people talking about the weird thing that shows up when turning it too black. It works flawlessly. All wide open at 2.8 and 1.4 works perfect. Is super lightweight. My canon 24-70 2.8 holds it easy. It comes with an extra ring for when you remove the nd filter or to have another filter. My setup don’t allowed me to use the support holder that comes with. Even though is adjustable, my lens is to close to the rods. I will buy another for my second camera.

Finding a small, expandable matte box, especially one that offers a variable ND built in and still allowing another 4x5.66 filter over the face, at this price point, is really amazing. I have yet to find another system that gets close (though the newer Smallrig offerings are tempting).I do wish that the round filter frame and filter sets for it were not a proprietary size - but that's really the only sticking point. It's a great option that for us small cinema and dSLR cinema users on a budget, can take advantage of.Small enough to use without the rail support for use on a gimbal, or at home on a full rail build, and an option to add a Tilta nano motor for the variable ND, is really compelling. Kudos to the designers.Is it a permanent forever matte box? I don't know. It is small, and that will limit it's full capacity - but that's also a benefit for this use, and it has certainly replaced every other solution I had prior for use on dSLRS.

Build quality is super solid & light weight. The zip up case is a nice touch. Lots of options for step up rings too.

Lightweight, sturdy, and good looking. Not only is it practical, but it looks amazing and really adds a professional look to my cinema rig. The Variable ND filter is one of the best I've used so far. Easy to adjust, and no cross marks on any of lenses so far!

Tilta has been making great products for a while. It looks great on the camera and it's super easy to use on almost all lenses. I had to buy an adapter for a smaller lens i owed but the ranges are enough for most cine lenses and bigger photo lenses.