Chinese company Tilta has introduced the Illusion Magnetic Filter Ultimate Kit, a modular filter system built around magnetic attachment rather than threaded mounting. The product marks Tilta’s entry into a segment already occupied by several established manufacturers, including NiSi, PolarPro, and H&Y, all of which offer comparable magnetic filter ecosystems.

The system is organized around three circular polarizer filter variants, each serving a different functional combination. The first is a standard CPL, which reduces reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water and glass and increases color saturation in affected areas. The second integrates a five-stop neutral density layer alongside the polarization element, consolidating two common functions into a single piece of glass and eliminating the need to stack separate filters for this combination. The third pairs the polarizer with a Black Mist 1/4 diffusion element, which reduces highlight contrast and introduces a low level of glow around bright areas — an effect associated with a softened, lower-acuity rendering. All three filters rotate after mounting, allowing the polarization angle to be adjusted independently of the camera orientation.

The kit also includes a VND Adapter module that attaches to the filter via the same magnetic interface. When the standard CPL is combined with this adapter, the resulting variable neutral density range covers 1 to 5 stops. Pairing the integrated ND32 version of the CPL with the same adapter extends the range to 6–10 stops. The Black Mist variant can also be used within the stacked configuration. Tilta states that consolidating functions into fewer optical elements reduces the vignetting and color shift issues that tend to accumulate in conventional multi-filter stacks.

The filter frames are machined aluminum. The glass elements carry a coating Tilta describes as cinema-grade, intended to maintain color neutrality across the frame and minimize the color shifts associated with lower-quality variable ND systems. Water- and oil-resistant surface coatings are also applied to assist cleaning in field conditions. Adapter rings are included in both 77mm and 82mm thread sizes, and protective magnetic covers for front and rear are part of the kit, along with a soft carry case and a microfiber cloth.

The Illusion Magnetic Filter Ultimate Kit is sold at a retail price of $279. Individual filters from the Illusion line are also available separately, starting at $39.