PRO1D R-Natural Cross

Cross filters are designed to create light streaks from bright point light sources, enhancing their sparkle and brilliance. While conventional cross filters often produce a strong and highly noticeable effect, the Kenko PRO1D R-Natural Cross takes a different approach.

The filter is intentionally designed to create a more subtle and refined sparkle, making it suitable not only for night scenes, illuminations, fireworks, starry skies, reflections on water, and sunlight filtering through trees, but also for everyday photography where a conventional cross filter may appear too strong.

Its restrained effect is particularly effective for backlit scenes and for highlighting reflections from glass, metal, and water surfaces. Because it reacts only subtly to weaker light sources, the filter can remain on the lens for extended periods, ready to add a delicate sparkle whenever the opportunity arises.

With conventional cross filters, the grid pattern etched into the filter glass can sometimes become visible in out-of-focus highlights. The Kenko PRO1D R-Natural Cross is designed to make this pattern far less noticeable, helping preserve the smooth and natural appearance of bokeh.

As a result, photographers can enjoy a delicate cross effect while maintaining the soft character of out-of-focus areas. This makes the filter particularly well suited to portraits, close-up photography, and other situations where attractive background blur plays an important role in the image.

The visibility of the pattern may vary depending on shooting conditions, but compared with conventional cross filters, it is significantly less pronounced.

One of the most unique creative effects of the Kenko PRO1D R-Natural Cross appears when photographing sunlight. The filter introduces subtle colors into the light streaks, creating a rainbow-like effect that can resemble a colorful spotlight illuminating the scene.

By carefully positioning the sun and adjusting focus, photographers can create striking images that naturally draw attention to the subject. Depending on the composition, the effect can appear as a single spotlight or multiple beams of colored light entering the frame.

When focused directly on the sun, the light streaks appear thin and well defined. By focusing on a foreground subject and allowing the sun to become slightly out of focus, the streaks become broader and softer, creating a more dramatic effect. Darker backgrounds can further enhance the visibility of the colors.