The $20 Flip Ring That Changed My Workflow

I’ve been creating photo and video content for over 8 years now. Weddings, sport, travel, branded shoots. I've bought my fair share of expensive gear. But somehow, the best purchase I’ve ever made only cost $20.

It wasn’t a lens.
It wasn’t a gimbal.

It was a flip-up filter ring I bought off AliExpress.

And five years later, I still use it almost every single day.

💍 What is it?

It’s a hinged adapter ring that screws onto your lens and holds your ND filter. Instead of having to take the filter on and off, you just flip it up or down like a visor. That’s it. No magnets. No threading. No fiddling.

If you shoot hybrid like me, swapping between photo and video constantly, this thing is a game-changer. In video, I’ll run an ND filter for that cinematic 1/50 shutter. Then for photos, I want a clean lens with no colour cast. This little ring lets me switch in one second without putting anything in my pocket or lens case.

☁️ Magnetic filters? Still need a pocket.

Now, I’ve tried magnetic systems too. They’re great... in theory. But when you pop that filter off, you still have to put it somewhere. Usually the ol’ shorts pocket. And after a full day of shooting, especially in humid weather, I’ve pulled filters out of my pocket to find they’ve fogged up completely. Moisture trapped between the filter layers. Useless until you de-steam them.

If you’re near a car, holding them up to the AC vent usually works. But that’s a workaround for a problem you shouldn’t have in the first place.

With this flip ring, it just stays on the lens. Never goes in a pocket. Never fogs. Never gets lost.

🎨 Colour cast problems, solved

Some people ask, “Why not just leave the ND filter on and shoot photos through it?” Good question, and you can. But depending on the brand of ND filter, it can mess with your colour profile. Some add warmth, like the Peter McKinnon VNDs. Some lean purple, Rodenstock especially. And you won’t notice the tint straight away, but you will once you start editing.

For me, I’d rather shoot my photos clean and colour-accurate straight out of camera. This ring lets me do that instantly.

⚙️ Five years later, still flipping

I bought this thing five years ago. It was $20. It’s never broken. Never jammed. Never let me down. Meanwhile, I’ve had $300 filters chip, slip, or mysteriously vanish mid-shoot. This flip ring is still going.

It’s the simplest piece of kit I own and easily one of the smartest.

🔗 Want one?

This isn’t sponsored, but if you do want one I’ve got an Amazon link here - https://amzn.to/4kz3uWW

If you shoot hybrid or just want a faster, cleaner way to switch filters, I reckon it’s the best $20 you’ll spend this year.