1. Perceived Superior Optical Quality (Sharpness and Color Cast):
* The Big One: This is often the primary driver. Many photographers claim Formatt-Hitech filters exhibit less color cast and maintain sharper image quality than LEE Filters. While LEE is generally good, subtle differences in manufacturing, materials, and coating processes can result in noticeable improvements for demanding photographers.
* Color Neutrality: Formatt-Hitech's Firecrest filters are often praised for their exceptional neutrality, meaning they introduce minimal color cast into the image. This can save time in post-processing and lead to more accurate color representation.
* Sharpness Retention: Some photographers feel Formatt-Hitech filters, particularly the Firecrest series, preserve image sharpness better than LEE, especially when stacking multiple filters.
2. Build Quality and Durability:
* Glass vs. Resin: Formatt-Hitech offers a wider range of glass filters, including their flagship Firecrest ND filters. Glass is generally more durable and scratch-resistant than resin (the material LEE primarily uses for their ND grads). While LEE has started using glass in some of their offerings, Formatt-Hitech has been more established in that space.
* Resistance to Scratches: Resin filters, like many LEE options, are more prone to scratching. While scratch-resistant coatings exist, glass filters offer a inherent advantage.
* Long-Term Investment: If you're rough on your gear or shoot in challenging environments, the durability of glass can be a significant advantage and justify the investment.
3. Range of Filters and Specialization:
* Firecrest Technology: Formatt-Hitech's Firecrest technology is a multi-coating process designed to create highly neutral ND filters. This is a significant selling point for many landscape photographers seeking the cleanest possible results.
* Wider Range of ND Strengths: Formatt-Hitech offers a broader selection of ND filter strengths, allowing for more precise control over exposure and creative effects.
* Specific Filter Types: Formatt-Hitech may offer unique or specialized filters that LEE doesn't. This could include specific color correction filters, polarizing filters, or specialty effects filters.
4. Cost:
* Variable: Cost can be a factor, but it's not always a straightforward win for Formatt-Hitech. Depending on the specific filter and current promotions, prices can fluctuate. However, for equivalent glass filters, Formatt-Hitech can sometimes be slightly more competitive.
* Long-Term Value: While the initial cost of glass filters (like the Firecrest) is higher, their durability and lifespan can make them a more economical choice in the long run if you need to replace resin filters frequently.
5. Availability and Customer Service:
* Regional Preferences: Depending on your location, one brand might be more readily available than the other. This can influence your decision due to ease of purchase, support, and returns.
* Personal Experiences: Experiences with customer service (e.g., warranty claims, responsiveness to inquiries) can certainly sway a photographer towards one brand over another.
6. Personal Preference and Testing:
* Subjective Opinions: Ultimately, the best filter is the one that works best *for you*. What looks good to one photographer might not to another.
* Testing and Comparison: Many photographers conduct their own tests, comparing images taken with LEE and Formatt-Hitech filters to assess which brand provides the desired results.
* Peer Influence: Recommendations from fellow photographers and online reviews can also play a role in the decision-making process.
In Summary:
The switch from LEE Filters to Formatt-Hitech is often driven by a desire for improved optical quality (especially color neutrality and sharpness), greater durability (particularly with glass filters), a wider range of filter options, and potentially better long-term value. However, personal preference, availability, and specific needs also play significant roles. It's important to research, compare, and ideally test filters from both brands to determine which best suits your individual requirements and photographic style.