Enhancing Your Photography: A Review of PolarPro Chris Burkard Helix MagLock CPL Filter
- sdhammond2
- May 9
- 3 min read
As a travel and landscape photographer, I rely on tools that enhance my images and can withstand the rigors of adventure. The PolarPro Chris Burkard Helix MagLock Circular Polarizer Filter recently joined my kit, promising not just optical quality but also speed and convenience. After extensive use-including a rugged expedition in Antarctica- I’m sharing what makes this CPL stand out, where it excels, and where it still has room to improve.
Why Use a Circular Polarizer (CPL)?
A CPL is an essential tool for outdoor photographers. It:
Reduces reflections and glare on non-metallic surfaces like water and glass.
Deepens blue skies and enhances foliage, making colors pop and images more vibrant.
Cuts haze for crisper landscapes and cleaner contrast.
If you shoot landscapes, seascapes, or travel images, a CPL is a must-have for elevating your final results.
CPL vs. Linear Polarizer: Why CPL is Superior
While both filter types reduce glare, a circular polarizer is engineered for today’s digital cameras. Linear polarizers can disrupt autofocus and metering systems, leading to inconsistent exposures and missed shots. CPLs, like the PolarPro Chris Burkard Helix, work seamlessly with modern autofocus and exposure systems, ensuring you get the benefits of polarization without technical headaches715.
How the PolarPro CPL Works
The Chris Burkard Helix CPL uses PolarPro’s innovative MagLock™ system-a hybrid of magnets and a quarter-turn mechanical lock-to attach securely to your lens. You simply rotate the filter to dial in the polarization effect, cutting glare and boosting contrast as needed. The filter’s CinemaSeries™ glass is multi-coated for clarity, color accuracy, and durability, delivering consistently sharp, clean images from edge to edge.
Build Quality & Optical Performance
PolarPro’s reputation for quality is well-earned:
Sturdy Construction: Brass filter frames, rubber inserts for grip, and robust Defender caps for protection.
Excellent Glass: Multi-coated CinemaSeries™ glass ensures minimal color cast, high sharpness, and true-to-life color reproduction.
No Vignetting: Works cleanly down to 17mm (16mm on Canon/Nikon) with a single filter, so wide-angle shooters are covered.
Weather Resistance: Hydrophobic and scratch-resistant coatings stand up to the elements.
In my use, the filter produced crisp, vibrant side-to-side, end-to-end images with no noticeable color shift or loss of detail or clarity, a must for demanding landscape environments.
The MagLock™ System: Fast, But Not Foolproof
PolarPro advertises the MagLock™ system as fast and secure, and for the most part, it delivers. Swapping filters is quicker than threading, and the quarter-turn lock adds confidence-when conditions are ideal.
However, in the real-world, cold-weather use:
Glove Challenge: Aligning the magnets and locking the filter is tricky with gloves on. The cover can drop off if not perfectly aligned.
Risk of Dropping: The filter itself can detach if you don’t get the lock just right-especially when your hands are numb or you’re moving quickly.
I learned this the hard way on a Zodiac in Antarctica: despite being careful, the filter dropped off, bounced on the boat, and ended up with a nick. That small damage caused focus issues for the remainder of the trip.
My recommendation to the product team is to have larger and maybe another dual set of magnets. Currently, there are 2 spots opposite of each other marked (silver on the filter) and about 13mm in length.
Customer Service: A Bright Spot
Returning from Antarctica, I contacted PolarPro about the damaged filter. Their customer service was outstanding- they replaced the filter at no cost, standing firmly behind their “Adventure Assurance™” guarantee. For a premium-priced product, this level of support matters and adds real value to the investment.
Durability: Rugged, But Not Invincible
PolarPro markets the Helix MagLock system as rugged and adventure-ready, and for most scenarios, it is. The Defender caps and brass build offer solid protection. Still, the magnetic system has limits-especially in extreme cold or when you’re wearing gloves. Users in harsh or fast-moving environments should be extra cautious.
Value for Money
At a premium price, the Chris Burkard Helix CPL isn’t cheap. But you get:
Top-tier optical performance.
Sturdy, thoughtfully designed construction.
Excellent customer support.
For serious photographers who demand quality and are willing to pay for it, the value is there. Just be aware of the magnetic system’s quirks in tough conditions.
Final Thoughts
Pros:
Superb image quality and color fidelity.
Fast, innovative MagLock™ mounting system.
Rugged build and excellent customer service.
Cons:
Magnetic mount can be tricky with gloves or in extreme conditions.
Filter and cover can drop off if not perfectly aligned.
Slightly more expensive
Final Verdict:
The PolarPro Chris Burkard Helix MagLock CPL is a top-tier filter for landscape and adventure photographers. It delivers on image quality and convenience, with customer service to match. Just exercise caution in the field, especially in challenging environments.
Have you used the Helix MagLock system or had similar experiences? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
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