PRO1D R-Nutural Cross
© 櫻子 Sakurako
ADD A DELICATE SPARKLE TO EVERYDAY MOMENTS
The concept behind the filter is
"a cross filter you'll want to leave on all the time".
Enhances light with a refined, understated sparkle, offering a more subtle effect than conventional cross filters.
From reflections in glass and shimmering water to the gentle glint of jewelry.
Adding a delicate touch of brilliance to everyday scenes.
SUBTLE AND DELICATE SPARKLE
Cross filters are designed to create light streaks from bright point light sources, enhancing their sparkle and brilliance. They are highly effective for capturing bright points of light, such as night scenes, illuminations, fireworks, starry skies, reflections on water, sunlight filtering through trees, and jewelries. Even in situations where a standard cross filter may feel a bit too strong, the Kenko PRO1D R-Natural Cross allows for a more subtle and natural touch. Its restrained effect is particularly recommended for backlit scenes and for highlighting reflections on glass, metal, and water surfaces. Because it is designed to react less to weak point light sources, this subtle-effect cross filter is comfortable for everyday use.
*The appearance of the light rays may vary depending on shooting conditions. Very strong light sources may cause them to appear longer.
COMPARISON WITH CONVENTIONAL CROSS FILTERS
PRESERVES THE BEAUTY OF THE BOKEH
With conventional cross filters, the grid pattern etched into the filter glass can sometimes appear in out-of-focus highlights. The Kenko PRO1D R-Natural Cross minimizes the visibility of this pattern, preserving the smooth and natural appearance of bokeh while beautifully enhancing sparkling points of light.
*Please note that the appearance of the grid pattern may vary depending on shooting conditions. This does not mean that the pattern will not appear at all.
Bokeh Highlights Comparison
TRANSFORM THE SUN INTO A RAINBOW-COLORED SPOTLIGHT
The Kenko PRO1D R-Natural filter introduces subtle colors into light streaks, creating a rainbow-like effect that can resemble a colorful spotlight illuminating the scene. By carefully positioning the sun and adjusting focus, striking images that naturally draw attention to the subject can be created. When focused directly on the sun, the light streaks appear thin and well defined. By focusing on the foreground and keeping the sun out of focus, or by placing the sun outside the frame, the filter creates an effect similar to one or two spotlights.
Early morning and late afternoon sunlight often produces particularly attractive results thanks to the lower position of the sun in the sky, and colors appear more strongly when the background is darker.
Tips
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Use settings that render the sun slightly out of focus, such as a wider aperture, a longer focal length, or a shorter shooting distance.
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Position the sun near or just outside the frame so that only the light streaks are visible.
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Focus on the foreground subject rather than the sun itself.
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Rotate the filter's front ring to adjust the angle of the light streaks and fine-tune the composition.
Layer with Black Mist
If you want softer light rays, we recommend layering this filter with Black Mist, which diffuses light. The added effect of Black Mist reduces contrast and allows the edges of the light rays to appear softer.
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Add a Delicate Sparkle to Everyday Moments
櫻子 Sakurako photographer
Born in 1996 and originally from Saitama, Japan, she graduated from the School of Culture, Media and Society at Waseda University. After working for four years at an IT company, she turned a hobby she had enjoyed since her student days into a career by becoming a freelance photographer. She is known for creating images with a transparent and ephemeral atmosphere and works across a wide range of genres, including portrait, landscape, tabletop, and multiple-exposure photography. In addition to collaborating with local governments and companies, she conducts photography workshops. She also serves as a Saitama Prefecture Public Relations Ambassador for FY2026.
What was your impression of the Natural Cross filter?
What impressed me most was that the light streaks were more subtle than those produced by conventional cross filters. I found myself drawn to their refined, elegant rendering throughout the shooting experience.
It was also fascinating to see how the filter responded to different light intensities. Strong light sources produced longer streaks, while softer light revealed shorter, more delicate lines. Being able to enjoy these varied expressions depending on the light is one of this filter’s unique charms.
Although the overall impression is subtle, stronger light can produce longer streaks that appear bold and well-defined. This contrast led to unexpected discoveries and pleasantly surprised me.
Even when the effect becomes more pronounced, the streaks themselves remain fine and restrained. As a result, the images retain a sense of grace and softness within their brilliance. This characteristic feels unlike anything I have experienced with previous cross filters and makes me excited about the creative possibilities it offers.
In practice, I found that the filter works beautifully not only with direct light sources, but also with light reflected from metal, water, glass, and other surfaces. It made everyday photography more enjoyable by helping me discover sparkling moments in ordinary scenes.
Because the effect is subtle and never overpowering, it enhances the beauty of light itself while naturally bringing out the appeal of the subject. I can easily see this becoming one of my go-to filters for everyday photography.
Do you have any tips for getting the most out of the filter?
The key is to first look for a single, strong light source. (By “strong light,” I mean a small, concentrated light source with a slightly hard quality.)
Some of the easiest subjects to work with are metal, glass, or water surfaces that reflect light well, even when the reflective area is small. When photographing these reflections, backlighting is highly recommended. Rather than aiming directly at the light source itself, try capturing the reflected light from a slightly elevated angle.
Background selection is also important. Choosing a darker background behind the subject helps the cross effect stand out more clearly. For example, when photographing sunlight streaming over a mountain ridge, positioning the subject against the darker mountainside will make the sparkle more prominent.
The next technique I recommend is placing a hand, a tree, or a subject between the sun and the camera to create a small point of light. Rather than capturing direct sunlight, it is more effective to let the light peek through the gaps between fingers or spill from the edge of the subject, as this naturally produces more delicate starburst effects.
The same approach applies to reflections on water. The key is to position a person or their hands over the reflected light, allowing just a small amount of light to leak from the edge of the subject.
Bright, sunny days are especially perfect for this type of photography. I highly recommend giving both of these techniques a try!
Who would you recommend this filter to?
I would highly recommend this filter to anyone who wants to incorporate starburst effects into their images but is hesitant about a look that feels too strong. Rather than making the starburst the main subject, it naturally harmonizes with scenes where the goal is to enhance and complement the subject itself. It is a perfect fit for those who want a touch of sparkle without overpowering the scene, or who prefer a more restrained expression. I would especially encourage photographers who enjoy shooting around glass, water, and other situations with strong natural light to give it a try.
It also works beautifully with artificial light sources such as holiday illuminations and streetlights. One of its greatest charms is the ability to enjoy the changing expressions of light all day long, from morning to night. On a sunny day, I highly recommend keeping this filter on your lens for an entire day of shooting.
