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Which Matte Box Should I Buy?
Our very first product was a matte box: launched in 2009, the Strummer was a hit – and in the fifteen years since its release we have worked hard to improve on it with fresh innovations. But with more options than ever before, we’ve had first-time filmmakers and seasoned professionals ask us: “which matte box should I buy?”
Though the sizes and shapes vary, all of our matte boxes are made to the highest quality standards: the filter core on all models is made from billet aluminium which is unbeatable for high strength and low weight. Flags and shades are made from carbon fibre or high-grade rubber, which keeps weight low whilst being durable in tough conditions. This means you can focus on perfecting your shots and not on repairing your matte box.
There is plenty to consider, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you decide what the most suitable matte box is for your shooting needs.
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Misfit Atom
Original price was: $469.$229Current price is: $229. 
Misfit Kick Mk II Core
$807
Misfit Six Core
$1,199
What is a Matte Box?
A matte box has two purposes: moderate light and house filters. With a matte box, filmmakers have more options for the style of their films; from fine-tuned creative control over your look to simply removing unwanted lens flares, a matte box is an essential addition to your filmmaking setup.
What to Consider When Choosing a Matte Box
One of the first factors to consider is the weight and size of your existing camera rig. If you are shooting gimbal or handheld footage, weight is arguably the most vital consideration. Though our matte boxes are all generally lightweight, balancing the bulk of a heavy camera rig on your shoulder is important.
The number of filters are called “stages” when it comes to matte boxes: a two-stage matte box has space for two filters, and a three-stage has three. Some of our matte boxes contain our patented “Reveal Stage” system, which transforms from two-stage to three-stage without any tools or hardware.
Your choice of filters will also affect your choice of matte box: not only the physical size of the filters (which can vary from 4” x 4” up to 6.6” x 6.6”) but filters such as circular polarisers need to be rotated, which requires a dedicated type of filter tray. You’ll also need to consider the outer diameter (OD) of your lens. You may need to “step down” the matte box with clamp-on rings, frame-safe clamps or threaded donut rings to fit your matte box securely and without light leaks.
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162mm Clamp-On Ring (136mm)
Original price was: $97.$48.50Current price is: $48.50. 
Black Hole Rubber Donut (143mm)
$169
Frame Safe Clamp Adaptors
$175
But for shoots with frequent lens changes, you’ll want to avoid having to remove and refit the matte box with every shot. There are three primary ways to mount a matte box: Clip-On, Rod-Mounted and Swing-Away systems.
Clip-On mounting is the lightest and fastest for individual lenses, mounting directly to the outer ring of your optics. They are simple to set up and rely on no other camera components.
Rod-Mounted matte boxes, meanwhile, attach to the support rods of your camera rig via a bracket; either in 15mm LWS, 15mm Studio or 19mm Studio configurations. This takes the weight of the matte box off the lens for a more rigid camera build.
Swing-Away matte boxes are ideal for fast lens changeovers, as they mount to a dedicated bracket attached to the support rods. With this, you can swap lenses without having to manually remove the matte box each time.
The Best Matte Boxes for Filmmakers: Our Top Picks
Thankfully, we offer a range of different options for filmmakers looking for a professional-grade matte box. Here are our recommendations for different shooting scenarios.
Best Matte Box for Handheld, Drone and Gimbal Shooting: Misfit Atom
An industry favourite since 2015, the Misfit Atom was designed with gimbals and the Steadicam in mind. For lightweight camera rigs, particularly in documentary filmmaking where long setup times aren’t feasible, the Misfit Atom is the most practical choice.
The Misfit Atom offers space for two filters and has an array of accessories for clamp-on and rod-mount options. Weighing 198g fully-assembled, the Misfit Atom is a compact and convenient addition to lightweight camera rigs – and the shade can even be removed to use just the filter holders. It also maintains a wide field-of-view, meaning you can avoid vignetting on everything from sweeping drone landscapes or gimbal walkthroughs.
When every gram is critical, the Misfit Atom brings down the weight for the most minimal of setups: perfect for gimbals, drones and Steadicams.
Most Versatile Matte Box for Professionals: Misfit Kick Mk II
Whether you’re shooting commercial content, narrative features or documentary interviews; the Misfit Kick Mk II is our go-to all-rounder matte box. Using our Reveal Stage mechanism, the Misfit Kick Mk II is capable of being both a two-stage and a three-stage matte box for 4” x 4” and 4” x 5.65” filters. For fine-tuning visuals, we offer a multipurpose ONE Tray for diopters, polarisers and other specialist filters.
With optional accessories including carbon fibre top, side and bottom flags; as well as comprehensive kit options for clamp-on, rod-mount and swing-away configurations, the Misfit Kick Mk II is a professional grade matte box – a great choice for customising your visual style.
Our Best Matte Box for Ultrawide Zooms and Broadcast: Misfit Six
If you are filming with ultra-wide or large cinema zoom lenses, it can be difficult to control light without vignetting. For controlling your visuals without compromise, the Misfit Six provides a wide field-of-view with it’s 6.6” x 6.6” filter size.
The Misfit Six can accommodate even the largest of lenses, such as the Angénieux Optimo Ultra 12x (a broadcast favourite), able to provide clear visuals at both the widest and narrowest focal lengths. For smaller filters, you can house them in our dedicated filter trays. Like the Misfit Kick, you have the option of mounting the matte box in clamp-on, rod-mounted or swing-away styles.
Featuring our patented Reveal Stage for three-stage matte box capabilities, the Misfit Six is the ultimate choice for large camera builds.
Best Matte Box for Maximum Light Control: Misfit Kick 360
Place your filters with precision using the Misfit Kick 360, which appropriately offers full rotation for the filters that you place within it. For filters such as polarisers or Graduated ND filters, where the angle and alignment of the filter and lens is critical, the Misfit Kick 360 provides freedom of placement.
When shooting in temperamental or difficult conditions, with inconsistent weather such as cloud cover or changing horizons, the Misfit Kick 360 minimises downtime and ensures that every shot is correctly exposed.
Best Choice for Filming in Extreme Conditions: Prodigy Air Deflector
The Prodigy Air Deflector isn’t technically a matte box, but we wanted to highlight its value. The Prodigy is one of our most innovative products: blasting compressed air at over 300mph to keep your frame clear of moisture, dust and debris. It attaches onto the outside of a matte box as a protective device, without affecting filters or visuals. It even comes with our Reveal Stage system, dedicated top flag and space for three filters; meaning you always have space for filters whatever the weather.
Used on high-end film productions including hit films like The Batman, The Little Mermaid and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny; the Prodigy Air Deflector is the go-to choice for professionals shooting in extreme conditions.
FAQs
What’s the difference between the Misfit Kick Mk II and Misfit Kick 360 Mk II?
The Misfit Kick 360 has a two-stage core; with one stage being fixed and the other rotating for polarisers, diopters or graduated ND filters. An optional third stage can be added with an expansion pack.
The Misfit Kick Mk II, meanwhile, employs our Reveal Stage system to transition from two-stage to three-stage matte box without tools. All stages are static unless used with the ONE Tray.
Are Matte Boxes worth it?
Yes: Not only do matte boxes make your camera setup look more professional, but your footage too. With better light control and the ability to add multiple filters, they are essential for professional filmmakers looking to create a specific visual style.
Final Word
At the end of the day, choosing the right matte box depends on what you’re shooting. We have a range of options to choose from, and we hope that we’ve cleared up some of the key differences. Check out our line-up today to make sure you have the perfect matte box for any shooting scenario.
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