Neutral Density Filters, also known as ND Filters, are used to reduce the amount of light that can pass through the lens of a camera. It is attached to the camera lens and because it is a neutral filter, there is no impact over the quality, color or contrast of the image. The image remains the same but allowing less light to pass through the lens.
When a neutral density filter is used to control the light exposure, a photographer can use a higher level of aperture for a longer time period than usual. By using ND filters, photographers can have suitable image effects added in their photography.
Another major use of a neutral density filter is to slow down the shutter speed. As the filter lessens the light that is able to enter the camera, you will automatically need to slow the shutter speed of the camera in order to get a properly exposed image.
The are a number of ways that neutral density filters can be used. A landscape photographer may use an ND filter in order to be able to take a long exposure photograph that will showcase blurred water (like a creek or waterfall) or moving storm clouds. Without the filter, a long exposure would result in an overexposed image with blown-out highlights.
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The Best Neutral Density Filters
If you’re interested in adding a neutral density filter to your camera bag, here are ten of the best options.
1. Cokin NUANCES Extreme ND1024 – 10-stop – for L (Z) holder
The NUANCES extreme ND1024 is number one on our list. This filter is made from tempered optical glass, which stronger than the previous generation of filters. It is a 3.0 solid neutral density filter with 1000x filter factor and a full 10-stop light reduction. That means this is a very strong filter that will block significant amounts of light. When you want long exposures, this is an excellent option.
The overall usage of this ND filter results in reduced shutter speed and widened apertures making the entire image dark giving control of exposure to the photographer. The weight of the item is 3.7 ounces which is why it can easily be carried. While it is not cheap, it’s reasonably priced for a high-quality filter.
It fits the Cokin z-pro series filter holder, which is not included with the filter.
2. Lee Filters ProGlass 100mm IRND 3.0 ND 10 Stop Filter
The second in this list is the famous Lee Filters ProGlass 100mm. This product is the pricy one on our list but it’s worth its price because it produces amazing results.
It has scratch-resistant 2mm optical glass which makes it usable in any sort of harsh condition. To produce better results in the field, an exposure guide is available too. As mentioned earlier these filters provide neutral results but the manufacturers of Lee Filters ProGlass make sure that the results are completely
neutral in visible and IR Spectrums, while some cheaper filters may not be perfect in this area.
This product is designed to absorb large amounts of infrared and ultraviolet light which makes it better than conventional neutral density filters. A 3.0 ND
helps in darkening the image and controlling the external light. So, if you are ready to make a huge investment in a high-end ND Filter then LEE Filter ProGlass is the best option available. The only reason we have it rated at #2 instead of #1 is that the Cokin filter listed higher is also an excellent filter but is significantly cheaper.
3. K&F Concept Ultra Slim ND2-ND400 Fader Variable
If you are looking for a super affordable ND filter with great features then K&F Concept’s 77mm ND Filter is your go-to filter. It is made up of professional optical glass. It’s easy to carry because of its slim and sleek body. The filter is glass mounted with high-pressure pres technology.
An added value of this filter is extinction paint Seiko manufacturing and this helps to gain the testing sights on military standards. This doesn’t impact the color or the contrast of the image captured by the camera. This lens helps you to have control over the lighting in your photo.
A microfiber cloth is provided with this filter which is extremely soft and easy for cleaning the lens and keeping it safe from scratches.
4. Marumi 100mm ND64 Magnetic Filter
So, here we have an ND Filter which is durable and with a hardened and easy clean multi-coating. This gives its body a long life under different conditions and allows it to stand up to tough weather. It is a 100mm magnetic framed filter with a metal magnetic frame.
The filter weighs 4.9 ounces which is why it can be easily carried. This filter has a 6 stop filter factor which determines the amount of light that will be blocked. This easy to use and easy to carry filter is intricately manufactured in Japan with high technology and advanced equipment but still falls within an affordable price range. The glass used for the filter is also made in Japan.
5. Hoya PROND ND 64 (1.8) 6 Stop ACCU-ND Neutral Density Filter
The Hoya PROND ND 64 is another affordable product and is rated 5th on our list. It provides an excellent combination of quality and value. Its metallic coating not only protects the filter but it also ensures color accuracy. The coating also maintains the image clarity taken through this filter which controls exposure. T
his filter also has a 6-stop light reduction which equals an optical density of 1.8. An aluminum ring around the filter helps in the production and
increases the durability of the product. The rigid nature of the ring further prevents the filter from jamming. This product is one of the lightest filters at 0.035 ounces which is very light and easily used. With all these features, the price is extremely affordable by professionals and amateurs.
6. B + W 3.0-1000x Multi-Resistant Coating Nano Camera Lens Filter
The B+W XS-Pro filter reduces light by 10 stops, just like the top two filters on this list.
This filter is tested with slow shutter speed to capture light changes and other movements. There has been clear improvement in the ND filter effect and this has been proved through various experiments. Thin film technology is used that improves the quality of the filter and gives a real-life view from the
camera as it doesn’t impact the colors and sharpness of the image. The feature of ten f-stops makes it usable for situations that have extreme brightness in which B+W XS-Pro filter can be used to reduce the light.
It also has MRC coating and 8 layers per side. This product is a little expensive but still represents a solid value as a quality filter.
7. Breakthrough Photography X2 6-Stop Fixed ND Filter
Breakthrough Photography’s X2 6-Stop ND filter takes 7th spot on our list because of its unique features. These characteristics include nanotec, which is a nano coating technology used exclusively by the manufacturers to make this filter. This is a weather resistant coating which protects the filter from water, dirt, and any other harsh conditions that could damage it.
The weather-sealed frame also helps in the protection of the filter and hence the lens is protected from all these environments. Moreover, this filter gets rid of all sorts of glare which can cause disruption in the image. The 6-stop filter gives extremely sharp results and the structure of the filter is very strong, even stronger than the glass.
The price is also affordable and represents a great value considering the features and craftsmanship of this filter.
8. Marumi DHG Super ND1000 Filter 10 Stop ND3.0 Optical Glass
At number 8, we have another filter designed for long exposures. Marumi DHG Super ND1000 Filter with light reduction up to 10 stops can be used for extreme brightness and high light exposures. It has a double threaded frame made of metal which allows additional filters and hoods to be used along with this filter.
The frame of this filter is made in Japan and it is crafted in a slim design which makes it easy to use and carry, and it also further avoids vignetting. The outer
rim of the filter is blackened with a satin finish to avoid internal reflections.
The filter is easy to use and most importantly it is easy to clean because of its water and oil repellent coating. The Marumi DHG Super ND1000 is a high-quality filter and it has been optimized for digital cameras. This filter weighs 2.82 ounces which makes it light and easy to carry, moreover, the
product is not so pricy so if you want a long exposure filter under a budget then Marumi DHG Super ND1000 filter should be your pick.
9. Tiffen Neutral Density 0.9 Filter
We have another decent filter that can be bought for a modest budget to lessen light in your images. The Tiffen Neutral Density 0.9 Filter is your ‘go-to’ standard filter with 3-stop. It won’t block as much light as a 6-stop or 10-stop filter, but it’s a great choice when you want to slow down the shutter speed a little, but not too much.
It can easily balance the exposure in your images by controlling the amount of light that enters the lens. It can also control the depth of field, focuses on the object in depth and further eradicates overexposed photographs. The color is guaranteed to stay the same and there will be no impact over the contrast and sharpness of the image. This further allows you to have a slower shutter speed helping in generating blurred backgrounds and movements.
It has a standard weight which is around 2.89 ounces, making it easy to carry and very easy to work with. This is one of the most affordable filters in this entire list and it’s a great investment because in less money, it does a lot of work and makes your post processing easier and less time-consuming.
10. ICE ND1000 Filter Neutral Density ND 1000 72 10 Stop Optical Glass
At last, we have another long exposure filter that weighs only 1.6 ounces and is priced very affordably. The ICE ND1000 filter is used for high-intensity lights and long exposures. It has a 10 stop exposure correction which stops maximum light from passing through and blocking most of it.
This gives the majority control of light in the hands of the photographer. At this price, ICE gives you the best deal with the best features, making it an excellent choice for amateurs.
So, if you are looking for different sorts of Neutral Density Filters then you have this list which is compiled according to the appearance, features, brand name, and price of various filters. This can help you choose the best filter for you.
The right gear can help a photographer experiment with his or her work. This product can help to minimize post-processing work and less usage of editing software which takes a lot of time and becomes an extra burden over the photographer. This gives the photographer the control in their hands while capturing the scene. You need to have one of the best neutral density filters in your camera bag and use it to make your photography better and your editing uncomplicated.