A digital camera heavily depends on the light in order to create an image. Sometimes the environment may be too bright to take a decent picture even after mastering the exposure triangle. It is for this reason that professional photographers use the best variable ND filters in their art.
What is a variable ND filter?
A variable neutral density filter is a lens tool that limits the amount of light that passes directly into the camera. Unlike fixed ND filters, variable ND filters have a range of f-stops that click to select the intensity of light allowed into the lens.
It is important to keep in mind that all neutral density filters have no impact on the natural colors in an image. A variable ND filter does not function as a polarizer either. The quality of a picture may however be affected by the material used to make the filter.
A variable ND filter is either made of glass or resin. Just like you would guess, a neutral density filter made with glass will always be better hence more expensive. More expensive filters will also have coatings to prevent scratches, water, and dirt resistance. Resin ND filters on the other hand will be cheaper, less clear, and not as sharp. They are however more affordable.
When you are out shopping for the best variable ND filters, you will encounter them in two shapes; square and circular.
Circular variable ND filters are more popular because they are easy to fix at the end of a camera lens. This also means that they are limited to lenses of a particular diameter.
Square ND filters are mounted on an adapter meaning they can be used on lenses of various diameters. Since they are bigger than the lens, square ND filters cover the whole lens thus there is no vignetting at the edges. You can also stack more than one camera lens filter on the mount for more effects.
7 best variable ND filters in 2024
As we have discussed above, there are various factors you should consider before deciding on which variable-neutral density filter you should purchase. While most buyers may be worried about the price tag of the lens filter they want, you must also evaluate the value you are getting.
In no particular order the list of the best variable ND filters will include;
- The best budget variable ND filters
- Best Circular variable ND filters in various diameters
- Best value for money ND filters
- Best overall ND filters
Let us waste no more time and dive right in!
FreeWell standard day variable ND filter
Freewell variable ND filters are some of the best camera accessories you can buy for your camera. The lens filter comes with 2-5 and 6-9 stops or both. The Freewell 2-5 stop threaded VND filter will serve you best for most daytime light conditions.
Freewell variable ND filters come in diameters of 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm. If you are using a smaller lens, you can use a step-up ring.
The metal surrounding the VND filter feels solid. With a relatively large diameter and hard stops, you can make no mistakes such as vignetting or cross-polarization.
The 8-layers of high-definition optical glass alters in no way the quality of your videos. Rest assured the sharpness and the colors will not be affected.
URTH Variable ND2-400
URTH, previously known as GOBE is a camera accessories-making company aimed at manufacturing affordable yet high-quality products.
With a price tag below $100, the URTH variable ND2-400 is the best budget filter you can get. The glass quality delivers excellent images with little to no vignetting or color alterations.
The URTH variable ND2-400 has an f-stop range between 1-8.65. Looking at the mechanical perspective, the metallic outer ring is so smooth with hard stops only at the minimum and maximum. This may make it difficult to select the precise f-stop resulting in cross-effects in your images.
NiSi True color variable ND filter
NiSi has a reputation for making the best high-end variable ND filters either for photography or videography. The NiSi true color variable ND filter is no different as it uses premium glass, nano-coating, and anti-reflective coating. This will make sure your footage is color accurate and has no loss of sharpness.
NiSi true color Variable ND Filter has a screw on the rotating ring to easily select stops between 1.5-5. Another likable thing about the NiSi variable ND filter is that it doesn’t produce the X-effect. X-effect occurs when variable ND filters are pushed to the limit.
K&F Concept variable ND filter
K&F concept variable ND filters are the best option if you are looking for your very first filter. The company is known to produce affordable glass filters with minimum color alteration.
K&F concept variable ND filter is marked with 9 stops which you select by rotating a metal ring. However, this accessory does not have any hard stops therefore you are likely to get the x-effect.
The filter is also prone to vignetting when you are using wide-angle lenses.
Tiffen variable ND filter
Tiffen Variable ND filter is one of the most versatile lens accessories you can get for your camera. It offers you value for your money with sharp, natural light images with no vignetting. This is because the filter has a wider outer optic reducing the amount of light blocking at the edges.
Equipped with a thin profile ring, Tiffen’s variable ND filter has between 2-8 stops of light.
PolarPro Variable ND Filter
PolarPro by Peter McKinnon is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to camera filters. Selling at a price of $300 and more, this is the most expensive variable ND filter we have listed.
The PolarPro ND filter will however deliver more than you have paid for. The filter is made with high-quality materials, coatings, and glass with a metal ring that clicks to lock a precise stop.
If you are not operating on a budget, the PolarPro is my preferred overall best variable ND filter in the market.
Tide Optics variable ND filter
Tide optics was introduced into the market in August 2020 and has received nothing but positive reviews. The company’s name “TIDE” was created due to the owner’s love for the ocean and has dedicated 1% of sales to ocean charity.
By the first look of Tide Optics variable ND filter, you will tell it is a premium product.
The filter has double layers of the coating compared to its competitors which have 9 layers. This will guarantee you overall better images. On the flip side, the Tide optics variable ND filter does not have hard stops and may produce the x-effect when pushed to the limit.
FAQs
Is a variable ND filter better than a fixed one?
If you are a videographer, having a variable ND filter is the better option. A variable ND filter will save you time when swapping filters and you may also miss out on recording a continuous event.
Do I need a variable ND filter?
A variable ND filter is a must-have camera accessory if you want a cinematic look in your videos. Since a variable ND filter controls the amount of light that gets into the lens, you can open the aperture without affecting the other components of exposure.
How do you use a circular variable ND filter?
A circular variable ND filter is threaded so that it can be attached at the end of the lens. Therefore, the filter diameter has to match that of the lens. To adjust the stops of light you want to be eliminated, you simply have to rotate the filter either clockwise or anticlockwise. Most variable ND filters will click when it is a specific stop.
In case you have not yet understood the concept of variable ND filters, this video by The Slanted Lens will let this sink;
Conclusion on the best variable ND filters in 2024
Adjustable ND filters are very beneficial during outdoor photography sessions. For instance, if you are a landscape photographer, you only need one VND filter as opposed to several fixed ND filters. It also means if you are a videographer you won’t waste any time changing filters in case of extreme lighting changes. If interested, we have listed more tips to improve your photography in a different article
Depending on your budget, the diameter of your lens, and the focal length, I hope this buyer’s guide will help you pick the best variable ND filter that will serve you well.
