BEST Variable ND Filter

D

DDirector

Veteran
I've been looking and looking and I still can't find one.

I'm looking for a variable ND Filter (82mm) that has AT LEAST 6 stops (8+ stops would be ideal).
I would also HIGHLY prefer it to have hard stops
Doesn't produce the X-pattern

Anyone have a recommendation for a variable ND filter?


The three contenders:
- Nisi 4-500 (8 stop) (After testing, this wasn't a 10 stop filter... more like 4.5 stops. So, I'm seeing if I can get a replacement ordered)
- Genustech Variable ND & CPL (As the non-CPL version doesn't have hard stops)
- SLR Magic (Its only 6-stops, so I'm not sure)
 
I enjoyed the Light Craft Workshop 4x4 Vari ND. 8stops. A touch green at lighter variables.

Really depends on the models and classes you are going for too. Ring mount Vari ND's may be different. Dave Dugdale has a variety ND review for screw on ring mount Vari ND's


(I recently bought some Nisi ND (non variable) and they are great. )
 
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The Aurora-Aperture PowerXND 2000 might be a good option if you need to cut a lot of light.

To me it's important for a VND to to have usable front filter threads so that I can use a rubber lens hood with it. Ability to adjust the polarization is a plus, but you can add a rotating filter ring to any VND filter and get the same effect.
 
B+W XS-PRO VARIO MRC. Only 1-5 stops but no X pattern and crucially it's multi coated so those 4 glass/air surfaces don't flare. Front thread and end stops. I doubt you will get more than 6 stops and not get X pattern problems. I've tried a lot of vario ND's over the years and this one is easily the best.
 
Imamacuser said:
The Aurora-Aperture PowerXND 2000 might be a good option if you need to cut a lot of light.
To me it's important for a VND to to have usable front filter threads so that I can use a rubber lens hood with it. Ability to adjust the polarization is a plus, but you can add a rotating filter ring to any VND filter and get the same effect.
Click to expand...
I dont care about the POL option, its only the hard stops & the larger ND options that I am looking at specifically. The non-POL version of the Genus one doesnt have hard stops so I said no to that.

Never heard of Aurora Aperture. Sceptic about it. Looking at the pics, also doesnt seem to have hard stops, which is something I really need with my run-n-gun shooting -- Not having hard stops really bugged me, so I scrapped the option of variable NDs without them
 
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