The Photographer's Secret Weapon: Your Ultimate Guide to Variable ND Filters

8/20/2025 Matt 0 Comments

Neutral Density (ND) filters are a staple for any serious photographer or videographer. Think of them as sunglasses for your camera, designed to reduce the amount of light hitting your sensor. While fixed ND filters offer a single level of light reduction, the variable ND filter provides unmatched flexibility, letting you dial in the perfect exposure with a simple twist.

This video will quickly break down why a variable ND filter is a game-changer, what to look for when buying one, and the top recommendations from a comprehensive hands-on test.

Essential for Creative Control

A variable ND filter is crucial for two key reasons:

For Video: It allows you to maintain a slow shutter speed (following the 180-degree rule) in bright conditions, which is essential for achieving natural, cinematic motion blur.
For Photography: It enables you to use wide apertures (like f/1.4 or f/1.2) in daylight for stunning bokeh and shallow depth of field. It's also necessary for long-exposure shots, giving you that dreamy, smooth look for waterfalls or dynamic light trails in cityscapes.

What to Watch Out For

The convenience of variable ND filters comes with potential compromises. When choosing one, pay close attention to these two common issues:

Color Cast: Many cheaper filters introduce an unwanted color tint, often a green or magenta cast. The best filters are designed to remain color-neutral.
X-Pattern & Vignetting: At their maximum density, many variable NDs can create a dark, cross-shaped "X-pattern" or severe vignetting, especially on wide-angle lenses. The highest-quality filters minimize or eliminate this effect.

Interestingly, most variable ND filters today have a negligible impact on sharpness, making it a non-factor in your buying decision.

Top Recommendations

Based on extensive testing, here are the top picks for different budgets:

Best Overall: The Nisi True Color 1-5 Stop filter is a clear winner, delivering superior performance with no color cast or X-pattern issues. It’s a top-tier investment for professionals.
Best Value: The JJC True Color system offers excellent performance at an accessible price. It's a fantastic entry point for anyone serious about improving their craft. The 7Artisans VND True Color is another strong contender in this category.
Most Versatile: The H&Y Revoring is an honorable mention for its unique variable-size design, making it a great option for photographers who shoot with a variety of different lenses.

A variable ND filter is an essential tool for unlocking new creative possibilities, allowing you to control light and motion like never before. Choose wisely, and get ready to elevate your photography and video work.

Image and video via Mark Wiemels