Neutral Density (ND) filters are a must-have for photographers who want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you’re capturing long exposures, controlling the light in bright conditions, or achieving that dreamy motion blur in rivers or waterfalls, ND filters offer immense versatility.

Although you can achieve some effects in post processing, I have to say that after using ND filters for many years, there is nothing better than the real thing, it’s fun to learn to use them correctly and you’ll be stunned at the results.

In this blog, we'll explore the best ND filters on the market, explain how to use them, and why they are a fantastic addition to your photography kit. Plus, if you're looking for recommendations, we have some top picks that you can buy today to improve your shots!

Table of Contents

1. What is an ND Filter?

2. Why Use an ND Filter in Photography?

3. Types of ND Filters

4. Top 5 ND Filters for Photography

5. How to Choose the Right ND Filter

What is an ND Filter?

An ND filter (Neutral Density filter) is a piece of glass or resin placed in front of your lens to reduce the amount of light entering the camera. It allows you to take photos with slower shutter speeds or wider apertures, even in bright conditions.

By reducing the light, ND filters help create stunning effects like silky water, motion blur, and enhanced depth of field. This makes them a staple for landscape photographers, videographers, and anyone experimenting with long-exposure photography.

Imagine that you are at a waterfall in full mid-summer sun, adding an ND filter will let you reduce the shutter speed by blocking most of the light, you’ll then be able to take long exposure images that you wouldn’t be able to normally take in that situation.

Here are a few key reasons why ND filters are essential:

Long Exposure Shots: Capture dramatic images of flowing rivers, waterfalls, or moving clouds.

Wider Aperture in Daylight: Achieve shallow depth-of-field effects with a large aperture, even in bright sunlight, without overexposing your shot.

Balanced Exposure: In high-contrast scenes (e.g., a bright sky and dark ground), ND filters help balance light across the frame.

Smooth Video Capture: If you're shooting video, ND filters allow for smoother, cinematic quality by enabling slower shutter speeds

There are several types of ND filters, each designed for different scenarios:

Fixed ND Filters: These have a set strength, measured in stops of light reduction. Ideal for specific needs like long-exposure photography.

Variable ND Filters: These allow you to adjust the level of light reduction by twisting the filter, making them more versatile.

Graduated ND Filters: Designed to balance exposure between the sky and ground, perfect for landscape photography.

Here’s our handpicked selection of the best ND filters on the market. These filters have been tested and reviewed by photographers worldwide, ensuring you get the best quality.

Tiffen Variable ND Filter

Best for Beginners

Pros: Affordable, easy to use, versatile for multiple conditions.

Cons: Can cause slight vignetting at the maximum stop.

This variable ND filter is perfect for those just starting out with ND filters. With its flexibility and user-friendly design, it’s a fantastic option for photographers who need a bit of everything.

Lee Filters ProGlass IRND

Best for Professionals

Pros: Extremely high-quality glass, minimal colour cast, excellent for long exposures.

Cons: Expensive, requires a filter holder system.

If you're serious about your long exposure photography, this filter is worth the investment. The quality of glass and construction is unmatched.

B+W 77mm ND 3.0 Filter (10-stop) 

Best for Long Exposure Photography

Pros: Fantastic for creating long exposure shots, great build quality.

Cons: Fixed 10-stop, so less versatile in varying light conditions.

Perfect for photographers looking to capture those dreamy, long exposure shots during daylight hours. The B+W filter is known for its high precision and durability.

Hoya ProND 1000

Best for Budget-Conscious Photographers

Pros: Affordable, solid performance for the price, minimal colour cast.

Cons: Slight vignetting in wide-angle shots.

For those on a budget, the Hoya ProND 1000 offers excellent value with a 10-stop reduction in light. It’s durable, reliable, and doesn’t break the bank.

PolarPro QuartzLine ND Filters  

Best for Cinematographers

Pros: Ultra-durable, fantastic for video work, high optical clarity.

Cons: Expensive compared to other brands.

These ND filters are built for videographers and filmmakers looking for smooth, cinematic footage in bright lighting conditions. The QuartzLine series is crafted with premium materials for maximum durability and optical performance.

Here’s a quick guide on how to select the best ND filter for your needs:

Choose the Right Stop Strength: ND filters come in various “stops,” which refers to how much light they block. A 10-stop filter blocks a lot more light than a 3-stop filter, so choose based on the conditions you typically shoot in.

Check for Optical Quality: Look for ND filters made from high-quality glass with coatings to reduce reflections and colour casts. Cheap filters can degrade your image quality.

Size Matters: Make sure the filter matches your lens size. Filters come in different diameters, so check your lens’s thread size before buying.

Go for Variable ND Filters: If you want flexibility, choose a variable ND filter that lets you adjust the amount of light reduction.

ND filters are essential for any photographer looking to expand their creative toolkit. Whether you’re shooting long exposure landscapes, balancing light in tricky situations, or wanting that cinematic video look, ND filters give you full control over your shots.

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