I’m Totally Positive About Neutral Density Filters
The tool that is too cool for school
Neutral density (ND) filters are nothing new. Photographers use them to reduce the intensity of light hitting the film or digital sensor without favoring one color over another — hence the word neutral. I started in photography about fifty years ago, and they were a thing back then.
I recently got back into photography after about a 10-year hiatus, and for maybe 5 years before that, I was doing mostly studio work. You can read more about my return to the art here. One thing that was new to me, upon my return, was variable neutral density (VND) filters. Intrigued by the concept, I bought one.
The prices of these puppies are as variable as their density and this article is by no means a blanket recommendation for the one I bought* — which was the K&F Concept Nano-D Series, Variable ND 3–1000. I bought it on Amazon for €40. For me, if it costs less than €50, I don’t do a whole lot of research into the brands. So, there might be better quality products out there and/or better deals.
Being able to, essentially, regulate the amount of ambient light — especially when outdoors — adds a fourth side to the Exposure Triangle (Shutter Speed, Aperture and Sensor Sensitivity (ISO)) that is under your control. I guess that makes it the…
