There are million youtube channels on youtube. And more people working to create content for these channels as it creates a source of income for them.
And that is why so many people are looking for ways to improve their revenue by improving the quality of their videos.
Variable ND filters are used to adjust the light that enters the lens of the camera and improve the overall output.
However, not all ND filters out there are of good quality. That’s where we step in.
To help you find the best variable ND filter for video, we are going to detail the top choices on the market right now.
Let’s get the show on the road.
Best Variable ND Filter for Video Review
You will find different types of variable ND filters in the market. But you should find one that will be perfect for you and caters to all of your needs. To help you out with that, we have just the list.
1. K&F Concept 67mm ND Fader Variable Neutral Density Adjustable ND Filter
One of the biggest names in the world of camera accessories is K&F Concept. They are known to manufacture and sell some of the best accessories you will be able to find. And the variable ND filter is one of the many products they offer to their customers.
Among the many reasons that this is popular is because of the result achievable by the videographer upon the use of their variable ND filter. The amount of light that reaches the film can be adjusted and reduced very effectively. And the bonus here is that there will be no disruption in the coloring because of the adjustment.
Now for the next feature of the attachment, you will notice a relatively slow shutter speed. This, in many cases, adds more exposure to the image you are working on. Overall, you will see a brighter effect on the film you have made using this variable ND filter.
One thing you might really appreciate about the accessory is the glass it has been made with. The company used their advanced technology to create a glass that can withstand pressure and will not be damaged easily.
Many of us experience scratches on the filter that adds flares to the film; however, with this, there is not much to worry about on this particular note.
Nevertheless, you will face one difficulty with this filter. In darker settings, you will notice many additional shadows cast off by the variable ND filter itself. So, it is amazing for areas with light but not the most useful for darker ones.
Pros
This can adjust the light very efficiently. With this, you can get brighter effects on your images. Moreover, it’s made of an advanced glass.
Cons
It loses some efficiency in the dark.
2. Tiffen 77mm Variable Neutral Density Filter 77VND for Camera lenses
Tiffen is a company that has been commended for its outstanding products and the quality they are able to put forward on the table. One of the main reasons behind their success is the use of their award-winning technology. That alone has had a big hand in their performance.
The Tiffen variable ND filters have many benefits as well as features that you could put to use for the best videos.
Moreover, you will have control over 9 different filter options. So, you can pick whichever you want based on the kind of video you want.
As you can manipulate the lighting with the variable ND filter, you will also be able to slow the shutter speed, for which you can capture videos of the water, waves, and even waterfall with better accuracy and clarity.
Not just that, you will also have greater control of the exposure. This will allow you to pick up on the smaller details like the sand or snow in your film. That would not be possible without the filter.
Yet another benefit you will get from using this filter for your camera is that wider outer optic, this will give you a better image even when you are working with a wide-angle lens. Most other variable ND filters add a hue around the edges that might be impossible to edit out.
However, there have been cases where people got a filter that either added a dark cast on the side of the picture, or there were instances where the picture of the video had several black spots. Now, those films and videos cannot be used for professional purposes.
Pros
You get 9 different filter options. Great for capturing water, waves, and waterfall with accuracy. Also, you can get more detailed pictures.
Cons
Black spots or cast might be seen in some occasions.
3. Gobe NDX 77mm Variable Neutral Density Lens Filter
More and more companies nowadays are becoming more aware of the environment and its well being. But Gobe is a brand that started off on the right foot, with its main principle being environmental sustainability.
And that’s why I wrote this Gobe variable ND filter review so that you can know about a product that is a perfect combination of sustainable technologies.
All the variable ND filters will be able to do the light balance on the film; however, not all of them will be as easy to work with as the Gobe NDX is. It has a rotation ring that allows adjustments to be made from ND2 to ND400. This is a big improvement as most others do not permit this kind of manipulation.
With this added feature of the filter, you will be able to use this one for just about all sorts of settings as well as lighting. This is why this is the best variable neutral density filter for video according to many videographers. You will not have to change it according to your location. And that will just make the whole experience more comfortable and easier.
Upon its use, you will also see much better light and color balance. Along with that, there will be fewer flashes of red in the film and image and almost no flares. This will overall make a huge difference in the output you get from using the filter.
Even though the addition I’m going to talk about now does not have much to do with the output itself, but it does, however, say a lot about the company as a whole. With the purchase of each of the NDX, Gobe plants five trees, with which they are able to uphold their principle.
The only problem you might face while using this product is that if you rotate the ring beyond the minimum and the maximum you will see hues around the edges, a black ‘X’ might also appear.
Pros
You will get better light and color balance and also get fewer red flashes and better output. The rotation ring lets you make important adjustments to get perfect images.
Cons
Rotating the ring too much might cause a black “X” to appear.
4. Hoya 77mm Variable Density Screw-in Filter
If you are on the lookout for any kind of optical product, then you will find them all from one company, and that is Hoya Corporations. They produce almost all kinds of products you might need to make a video or capture images.
Now, much like all the other variable ND filter, this too will give you the ability to adjust the lighting of the image or the film you are making. By doing so, you will have a clearer and cleaner work. As it is clear, people will be able to see the video with far better resolution.
Along with that, the filter has a rotating ring. This allows the photographer or videographer to quickly shift through the filters and select the one that goes well with the setting they are working on.
If needed, you are given the option to change the shutter speed. This is especially required if you want to film or take a picture of a moving object. Without a slow shutter speed, your image will not be hazy or blurry. Also, you will have better exposure to the film.
As a whole, this is one of the best options available; however, there are times when you will see a type of color cast on your video or image. Sometimes they can be ignored, but if you are to use the footage professionally, then you will have to reshoot and make sure it does not happen again.
That will become a very big problem, and the effort is going to be double.
Pros
It gives better resolution and clarity and uses the rotating ring to shift through filters. Also, you can even change the shutter speed.
Cons
Color casts were seen on some occasions.
5. ZoMei 52mm Ultra Slim ND2-ND400 Fader Variable Neutral Density Adjustable Lens Filter
By doing a simple search on this brand, you will be able to understand that they have been in the market for some time now and are able to produce a good quality product for the most affordable price. It can be gathered that they produce cheap variable ND filters.
Many times we take the word cheap in a negative sense, but that is not the case for ZoMei or their variable ND filter. Even though they are much more affordable than the others, but the kind of output and performance you will get is pretty much the same.
This, like the other filters, is made to adjust and balance the light that reaches the frame. That allows the image to be more lifelike or a better version of itself. You will be able to select the kind of effect you want on the image as you are provided with numerous options with this accessory.
Whereas most other filters have a thickness of 9mm, this, however, is the slimmest at just 7mm. The subtraction of 2mm will add some difference to your experience using the filter. As it is thinner, you will see that it is less bulky and will take up less space in your camera bag.
Also, there are times we see vignetting in our images, thankfully that is something you will not have to worry about if you are to use the ZoMei filter. They have a special front lens that has been made for a wide-angle lens.
With all that good comes one flaw, you might not be able to get them as dark of an image as the meter beside the filters says. In certain settings, you might want a very dark image or film, but that might not be achievable with this particular filter.
Pros
Considering the performance it is one of the best cheap variable ND filters for video in the market right now. Using this, you can get true-to-life images and use the effects to make changes. It is also very slim and takes less space.
Cons
Not very effective for dark images.
Considerations While Choosing the Best Variable ND Filter
There are several things you must look into before you make the final choice regarding the variable ND filter to use with your camera. Here, I will provide you with things you should look into before you make the purchase.
Rotating Ring
There are many filters that have a rotating ring; this is a good choice, especially if you are new to making videos and taking pictures. The rotating ring filter will enable you to adjust the setting very easily. All you have to do is move the ring around and ‘voila!’ you, too, can capture a beautiful image.
Quality of Glass
You have to make sure the glass is of good quality as otherwise, you will have to deal with scratches on the filter. Certain glasses will have additional layering that will prevent scratches that is not present in all the filters.
They cannot be fixed, so you will have to buy new ones. That might not be the most financially wise option for you.
The thickness of the Filter
There are some filters, which are slimmer than others. In most cases, they are a better option for the photographer or videographer as they will require less space and will not add much weight to the body of the camera. So, it’s easier to work with.
Compatibility with Wide-angle Lens
A common problem people face when they use variable ND filters is the vignetting around the edges of the image. But all that can be avoided if you get a filter that works well with a wide-angle lens as well as the regular lens. This will enable you to make better videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the filter go in the camera or the lens?
Ans: The variable ND filter is made to go on top of the lens of the camera, not the camera itself. You have to place it over the lens so that the image comes out filtered.
Q: Are the variable ND filters good for sunny days?
Ans: They have been made specifically for sunny days. A regular lens can work really well with lightings during the golden hour but are unable to perform as well in the sun. That is what the filter is for; to adjust the light of the sun from the film.
Q: Can the variable ND filters be used during the eclipse?
Ans: Unfortunately, this filter will not give you much help during an eclipse, for that you must use a solar filter.
Q: Can this work as a replacement for a polarizer?
Ans: A filter and a polarizer do not have the same job; a variable ND filter will filter out the additional light from the film, whereas the polarizer will block out any type of reflection. Therefore, they are not substitutes.
Final Thoughts
We have given you all the information you might require before making a choice. Hopefully, after accessing the positives and the negatives, you will be able to come to a conclusion and choose the best variable nd filter for video for you.
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