HOYA Variable Density II 58mm

HOYA Variable Density II 58mm

The Hoya Variable Density II filter provides a convenient way to maintain exposure control by being able to vary the amount of light entering the camera by 1.5 to 9 stops (ND3-ND400). The precision built-in double ring design with special knob allows the outer ring rotates to control amount of neutral density effect anywhere within the 1.5 – 9 stop range.  Hoya Variable Density II replaces a whole set of neutral density filters from ND3 to ND400.

Variable density filters are widely used because they can replace a set of solid ND filters by providing a range density that can be adjusted according to the desired exposure settings.

In still shooting, variable density filters lower the shutter speed according to the photographer’s intentions when the shutter speed cannot be lowed due to camera limits.

Variable density filters can also increase the amount of boke when shooting in the over-lit conditions, thus, preventing the image from overexposure.

In video shooting, it is fundamental to keep the shutter speed fitting the frame rate setting. That is, to keep it equal to double the frame rate for optimal results. This is because, unlike still photography, an excessively fast shutter speed may create a jarring effect and produce afterimages that will not look good in the final video.

Advantages:

- For longer exposures - without changing the aperture, the filter provides the freedom to change the shutter speed according the effect desired.

- For wider apertures - allows wider apertures in over-lit conditions be used to decrease depth-of-field, literally focusing more attention on the subject.

- Preventing overexposure - even with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, a large aperture of f/1.4 or f/1.2 can cause overexposure. With the variable density filter, overexposure issues can be avoided by adjusting the light intake.

- For shooting video in cinematic look - variable density filter is a must-have item for video bloggers and professional video content creators. Allow cine/video cameras to set the appropriate exposures in a bright lighting conditions to achieve cinematic look.

The HOYA Variable Density filter uses high-quality optical glass from Hoya Corporation.

Specifications:
Density: ND3-ND400 (1.5 to 9 stops)
Rear thread (lens side): 58mm
Front thread: 62mm
Frame thickness: 10mm

Notes:
The practical exposure range and light transmittance will vary depending on the situation. When using the filter near or at maximum density a cross-like dark pattern will appear across the image and cannot be eliminated. This is a property of the variable ND filters.

Since HOYA Variable Density II incorporates complex rotatable frame construction, please mind the risk of vignetting as follows:

- APS-C size wide angle lenses at focal length less than 13mm
- Full Frame wide angle lenses at focal length less than 24mm