The 16-stop, 46mm Solar ND Filter from Tiffen is a solid ND filter with a 65,536x filter factor that provides an 16-stop exposure reduction. Its 4.8 density creates a darkening of the entire image, allowing you to photograph with a wider aperture or slower shutter speed while reducing the risk of overexposure. This means you can capture more detailed solar images than might be possible under normal conditions. By also limiting IR and UV light this filter helps ensure color-neutral images, and its multi-layer coating reduces glare.

This filter is designed specifically for photography applications. This filter is not suitable for direct solar viewing with the naked eye, including with optical viewfinders.

4.8 Optical Density    Designed for Solar Photography    Capture More Detailed Solar Images    Darkens Entire Image    Allows Wider Aperture    Plastic Case

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. How thick is this filter?

A: The profile is rather thin. It is similar to a typical UV filter in thickness. Which is actually thin considering all of the components involved in a variable ND. One thing to keep in mind: on my 16-35mm II (82mm filter), once mounted, it does not flush with the lens. It is slightly wider (3-4mm) than the tip of the lens. It can be pretty annoying if you're trying to mount a hood.

Q: 2. Do you think I would get vignetting if I used this on a 10mm with a 77mm filter thread and a step up ring?

A: I suspect you would get 'some' vignetting, but don't have actual experience with this combination.

Q: 3. Can you screw the B+W 77mm Kaesemann XS-Pro Circular Polarizer MRC Nano Filter on the front of this ND Vario?

A: I Can screw my B+W 77mm XS-Por ND-Vario 1-5 MRC nano into a NIKON 77mm Circular Polar 77mm filter and screw that on to my camera lens. The B+W XS-Pro does not have threads on its front side.McKinley

Q: 4. with an ultra-wide angle lens (i.e. Canon 16-35mm F4L with a full frame camera), do you get the dreaded X show up and if so at what density does it show up?

A: The X you can sometimes pick up in the image with a variable ND filter is caused most of the time by variable ND filters that go over 7-8 stops and lower quality ones.The B+W filter is fine. The one thing you might pick up is when set to the widest setting on that lens, 16mm you might pick up some vignette. And that is going to happen with that lens with most filters because of how wide it can go. The filter is designed with a thinner frame so it should be somewhat minimal.

Q: 5. Can I use a this filter for a Canon 24-105mm and Sigma 18-35mm lens?

A: Yes, but you need one more part to make it fit. You'll need what's called a step-up ring. Your Canon lens is a 77mm filter thread size and you need a step-up ring (super cheap to buy) that spans the difference (a 77mm to 82mm ring). Same for Sigma - need to find a 72-82mm step-up ring or you may have to buy two, a 72-77mm and a 77-82mm. You can shop for them here.

Q: 6. How about thickness of 72mm XS-pro Digital ND Vario MRC-Nano? Is the thickness double as XS-Pro ND non-Vario one?

A: Since we are not sure of the thickness you are interested in and the second filter you are asking about, please email us at prophoto@bhphoto.com.

Q: 7. The image looks extremely thick, is this filter thin?

A: The B+W 77mm XS-Pro Digital ND Vario MRC-Nano Filter is 12.3mm (0.48 inches) thick.

Q: 8. Does this filter cause that dreaded hourglass darkening when set at 1.5? I have one that if I get past 1/2 the settings, it gets a distorted discoloration. Thanks

A: I have taken a series of exposures at each stop...bright light, but needed long exposure. I didn't see any hourglass effect.

Q: 9. Are there hard stops at min and max?

A: No, the filter does not have a hard stop in either direction in the rotation. And most polarizing filters in general do not have a hard stop.

Q: 10. How smooth is the rotation ring?

A: The rotation ring on this filter moves easily and smoothly--much better than most variable ND filters.