This 85 x 85mm Formatt Hitech Firecrest ND Filter is a solid neutral density filter providing a 1-stop reduction in exposure. This 0.3 density creates a darkening of the entire image, allowing you to photograph with a wider aperture or longer shutter speed than normally required. By slowing your exposure time or increasing your aperture, you are able to control depth of field and convey movement more easily.

The design of this filter has been optimized for use with digital sensors and promote nearly flat attenuation of visible, UV, and infrared light. Due to imaging sensors' greater susceptibility to infrared light, compared to traditional film, color casts can occur when photographing darker subjects that require increased exposure times. This filter provides a high level of neutrality across all three spectrums in order to eliminate color casts and ensure cleaner, truer blacks.

Applied to the outside of the SCHOTT Superwite glass construction is a 15-layer Firecrest multicoating, which helps to minimize reflections and flare in order maintain truer colors and contrast. The multicoating is also scratch resistant and hydrophobic to benefit the overall durability of the filter. It measures 3.3 x 3.3" / 85 x 85mm and is 0.08" / 2mm-thick, making it compatible with the Formatt Hitech 85mm Filter Holder.

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.

0.3 Optical Density    15-Layer Coating on Outside of Filter    Hydrophobic and Scratch Resistant    2mm-Thick SCHOTT Superwite Glass    Increase Exposure Length    Greater Control Over Exposures    Neutral Results Across All Spectrums    Fits Formatt Hitech 85mm Filter Holder    Includes Pouch

ND 0.3 filter darkens the image, allowing you to photograph with a longer shutter speed or wider aperture than normally required.

Providing a 1 stop exposure reduction, this filter allows you to control depth of field and convey movement more easily.

Attenuates infrared light, as well as visible and UV wavelengths, to maintain color neutrality and suppress color casts due to increased exposure lengths.

The 15-layer Firecrest coating has been applied directly to the outside of the filter glass by way of a vacuum-formed, hard-coated, electrolytic process. The multicoating is water and scratch resistant for greater overall durability.

SCHOTT Superwite glass promotes maintained image clarity and its 2mm-thick design is compatible with the Formatt Hitech 85mm Filter Holder.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Is there a front and back to this FirecrestUltra filter? Which side to install the gasket on? I intend to use it with LEE filter holder. The filter's two sides have a different color sheen when you looking at it under an angle.. side with writing has a hint of reddish/ black color reflection, and side without writing has black / bluish reflection. What is recommended filter orientation while using in the filter holder.. does it make any difference if either side is facing away from the lens? Format-Hitech FirecrestUltra100x1003.0

A: FYI! This is the Information from Format-Hitech.USA The colors you see are due to light passing through the filter. These are not directional but it is always good to put the engraved writing on the filter facing away from the camera for identification when in the holder as well as on the chance that another type of filter is directional.

Q: 2. Is this filter compatible with the Sigma 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye lens? In particular, will there be the Vignette effect？

A: I don't know how you plan on attaching it to the lens but if you just hold it in front of the lens, you will get some vignetting that can be adjusted in post. BTW, there is really no other way to use a filter with this lens other than holding it or using the rear gelatin filter holder that takes cut to size gel filters.

Q: 3. Is this filter suitable for solar imaging?

A: Yes, when shooting in live view, you can use it. I wouldn't use it while looking through the viewfinder if you have a DSLR but live view is ok.

Q: 4. Is this filter rated as a solar filter suitable for photographing the sun?

A: Formatt Hitech 105mm Firecrest Ultra ND 5.4 Filter (18-Stop) does not have an ISO rating for safe solar viewing. It may work for a camera as it is not sensitive as human eyes, but if you want to be 100% safe I would recommend looking for a filter that is listed with an ISO rating for safe solar viewing.

Q: 5. How's the vignetting when shooting wide open? Do you have to crop any?

A: I use the the filter ONLY on my Canon 24mm TS-E... and I have not had any issues on any of my images from using this filter. As the old saying goes... you get what you pay for... so, if you're using sub-par glass using an expensive filter, EXPECT sub-par results... no matter the type of filter you use!

Q: 6. By the picture, this filter looks like it is graduated. Is it in fact built with a graduation in it?

A: Hi! No, this is not a grad ND filter. It must simply be the marketing photograph. I assure you that this is a solid ND filter.

Q: 7. Does this filter fit Cokin P holder?

A: Yes, it will fit either the Formatt Hitech or Cokin P Series filter holder.

Q: 8. I have both ND 1.8 and 3.0. I found they are so different in coating. Both sides of ND 3.0 are the same. Surface of ND 3.0 like a blue mirror. I can see myself clearly in it. One side of ND 1.8 like a normal mirror with very low reflection. Another side of ND 1.8 have variant color looked in different direction. Both NDs are purchased in B&H. The 1.8 one is used. I'm not sure whether they are all right. Can you confirm this? Thank you.

A: I have both ND 1.8 and 0.9. Both sides of ND 1.8 and 0.9 are the sameSurface of ND 1.8 and 0.9 like a blue

Q: 9. In regards to the solar filters, is there any color change to the sun? Is it more yellow/orange, or white like other filters?

A: The Formatt Hitech 105mm Firecrest Ultra ND 6.0 Filter (20-Stop) would render color very similar to what the eye sees. This filter should not be used for directly viewing the sun; always use an approved ISO 12312-2 certified solar filter when observing the Sun through optics or cameras.

Q: 10. Are the filters stackable?

A: It is stackable. It does have 77 mm front filter thread.