The 55mm B+W XS-Pro Digital ND Vario MRC-Nano Filter is a solid variable neutral density filter providing an exposure reduction of 1 to 5 stops. The 0.3 to 1.5 density creates a darkening of the entire image, allowing you to photograph with a wider aperture or slower shutter speed than normally required. The degree of density is easily controlled by rotating the front filter ring, helping you to predetermine the additional exposure length required. By slowing your exposure time or increasing your aperture, you are able to control depth of field and convey movement more easily. For easier, repeatable control over density settings, the front ring is also visually demarcated with dots that represent different density values.

The Multi-Resistant Coating (MRC) is both an anti-reflection coating as well as a protective surface. It helps to increase light transmission by reducing reflections, scattered light, and ghosting. Additionally, it offers greater protection to the filter substrate and stays cleaner for longer than uncoated filters. The Nano coating associated with XS-Pro filters provides an additional eighth layer over the MRC, resulting in an improved beading effect when in contact with water for greater cleaning efficiency.

B+W filters are constructed from Schott glass for increased optical clarity and color fidelity. This filter features a thin, oversized mount which helps to reduce the likelihood to vignetting when used with wide-angle lenses. The filter ring is made from aluminum.

Variable 0.3-1.5 Optical Density    MRC Multi-Resistant Nano Coating    Slim Aluminum Filter Ring    58mm Front Filter Threads    Darkens Entire Image    Greater Control Over Exposure Settings    Allows Reduced Shutter Speed    Allows Wider Aperture

Variable neutral density filter allows you to dial in differing amounts of density scene to scene.

0.3 to 1.5 density filter darkens the image, allowing you to photograph with a longer shutter speed or wider aperture than normally required.

Providing a reduction of 1 to 5 stops, this filter allows you to control depth of field and convey movement more easily.

Offers increased flexibility to use specific ISO settings or ISO films under bright ambient light.

Provides increased exposure flexibility while using cinema or video cameras within a designated film frame rate.

Multi-Resistant Coating offers both protection to the glass and helps to improve light transmission and image quality.

Nano coating promotes an improved beading effect with water for more efficient cleaning.

Oversized and slim mount helps to reduce the likelihood of vignetting with wide-angle lenses.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can anyone explain the dot markings to stops on this filter?

A: I had this same question and decided to run some tests (using my Nikon D810). I did this inside with the lighting (more or less) constant. I ran three sets of tests: 1) in manual mode with auto ISO, I noted the ISO without the filter and with the filter positioned at each of the ten different dot makings; 2) In manual mode (and constant ISO) I set the aperture to zero out the meter without the filter and at each of the dot markings; and 3) In aperture priority mode, I noted the shutter speed without the filter and at each of the dot markings. The results varied somewhat depending on the test. Reported below is the average of the three methods. The first dot corresponded to 1.0 stops, second dot to 1.1 stops, third dot to 1.4 stops, fourth dot to 1.8 stops, fifth dot to 2.2 stops, sixth dot to 2.5 stops, seventh dot to 2.8 stops, eighth dot to 3.2 stops, ninth dot to 3.7 stops, and tenth dot to 4.1 stops. So, as others have said, the dots are just a guide.

Q: 2. When stopped to the highest setting (5 stops) does the image degrade (sharpness, cross hatching)?

A: I've shot extensively with the 95mm, 72mm, & 67mm versions. You don't get any cross-hatching, but a definite vignette in the corners toward the 5 stop range when shooting photos. Video is not an issue as it crops to 16:9. Other than than, negligible colour cast & no sharpness issues.

Q: 3. Does this filter have front threads so I can attach it to a matte box or an additional filter? Thanks!

A: Yes it does have a front thread of 77mm.

Q: 4. I purchased this filter from you earlier this month. The filter ring is oversized . Can you recommend a lens cap that would work with this filter? Thank you. - Michael

A: The front filter thread size of the B+W 72mm XS-Pro Digital ND Vario MRC nano Filter is 77mm. As such, any 77mm lens cap should fit onto the filter. If you need a particular recommendation, then I would recommend the Sensei 77mm Center Pinch Snap-On Lens Cap, B&H # SELC77, for your stated needs.

Q: 5. is a five stop density enough to get the milky effect on water falls and ocean ? I am also looking to photograph motion ( still images) not sure if if i need a denser filter or five stops should suffice.

A: It would mainly depend on the amount of ambient light on the scene and your camera's settings as to if 5-stops would be enough for your needs. For most lenses, and if using the camera's lowest ISO setting, 5-stops should be enough for you to create a situation to have a shutter speed between 1/4 sec to 4 seconds, depending on the type of waterfall and available light restraints. If you use a low ISO, a mid- to small aperture, and a shutter speed between 1/4 sec to 4 seconds (or test for your needs), then the B+W 82mm XS-Pro Digital ND Vario MRC nano Filter would work for your needs.

Q: 6. 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: 7. I regard to the question about the front threads:Note that the specs supplied by B&H say that the mfg has not provided that info. Upon receiving this filter hoping I could add the the Nikon R1C1 flash system to it (the reason I bought this unit instead of others that had no front threads) I can tell you that the threads are well over 77MM wide. I should have figured that out when the description states the filter is oversized.

A: The front threads are approximately 81mm on the XS-Pro 77mm Digital ND Vario. While it will not be possible to use the R1-C1 mounted on this filter, the flashes on the R1-C1 separate off the ring and the system comes with stands. You could mount the flashes onto stands and ultimately a tripod and light the subject in this manner, and just use the system without having the flash on the camera.

Q: 8. How thick is this filter?

A: I don't have this filter. Not sure why I was asked by BH to answer the question. Sorry.

Q: 9. Can this filter fit the Sony 10-18mm wide-angle lens?

A: That is a very wide angle lens and I would suspect a vignette problem. The answer to that would be to buy a step-up ring and use the 77mm version of filter. Now you have a filter that will adapt to any lens you might have with the appropriate step-up ring. By the way, the 77mm and is often on sale for less than the 62mm.

Q: 10. 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.