Exhibiting improved clarity, flatness, and reduced reflectivity, this 58mm Firecrest Ultra ND for Solar Photography from Formatt Hitech is a neutral density filter providing a 18-stop reduction in exposure. This 5.4 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. Designed using inspiration from their cine Firecrest filters, these Ultra filters receive an additional lapping and polishing process during production to ensure lower reflectivity and improved clarity and sharpness.

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 to maintain truer colors and contrast. The multicoating is also scratch resistant and hydrophobic to benefit the overall durability of the filter. The filter is set within a 5.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring, which features front threads for stacking additional filters or attaching a lens cap.

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.

5.4 Optical Density    15-Layer Coating on Outside of Filter    SCHOTT Superwite Glass    SuperSlim 5.5mm-Thick, Stackable Ring    Hydrophobic and Scratch-Resistant    Darkens Entire Image    Neutral Results Across All Spectrums    Secondary Lapping and Polishing Process

The Firecrest Ultra series filters exhibit greater clarity and have lower reflectivity than the original Firecrest filters. Borrowing from the range of Firecrest cine filters, the Ultra series filters undergo a secondary lapping and polishing process after the initial polishing and bonding stage. This additional step helps to ensure flatness and consistency for improved image quality.

ND 5.4 filter darkens the image, allowing you to photograph with a longer shutter speed or wider aperture than normally required.

This filter provides a 18-stop exposure reduction, allowing 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 multi-coating is water- and scratch-resistance for greater overall durability.

SCHOTT Superwite glass promotes maintained image clarity and is set within a 5.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Do any or Freewell VND filters have IR filtration? IF so which systems and which wavelengths are filtered? Thanks

A: No, there are no Variable ND filters that are also IR that we are aware of.

Q: 2. Is this filter safe for solar eclipse photography?

A: Haida 95mm NanoPro One Million X Edition ND Filter (20 Stop) BH #HAHD460795 is not rated for solar photography no.

Q: 3. Is the ND filter "clear" or "off" before turning the dial to position 2 (or higher)?

A: There is a tint to the filter prior to adjusting it to a higher setting.

Q: 4. Will a stock lens cap and lens hood for a Fujifilm X-T20 fit?

A: Because the filter is a slim design with no front threads, it's likely that your stock lens cap will not securely fit. If it does manage to grab the inside of the filter, the hold would be loose as the rim is very shallow. It does come with a easy to use magnetic lens cap. As for the hood, because the filter is the same diameter front to back, it should work with most lens hoods without obstruction of the bayonet mount. However, as lens hood design vary, it's impossible to say without situational testing.

Q: 5. hello     I wanted to ask about the  (Freewell Bright Day Variable Neutral Density 1.8 to 2.7 Filter (6 to 9-Stop  (and the Freewell  VND 0.6 to 1.5 Filter (2 to 5-Stop I wanted to ask if the Freewell filters have a front filter threads to connect to them Other filter like a diffusion filter.i I want to put a diffusion filter on front the vnd Freewell filter,? Is it possible 

A: They do not have threads on the front.

Q: 6. Does this filter require a magnetic base?

A: The Freewell 95mm Standard Day Variable Neutral Density 0.6 to 2.7 Filter (2 to 5-Stop) is not magnetic but has 95mm threads. Only the included cap is magnetic.

Q: 7. Does this filter work with the Canon RF 16mm f/2.8 STM Lens?

A: Yes this 43mm filter is compatible with that lens.

Q: 8. Does the ring "snap" to each stop?

A: The Freewell 67mm Standard Day Variable Neutral Density 0.6 to 1.5 Filter (2 to 5-Stop) does not "snap" to each stop

Q: 9. Would this ND filter be suitable for solar event photography?

A: The K&F Concept Nano-X Pro Green ND1000 Filter (105mm) should not be used for solar photography. ND alone does not block the harmful rays that can damage eyes and camera sensors. For solar photography, use a solar filter that is 12312-2 ISO certified. Filters with this certification will stop more than 99.999% of intense light, plus 100% of harmful IR and UV radiation.

Q: 10. I need this filter but with mist 1/8...

A: Here is the link to the same filter but with a 1/8 mist: https://bhpho.to/39elov0