This 2-stop, 55mm Graduated Neutral Density Attenuator/Blender Filter from Tiffen is densest at one edge where it corresponds to a reduction of light entering a lens by 2 stops and tapers to clear at the other edge. Its gradation can be used to selectively darken an image from edge to edge, allowing for wider apertures or reduced shutter speeds. While this graduated attenuator/blender's 0.6 density can be applied to bright skies, the remaining regions of the image are exposed with a progressively decreasing effect.

This filter is constructed using ColorCore technology, a process that involves laminating the filter substrate between two pieces of optical glass, grinding flat to a tolerance of 1/10,000th of an inch, then mounting to precision metal rings.

0.6 Optical Density    Optical Glass Construction    Aluminum-Alloy Filter Rings    Rotatable Ring for Gradation Positioning    Graduated Effect Over Entire Image    No Line of Transition    Edge-to-Edge Exposure Reduction    55mm Front Filter Threads    Reduce Shutter Speeds, Widen Apertures    ColorCore Technology

• Densest at one edge where it corresponds to a reduction of light entering the lens by 2 stops and tapering to clear at the other edge
• Darkens bright areas of an image, such as skies, while the remaining regions of the image are exposed with a progressively decreasing effect
• Maximum 0.6 density corresponds to a 4x filter factor and 2-stop exposure reduction
• Constructed from optical glass for clarity
• Noncoated
• Aluminum-alloy filter ring assembly for durability while remaining lightweight
• Rotatable filter ring assembly allows for gradation positioning along the horizon line
• 55mm front filter threads allow for use with other filters
• Plastic case included for storage and transport

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. 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: 2. Is the knob detachable?

A: Yes the knobs on the Hoya Variable Density II Filter are removable.

Q: 3. What is the front thread size for the 55mm filter?

A: The Hoya Variable Density II ND Filter (1.5 to 9-Stop ) does not have front filter threads.

Q: 4. does the canon lens cap the comes with a 77mm fit on this filter? the older Hoya I have I can not fit my canon lens cap on

A: No, like most variable ND filters, the lens cap that came with the lens will not fit on to the Hoya 77mm Variable Density II Filter.

Q: 5. Does this filter have hard stops?

A: Not for the intermediary stops.

Q: 6. 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: 7. any noticeable loss of image quality (especially sharpness) with this ND filter? Thank you

A: I was just now looking at the same subject shot with and without my Bower 52mm variable ND. And I didn't see the filter adding any softness at all. I'll do some more testing but I just don't see a problem at this point. Seems like a great value for 25 bucks. I suspect people may be shooting wide open, getting suboptimal sharpness, and blaming the filter.

Q: 8. Would this filter cause a colour shift when combined with the Hoya UV and IR Cut filter?

A: The Hoya 72mm Variable Density II Filter is meant to be color neutral without any color shift. This should not cause a color shift even if used with the Hoya 72mm UV and IR Cut Filter. One thing to keep watch for is an X-pattern near the maximum density.

Q: 9. What's the weight of the filter Could it be used instead of the balancing ring needed for the X5S?(drone proposes).

A: The weight is not provided by the manufacturer and we do not have a way to weigh it. It would be best to contact the manufacturer to find out if they know that information; B+W/Schneider Optics can be reached at 800-645-7239.

Q: 10. Are their both inside and outside threads on this filter so that it can be included anywhere in a stack?

A: I note it is threaded on both sides.