Lens filters are a simple way to improve the pictures you take and add additional creative options to your photography arsenal. There are a variety of different types of filters that do everything from protecting the lens from damage to increasing image contrast so colors appear more vibrant. The Tiffen 67mm Variable Neutral Density Filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens which allows you to do a number of things. Reducing the amount of light entering the camera makes it possible to record motion blur in moving subjects, achieve finer depth of field control and shoot in bright outdoor environments using high speed film. If you’re a videographer, you can also use the filter to shoot in snowy, sandy or other bright environments that could normally cause overexposure. This filter also provides light control from 2 to 8 stops so it can be used to replace multiple neutral density filters.  

Record Motion Blur in Moving Subjects

Reducing the amount of light entering a lens allows photographers to create an in-camera special effect when shooting moving subjects like waterfalls, clouds or cars. Moving objects will appear to be blurred when photographed using this filter. Ripples in water will be transformed into a single, smooth mass and cars photographed in this way, especially at night, will be transformed into ghostly images or lines of color and light.

More Depth-of-Field Control

Filtering out light means you can shoot in daylight at wider apertures that would normally cause the image to be over-exposed. This means you have more precise depth-of-field control so you can separate your subject from the background by turning the background into a soft blur while keeping the subject in sharp focus. Ordinarily it wouldn’t be possible to do this outside of a studio environment where you have control over the amount and position of the lighting.

Record Video in Bright Environments

Because video cameras have fixed shutter speeds, it can be difficult to shoot in snow, sand or other environments with a lot of reflected light without overexposing the footage. However, since this neutral density filter stops excess light from entering the camera’s lens and image sensor, there’s less chance for overexposure.

Shoot with High Speed Film in Bright Environments

Digital cameras have become much more popular than film cameras, but there are still plenty of people who enjoy using physical film to capture images. Film photographers can use this filter to reduce the effective ISO of the film they’re using. So it becomes possible to shoot with high speed film (400 ISO and above) in daylight or other bright environments without getting blow-out or overexposed photographs.

Light Filtering Across 2 to 8 Stops

Using patented ColorCore technology, Tiffen has created a lens filter that functions across multiple stops. This means you can use this one filter to replace multiple neutral density filters. Less filter changing means less downtime. There’s no special trick to using this variable lens filter, either. Simply attach the filter to the front of your lens and set it to the “Min” density setting. Frame and focus you camera while on this setting and you’re ready to start shooting!