Variable ND Filter vs. Fixed ND Filter

Last updated on December 31st, 2023

Imagine you’re out on a sunny day, ready to capture stunning photographs, and suddenly you realize that the intense light is ruining your shots. That’s when you need an ND filter. This article will explore the world of variable and fixed ND filters, discussing their differences, advantages, and disadvantages. We’ll begin by understanding what ND filters are and dive into the specific features of variable and fixed ND filters. By the end, you’ll better understand which type suits your photography needs.

Neutral density (ND) filters are crucial in controlling the light that enters your camera’s lens. There are two main types of ND filters: variable and fixed. The primary difference between them lies in the level of flexibility they offer in controlling light exposure. Let’s take a closer look at how ND filters work and the types available, so you can decide which one is right for you.

Understanding ND Filters

What are ND filters, and how do they work?

Neutral Density (ND) filters are sunglasses for your camera. They help reduce the amount of light entering the lens without affecting the colors in your image. This is particularly useful when you want to shoot with a wide aperture or slower shutter speed, but the lighting conditions are too bright for your desired camera settings.

ND filters come in various strengths, measured in stops. Each stop of an ND filter reduces the light entering the lens by half. For example, a 1-stop ND filter allows 50% of the light to pass through, while a 2-stop filter allows 25%.

Types of ND filters

There are three primary types of ND filters: fixed, variable, and graduated. Fixed ND filters have a constant level of light reduction, while variable ND filters allow you to adjust the filter’s intensity. Graduated ND filters, conversely, have a gradual transition between clear and dark, making them ideal for situations with uneven lightings, such as landscapes.

Uses of ND filters

ND filters serve various purposes in photography, including:

1. Long exposure photography: ND filters enable you to capture motion blur or create a silky-smooth effect in water by using a slower shutter speed without overexposing your image.
2. Wide aperture in bright conditions: If you want to shoot with a wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field, but the lighting conditions are too bright, an ND filter can help reduce the light entering the lens.
3. Cinematic video: Filmmakers often use ND filters to maintain a consistent shutter speed and aperture throughout a scene, ensuring smooth and natural-looking motion.
4. Balancing exposure in landscapes: Graduated ND filters help balance the exposure between the sky and the foreground in landscape photography, retaining details in both areas.

Fixed ND Filters

What are fixed ND filters?

As the name suggests, Fixed ND filters have a fixed level of light reduction. They are available in various strengths, measured in stops. Common examples include 2-stop, 4-stop, and 10-stop ND filters. Each fixed ND filter offers a specific amount of light reduction, which you cannot adjust.

Advantages of fixed ND filters

1. Consistent light reduction: Fixed ND filters provide constant light reduction, ensuring consistent results in your images.
2. High-quality images: These filters usually have a higher quality glass, resulting in minimal color shift and reduced vignetting, especially in higher-end models.
3. Cost-effective: Fixed ND filters are more affordable than variable ND filters, making them a budget-friendly option for photographers.

Disadvantages of fixed ND filters

1. Less versatile: Since fixed ND filters have a predetermined level of light reduction, you might need to carry multiple filters with different strengths to adjust for varying lighting conditions.
2. Time-consuming: Changing filters to achieve the desired effect can be time-consuming, especially when shooting in rapidly changing lighting conditions.

Comparison with other types of ND filters

Fixed ND filters provide consistent and high-quality results, making them suitable for professional photographers who demand precision. However, their lack of versatility may require photographers to carry multiple filters to adapt to different situations. In contrast, variable ND filters offer more flexibility, allowing photographers to adjust the light reduction level on the fly. Graduated ND filters cater to a different purpose, balancing exposure in scenes with uneven lighting.

Variable ND Filters

What are variable ND filters?

Variable ND filters consist of two polarizing layers that you can rotate relative to each other to adjust the amount of light reduction. By rotating the outer ring of the filter, you can increase or decrease the intensity of the light reduction, providing more flexibility than fixed ND filters.

Advantages of variable ND filters

1. Versatility: Variable ND filters allow you to adjust the level of light reduction with a simple twist, enabling you to adapt quickly to changing lighting conditions.
2. Convenience: Instead of carrying multiple fixed ND filters with different strengths, you only need one variable ND filter to cover a wide range of light reduction levels.
3. Faster workflow: With a variable ND filter, you can quickly adjust the light reduction without swapping filters, making your shooting process more efficient.

Disadvantages of variable ND filters

1. Image quality issues: Some variable ND filters may introduce color shifts or vignetting, particularly at higher light reduction levels.
2. Higher cost: Variable ND filters are more expensive than fixed ones due to their added complexity and versatility.
3. Potential cross-polarization: At maximum light reduction, variable ND filters can sometimes create an unwanted “X” pattern in your images, resulting from cross-polarization between the two layers.

Comparison with other types of ND filters

While variable ND filters provide increased versatility and convenience, they may sometimes compromise image quality, especially in lower-end models. On the other hand, Fixed ND filters offer more consistent results and higher image quality but lack the flexibility to quickly adapt to changing lighting conditions. Graduated ND filters serve a different purpose, targeting uneven lighting situations in landscape photography.

Which one to choose?

When deciding between a variable and fixed ND filter, consider the following factors to determine which best suits your needs.

Factors to consider

1. Shooting conditions: A variable ND filter may be more suitable if you frequently shoot in dynamic lighting conditions or require fast adjustments. However, a fixed ND filter could be a better choice if you work in more controlled environments or prioritize image quality.
2. Budget: Fixed ND filters are generally more affordable than variable ND filters. If budget is a concern, fixed ND filters may be the way to go.
3. Image quality: Fixed ND filters might be the better option if you prioritize image quality and consistency over versatility. They often provide better color accuracy and less vignetting than variable ND filters.
4. Convenience: Variable ND filters offer the advantage of a quicker and more convenient workflow, as you don’t need to swap filters to achieve different light reduction levels.

Different situations

• Landscape photography: If you shoot landscapes and must balance the exposure between the sky and the foreground, graduated ND filters are an excellent choice. However, a fixed ND filter may provide better image quality and consistency for general landscape photography.
• Street and travel photography: In these fast-paced shooting scenarios, variable ND filters offer the versatility and convenience necessary to quickly adapt to changing lighting conditions.
• Long exposure photography: Both fixed and variable ND filters can be used for long exposure photography. However, a fixed ND filter will provide more consistent results if you’re after a specific effect, like a 10-stop filter for extremely long exposures.
• Videography: Variable ND filters are trendy among videographers, as they allow for smooth exposure adjustments without affecting the shutter speed or aperture.

Personal preferences and needs

Ultimately, the decision between a variable and fixed ND filter comes down to personal preferences and the specific requirements of your photography. Assess your shooting style, the conditions you typically work in, and your priorities regarding image quality, convenience, and budget to determine your best option.

Conclusion: Variable vs. Fixed ND Filter

This article explores the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of variable and fixed ND filters. To summarize, fixed ND filters provide consistent and high-quality results, making them suitable for photographers who demand precision and image quality. However, their lack of versatility may require multiple filters to adapt to different situations.

Variable ND filters, on the other hand, offer more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to adjust the light reduction level with a simple twist. This makes them particularly useful for photographers who frequently shoot in dynamic lighting conditions or need quick adjustments. However, variable ND filters may introduce image quality issues, particularly in lower-end models.

When choosing between variable and fixed ND filters, consider your shooting conditions, budget, image quality preferences, and convenience. Assess your shooting style and the specific photography requirements to determine the best option for you.

Whether you opt for a variable or fixed ND filter depends on your unique needs and priorities. By understanding the characteristics of each type, you can make an informed decision that will ultimately help you capture stunning photographs in various lighting conditions.