Hoya Variable Density II Filter (Accepts 55mm Caps)

A density adjustable filter with an ND range from 1.5 to 9 f-stops (ND3-400).

Available Sizes (mm)
52 55 58 62 67 72 77 82

HOYA Variable Density II is a density adjustable filter with an ND range from 1.5 to 9 f-stops (ND3-400).

The difference with the previous HOYA Variable Density filter is the newly designed rotatable frame with convenient knob, allowing for better operation.

Why variable density filters are important
Variable density filters are widely used because they can replace a set of solid ND filters by providing a range density that can be adjusted according to the desired exposure settings.

In still shooting, variable density filters lower the shutter speed according to the photographer’s intentions when the shutter speed cannot be lowed due to camera limits.

Variable density filters can also increase the amount of boke when shooting in the over-lit conditions, thus, preventing the image from overexposure.

In video shooting, it is fundamental to keep the shutter speed fitting the frame rate setting. That is, to keep it equal to double the frame rate for optimal results. This is because, unlike still photography, an excessively fast shutter speed may create a jarring effect and produce afterimages that will not look good in the final video.

As you can see from the image below, unlike still image, a video clip is made of a sequence of still images. With low shutter speed, each still image will blur but will look smooth in the video sequence. On the contrary, a higher shutter speed will capture the object solid and sharp, but once in a video sequence all objects will appear separated, creating jarring and unnatural looking motion.

By using variable density filters, the shutter speed can be adjusted to the proper value to get that natural and smooth looking motion requested in video footages.

* When using the filter near or at maximum density a cross-like dark pattern will appear across the image and cannot be eliminated. This is a property of the variable ND filters.

Highlighted features:
Exclusive frame design to minimize the risk of vignetting when used with wide-angle lenses
Enable to attach a lens cap (accepts lens cap one size bigger that the filter size)
Special knob for convenient density adjustment
Convenient density scale

HOYA Variable Density II incorporates exclusive rotatable frame construction that consists of fixed frame and rotatable frame. The rotatable frame gets wider compared to fixed frame size in order to minimize the risk of vignetting when used on wide angle lenses.

Since HOYA Variable Density II incorporates complex rotatable frame construction, please mind the risk of vignetting as follows:

APS-C size wide angle lenses at focal length less than 13mm

Full Frame wide angle lenses at focal length less than 24mm

Lens cap compatibility
Due to the specific structure of the filter frame HOYA Variable Density II requires a one size bigger lens cap than the size of the filter itself. For example, 77mm HOYA Variable Density II can take 82mm lens cap, as shown on the image below.

Advantages
For longer exposures
Without changing the aperture, the HOYA Variable Density II provides the freedom to change the shutter speed according the effect desired. Effective for motion blurring effects like waterfalls, cars or blurred panning movement to make the subject stand out from the background.

For wider apertures
Allows wider apertures in over-lit conditions be used to decrease depth-of-field, literally focusing more attention on the subject.

Preventing overexposure
Even with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, a large aperture of f/1.4 or f/1.2 can cause overexposure. With the HOYA Variable Density II filter, overexposure issues can be avoided by adjusting the light intake.

For shooting video in cinematic look
Variable Density filter is a must-have item for video bloggers and professional video content creators. Allow cine/video cameras to set the appropriate exposures in a bright lighting conditions to achieve cinematic look.

Notes:

The practical exposure range and light transmittance will vary depending on the situation. When using the filter near or at MAX a cross-like dark pattern will appear across the image and cannot be eliminated. This is a property of the filter and all variable ND filters.
Be aware that when the filter is attached to the lens, the lens cap size becomes one size bigger. So if your lens has a filter thread size of 77mm, you will require an 82mm lens cap. The widened front filter frame has been designed on purpose to avoid vignetting.