If you have any interest in photography you know having a good quality camera is a must, But as you go deeper and become a more seasoned photographer you start to understand the need of different accessories depending on the category you are working on.
Landscape photography is known to require a lot of accessories since you will be working in a very unpredictable environment that needs a certain type of flexibility and adaptation from your part.
One of the ways you can do that is by using filter, Neutral density filters to be precise. So we did our research ended, studied the market and came up with a list of the best nd filter for landscape photography:
- Breakthrough Photography X2 ND Filter.
- The B+W SC 110 ND 3.0 Filter.
- Gobe NDX Variable ND Lens Filter.
- K&F Concept Variable Fader ND2-ND32.
- Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter.
Breakthrough Photography X2 ND Filter
The X2 ND Filters are made by Breakthrough Photography, a well known company in san francisco that designs, manufactures and sells the world’s sharpest filters to over 180+ countries.
The company’s ‘X2’ filters features a new nano coating layer technology which help repel dirt, water and other elements by beading rather than absorbing and smearing.
It also offers anti-reflective and scratch-resistant properties making it withstand the harshest of environmental conditions.
The build quality is nice and sturdy, based on a 3.5mm ultra-slim double-threaded traction frame. 3, 6 and 10-stop filters are available, mostly with attachment threads ranging between 49mm and 82mm. The performance of this product is Stunning to say the least.
Plus they made a big statement by offering a 25 year support that guarantees all their products from any craftsmanship defects.
Pros:
- Premium Build Quality.
- Reasonably priced.
- No Color Cast.
Cons:
- The warranty needs to be activated.
The B+W 77mm SC 110 ND 3.0 Filter
Made in Germany by Schneider-Kreuznach, a known worldwide market leader known for developing and producing high-performance photographic lenses.
Expensive but worth it, The filter has a good build, uses the B+W F-Pro filter mount. Plus incorporates 3.0 density with single coating that works to darkens the entire image which in turn allows you to photograph with a slower shutter speed and/or a wider aperture.
It also uses very high quality german glass that nicely threads on the lens, leaves no color cast and works as intended.
based on a ultra-thin brass mount with an anti-reflective single coating. The available style is a 10-stop filter with an attachment thread of 77mm.
Overall, A great product if you are on a budget but still want something that can provide a high-quality performance.
Pros:
- Excellent quality of construction.
- Negligible Color Shift
Cons:
- Single coating only.
Gobe NDX Variable ND Lens Filter
Focusing on bringing a top notch product for both you and your wallet, they made sure to use eco friendly materials which not only inlines with the company’s theme but also let them improves their client’s experience.
Features an 8-layer nano multilayer coating, works as a great water and dust repellent + Provides a crisp and clear vision. The frame is made of extra tough Magnalium which guarantee extreme durability and prevent jamming problems.
The thread diameters range from 49mm up to 82mm available from 1 to 8 stops with the biggest lens costing 66$ and the smallest one being 36$ at the time this article was being written.
The gobe team made a promise to plant 5 trees for every for every product purchased. So if you want to experience both an amazing product and help improve the environment this product is for you.
Pros:
- Extremely Affordable Prices.
- Eco-Friendly.
- Remarkable Performance.
Cons:
- Not Recommended For Wide-Angle Lens.
K&F Concept Variable Fader ND2-ND32
Founded in 2011, K&F Have come a long way from being a small group of photography enthusiast to being a one-stop shop for any photographic accessories.
Features a professional optical glasses with multi-layer coating, Waterproof, dust repellent and scratch resistant. The frame is made with heavy-duty aluminum alloy with 5 marks from Min to ND32 to know the ND filter stops.
Has both the ND and CPL filter features which helps reduce the amount of light entering the lens, Darkens the sky and manage reflections all at the same time. The available styles are ND2, ND4, ND8, ND16 and ND32 with threads ranging between 67mm and 82mm.
Altogether, The product performs perfectly especially after the research team made sure to remove the “X” cross on images problem which is a common issue with wide angle lenses and variable ND filters.
Pros:
- Multi-Resistant Coating.
- User-friendly.
- Versatile Range Of Densities.
Cons:
- Filter Neutrality Could Be Better.
Tiffen Variable Neutral Density Filter
Offering a unique way of maintaining total control over the field depth as well as giving you an efficient way to create some special effects. The tiffen variable nd filter is the perfect match for anyone wanting to have full control over their shots.
Made using high-grade optical glass with a wide outer optic + A very thin 9mm rotation ring. Not only does it help correcting the white balance but also makes narrow depth of field shots possible in low-light.
The filter can be bought alone, With a circular polarizer, a filter pouch and/or a uv protector. The styles available range from 52mm up to 82mm with 2 to 8 stops of light control depending on the lens’s focal distance.
The manufacturer makes sure to provide the client with a great after sale customer service by giving a 10 year warranty when the product is purchased through an authorized retailer like amazon.
Pros:
- Very Large Scope of Densities and Sizes.
- High-Grade Durable Build.
- 10 Year Warranty.
Cons:
- Noticeable Blue Shift At Max Setting.
Must Have Accessories for ND Filters
After you have bought the filter that best suits your needs, There are extra accessories that you should definitely consider getting if you are serious about improving your craft.
Not only will they give you a better output of your skills on paper but it will also save you from wasting a lot of money in the long run. Starting with:
- Cleaning Kit/Brushes: Filters are known to get dirt and dust particles easily when using them regularly, Having a good cleaning kit will assure you keep your tools and filters in perfect condition.
- Adaptor Rings: allows you to use a round threaded filter on different lenses.
- adaptor Rings Holder: used to mount squared/rectangular filter on lens of different diameter.
- Filter Wrench: Helps remove filters and adaptor rings that get stuck in the lens thread.
- Filter Pouch: Great for making all your filters ready to go by organizing them in one place.
Conclusion: Best ND Filter For Landscape Photography
In the end, Every neutral density filter has its own pros and cons and the choice will ultimately come to your specific goals and needs.
We hope you enjoyed our buyers guide article on the best ND filter for landscape photography, If you have anything you would like to see added in this list make sure to leave a comment down below about it.
Great article for nature photographers. I started photography back in 2014 but never knew about the use of ND filters. Recently, one of my friends told mine to why you should give a try to the ND filter. I bought my 1st ND filter from a local store. The ND filter was not up to the mark. I was just searching for the best ND filter online and here I find it.
Thank you very much for sharing this piece of information. Really helpful.