HOYA 77mm Variable Density II Lens Filter
HOYA 77mm Variable Density II, 1.5-9 Stops Variable Neutral Density Filter, Anti-Reflective Coating
HOYA - '77mm Variable Density II Filter'
(1.5-9 stops)
Variable ND FilterThe new HOYA Variable Density II, an upgrade from the original Variable Density filter boasting a newly designed rotatable frame with convenient knob that allows for better operation. The filter provides an easy way to adjust exposure control by varying the amount of light entering the camera by 1.5 to 9-stops (equivalent to NDx3-400, or 0.45-2.7 density for Cine). The precision double-ring design allows the outer ring to rotate, thus controlling the amount of neutral density anywhere within the 1.5 to 0-stop range. The Thin double-ring design also reduces the possibility of vignetting with wide-angle lenses. These versatile filters allow for many special effects such as being able to control depth of field by using a wider aperture, as well as create or control motion blur by being able to choose slow shutter speeds for perfect blurring.
Why Use a VND Filter?
Why Variable Density Filters are importantVariable 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 bokeh 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.
When captfilteruring a video with low shutter speed, each still image will blur but will look smooth in the video sequence. Whereas, 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, as shown in the image below.
Rotating Aluminium Frame
Rotatable FrameHOYA 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
82mm Lens Cap Compatible
Lens Cap CompatibilityDue 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.
Advantages of Variable Neutral Density
For Longer ExposuresWithout 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 movements to make the subject stand out from the background.
For wider aperturesAllows wider apertures in over-lit conditions be used to decrease depth-of-field, literally focusing more attention on the subject.
Preventing OverexposureEven 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 cinetmatic videoVariable 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.
