Tiffen 72VND 72mm Variable Neutral Density Camera Filter|2 to 8-Stop|Light Control|Film and Digital/Video/Photography - Made in USA

I debated for a while before I finally purchased this Variable ND filter. I knew it was important, but was always able to get by without using one for the most part unless I was shooting in broad daylight with no cloud coverage. After making this purchase, I don't know how I've gone so long without this.There are a few things to know when purchasing an ND filter. First, you want the Tiffen Variable ND. There are a few cheaper (as in $15ish), but they are extremely poorly made and will give a dark purple cast over the footage when the ND is turned up. Also, cheaper Variable ND's do not like zoom lenses, so prepare for nasty colors when zooming in. I have experienced none of those issues with the Tiffen.There's another, much more expensive Variable ND by Hoya, which in my opinion is not worth the money at all. Dave Dougdale did a very comprehensive review you should definitely check out comparing multiple ND's, and he preferred the look of the Tiffen over the Hoya which is twice as expensive.This is just personal preference, but when buying and ND, or any filter for that matter, buy the 82mm thread unless you absolutely don't want to for some odd reason. The reason for this is that they have multiple step down rigs that will allow you to change the filter thread. For example, I purchased the 82mm thread, and purchased a 82-77mm Step Down, 82-67mm Step Down, and 82-58mm Step Down ring. Now, instead of buying a new ND filter for all of my lenses and spending hundreds of extra dollars, I can buy a three dollar adapter. Yes, you'll have a much bigger filter on the end of your camera and it will look awkward, but you'll also have hundreds more in your pocket so it's all good.On a more technical term, I was able to keep 1/50 shutter at 24fps and f/4.0 with my A7s on a remotely sunny day with the ND set pretty high. I had to go up to a f/6.3 once, but without the NDI had to shoot at an f/22 and I was still +2 stops over exposed, so that just goes to show you how much range this ND gives you.If you ever plan on shooting out doors and keeping your shutter angle at 180 degrees without setting you aperture absurdly high, you need this. There's no other way to put it.

High quality Tiffen product. I use it for video on my Sony camera and do not notice any weird artifacts that you may see on cheaper filters.

I have the 58mm variable neutral density filter because the lens I want this to screw into is 58mm. The rear part that screws into the camera lens is 58mm. Then the front part of the filter is larger. I have read that it is larger to reduce the amount this lens blocks light at the corners of wide angle lenses. For mine, I can verify that this front diameter thread is 67mm. I was able to screw in a JJC 67mm hood. I am using this on a Micro Four Thirds Lumix 12-35mm lens. I am able, without the hood, to use the lens all the way at the 12mm wide focal length. When I use the JJC hood, there is light blocking in the corners up to about 18mm. I use it at 20mm and greater to make sure. Please refer to the attached pictures. I am using this on an Olympus M1 original mirrorless camera. The reason I have this is to be able to take longer exposure photographs to get water and clouds to blur. Setting the exposure is a dance between the shutter speed, the aperture, the ISO, and the filter density. Even with the mirrorless camera's ability to preview the image through the electronic view finder, and the ability to have the histogram live in the view finder, I still have to shoot and review the image to get the exposure correct.

I purchased this for video use. I am a non-professional hobbyist when it comes to videography. I mostly film run and gun style family moments.Pros82mmSix stops of coverageConsThicklack of hard stopsLack of protection when on camera and not in useAs a consumer at this price point, I think this is a great purchase. I helped me control light and get my desired shutter speed. I feel that the image quality is great. There is a slight color cast, but nothing I can't correct in post. I color correct all of my footage, so this is not a setback for me.When I purchase filters, I always buy in 82mm and use step-up rings to size to my smaller glass. I like that this unit came in the 82mm width. Secondly, the coverage is an excellent range for stops 2 - 8. It is easy to use, and I have not noticed artifacts while using.A few features that I do not like and that I do not think would be expensive to fix. While the filter is easy to use and use while rolling, it does not have a tactile indicator telling you that you have hit a stop or endpoint. This likely keeps things smoother while filming, but it would be nice to have a hard stop at the endpoints.The filter is thick. You can see this in pictures compared to other filters with similar functionality. I did not think of this when purchasing, but it makes it difficult to put in my filter sleeve to carry multiple filters/step-up rings. It is a tight squeeze for just the filter, a filter with a ring attached does not fit; this requires a complete disassembly every time which dissuades use.Lastly, an 82mm lens cap does not fit this filter once attached to the camera. I'm not particularly eager to leave my glass unprotected when not in use. Not being willing to leave the filter attached due to lack of a protective cover means I miss opportunities because I have to assemble first. This may be an amateurish complaint, but I do not make money off of my gear. I have to treat it with care so that it lasts.Overall, I would purchase this filter again. I think it provides great utility, especially when used for video. I've spent more words on this review detailing cons, but it is a reliable variable ND filter that performs as expected. The best gear is the gear you use.Tiffen if you monitor the comments. I know I would get more use of this filter if it had a protective covering. Following that, please figure out hard stops.