Hoya Variable Density II Filter

Hoya Variable Density II is the renewed series of Hoya Variable Density filters, with a newly designed rotatable frame with convenient knob, allowing for better operation.

Variable Density II is a density adjustable filter with an ND range from 1.5 to 9 f-stops (ND3 to ND400). 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.

A Variable Density filter uses two polarizing layers to control the amount of light that passes through the filter and into the camera lens. At its minimum effect the filter passes 1/3 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 1.5 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. At its maximum effect the filter passes just 1/400 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 9 stops on the aperture or shutter speed.

In still shooting, a Variable Density filter lowers the shutter speed according to the photographer’s intentions when the shutter speed cannot be lowered due to camera limits. A Variable Density filter 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. 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 a Variable Density filter, the shutter speed can be adjusted to the proper value to get that natural and smooth looking motion requested in video footage.

Hoya Variable Density II filters are recommended:
– For longer exposures: without changing the aperture, a Variable Density filter 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 to 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 a Variable Density filter, overexposure issues can be avoided by adjusting the light intake.
– For shooting video in cinematic style: a Variable Density filter is a must-have item for video bloggers and professional video content creators, allowing cine/video cameras to set the appropriate exposures in a bright lighting conditions to achieve cinematic look.

A single Hoya Variable Density II filter replaces a whole set of neutral density filters from ND3 to ND400. This is budget-friendly and helps avoid vignetting caused by stacking several ND filters to achieve a desired density.

The Hoya Variable Density II filter features a convenient density scale and a special knob for easy density adjustment. The filter incorporates 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.

Due to the specific structure of the filter frame Hoya Variable Density II can take one size bigger lens cap than the size of the filter itself. For example, 77mm Variable Density II can take 82mm lens cap.

Note:
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

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 variable ND filters.

For best results use a tripod when photographing with slow shutter speeds.

Variable Density II filter replaces set of neutral density filters from ND3 to ND400
ND range equivalent of 1.5 to 9 f-stops light reduction
Rotatable frame construction
Convenient density scale on outside of filter
Special knob for easy density adjustment
Exclusive frame design minimizes risk of vignetting with wide-angle lenses
Enables attachment of a lens cap (can be one size bigger than filter size)
Black satin finish on frame reduces reflections

What’s in the box
1 x Hoya Variable Density II Filter
1 x Plastic Filter Case
2 x Knobs