Anyone serious about photography or videography knows the frustration of being limited by light. Trying to shoot wide open on a sunny day to get that beautiful shallow depth of field, or attempting a long exposure to smooth out water or clouds, often results in overexposed images or blown-out highlights. This persistent problem significantly curtails creative freedom, forcing compromises on aperture, shutter speed, or ISO, ultimately leading to less-than-ideal shots. Having a way to manage the amount of light hitting the sensor without altering exposure settings drastically is essential to unlocking a wider range of photographic possibilities.
- Kit Includes: 55MM K&F Concept Filter Kit (ND2 to ND400) + Lens Cleaning Cloth
- NOTE: This 55mm variable nd filter is compatible with all 55mm lenses. Please verify your camera's lens thread size before ordering. Your camera's lens thread size will be marked somewhere on the lens...
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Before You Buy: What to Look For in a Lens Filter
Controlling light is a fundamental aspect of photography, and lens filters designed for light reduction, specifically neutral density (ND) filters, are key tools for this. Someone would seek to buy an ND filter primarily to gain control over their exposure settings in bright conditions. This allows for wider apertures for selective focus or slower shutter speeds for motion blur effects that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.
The ideal customer for an ND filter is typically a landscape photographer, videographer, or portrait photographer who frequently shoots outdoors during the day. Landscape photographers use them for long exposures to create ethereal water or cloud effects. Videographers rely on them to maintain a consistent cinematic shutter speed (usually double the frame rate) while shooting in varying light conditions, especially outdoors. Portrait photographers might use them to shoot wide open in sunlight to achieve maximum background blur.
Who might *not* need one? Photographers who primarily shoot indoors, in low light, or who are always using small apertures or fast shutter speeds might find an ND filter unnecessary. Similarly, someone shooting only stills in controlled studio environments wouldn’t have the same need for ambient light reduction. For those users, a simple UV filter for lens protection might be sufficient, or perhaps a polarizer for managing reflections and enhancing contrast.
Before investing in an ND filter, consider several key factors:
* Filter Size: This is crucial. It must match the thread size of your lens (e.g., 55mm).
* Density Range: Fixed NDs offer a single level of light reduction (e.g., ND8, ND64), while variable NDs combine multiple densities into one filter (e.g., ND2-ND400). Variable NDs offer more flexibility but can sometimes introduce image quality issues at their extremes.
* Optical Quality: The glass and coatings used affect sharpness, colour neutrality, and the potential for issues like vignetting or the “X” pattern. Look for filters made from good quality glass.
* Build Quality: A sturdy metal ring is preferable to plastic for durability and smooth operation.
* Price: ND filters range from very affordable to quite expensive, often reflecting the optical quality and build.
- 【Includes】 K&F CONCEPT 67MM Adjustable Neutral Density Professional Photography Filter ND2~400 + Professional Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
- Ultra HD Image Quality：Top optical glass with multi-layer coating, which can effectively reduce the reflected light on the surface of the filter, and greatly reduce the glare caused by the...
- 【Variable ND2-ND400 Filters with Putter】This variable ND filter helps control the amount of light reaching your camera sensor with 1-9 stops available. Simply screw this ultra slim filter on your...
Meet the K&F Concept 55mm Filter
Stepping into the world of controlled light, the K&F Concept Professional 55mm Slim Fader Variable Neutral Density Adjustable ND 2 – ND400 + Cleaning Cloth + Filter Box presents itself as an accessible solution. This variable ND filter promises to give photographers the flexibility to adjust their light reduction from 1 stop (ND2) up to 8 stops (ND400) simply by rotating the filter ring. When you purchase this specific K&F Concept filter, it includes the 55mm variable ND filter itself, a lens cleaning cloth, and a protective filter box, which is a nice bonus, especially considering the price point.
Compared to market leaders or higher-end options, this variable ND filter is positioned firmly in the budget-friendly segment. While top-tier variable NDs can cost hundreds of dollars and boast sophisticated multi-coatings for maximum clarity and minimal colour cast, this K&F Concept filter offers a taste of variable ND functionality without breaking the bank. It’s primarily aimed at hobbyists, students, or photographers new to filters who want to experiment with long exposures and wide apertures in bright light without committing to a significant investment in multiple fixed ND filters or a premium variable one. It’s likely not intended for demanding professional work where absolute image fidelity at all density levels is paramount.
Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
* Offers a wide variable density range (ND2-ND400).
* Provides significant flexibility in exposure control.
* Slim profile helps reduce vignetting on wider lenses (within its usable range).
* Made with optical glass and features a sturdy metal ring.
* Comes with useful accessories (cleaning cloth, filter box).
* Very budget-friendly price point.
Cons:
* Potential for the “X” pattern or significant vignetting at maximum or near-maximum density.
* May introduce a slight colour cast.
* Lens cap may not fit securely over the filter.
* Not suitable for critical professional applications demanding peak optical performance across the entire range.
Under the Hood: Performance and Practical Use
Having used the K&F Concept Professional 55mm Slim Fader Variable Neutral Density Adjustable ND 2 – ND400 filter for quite some time now, I can speak to its performance and practicality in real-world shooting scenarios. This 55mm variable ND filter has become a fairly permanent fixture on certain lenses for its convenience and the creative control it offers.
Adjustable Light Reduction from ND2 to ND400
The core function of this fader ND filter is its adjustable light reduction. The range from ND2 (1 stop) to ND400 (8 stops) means you have a significant degree of control over how much light enters your lens simply by rotating the outer ring. This is incredibly useful when shooting in bright daylight.
For example, if you want to shoot a portrait at f/1.8 or f/2.8 in direct sun, you would typically need a very fast shutter speed (perhaps 1/4000s or 1/8000s) and the lowest ISO. However, many cameras have a maximum shutter speed limit. Furthermore, some lenses perform best stopped down slightly. By adding this ND filter, you can reduce the amount of light, allowing you to maintain your desired wide aperture for shallow depth of field while using a more manageable shutter speed. Reducing the light by even 2-3 stops (around ND4 to ND8) makes a huge difference. The ease of rotating the ring to dial in just the right amount of light reduction is where a variable ND truly shines compared to swapping multiple fixed-stop filters.
Enabling Creative Long Exposures
One of the most popular applications for ND filters is capturing long exposures, and this K&F Concept 55mm filter is certainly capable of opening up those possibilities. By reducing light by several stops, you can leave your camera’s shutter open for much longer periods, even during the day.
Imagine shooting a waterfall, a busy street, or clouds moving across the sky. Without an ND filter, getting significant motion blur in bright conditions would be impossible without drastically overexposing the image. With the K&F Concept variable ND set to, say, ND64 (6 stops), a shutter speed of 1/60s could become a 1-second exposure. At ND400 (8 stops), that same 1/60s could turn into over 4 seconds. This allows you to transform rushing water into silky smooth streaks or turn bustling crowds into ghostly figures. The ability to dial between 1 and 8 stops means you can choose just how much motion blur you want for a particular scene and lighting condition, offering significant creative flexibility.
Variable vs. Fixed ND Filters: The Convenience Factor
The biggest advantage of a variable ND filter like this one over a set of fixed ND filters is undoubtedly convenience. Instead of needing to carry multiple filters (ND4, ND8, ND64, ND1000, etc.) and constantly unscrewing and screwing them onto your lens as light changes or your desired effect varies, you simply twist a ring. This is particularly beneficial for videographers shooting in dynamic lighting or for photographers working quickly in the field. Changing filters takes time, introduces the risk of dropping them, and can miss fleeting moments. With a variable ND, adjusting the effect is instantaneous. For someone who needs flexibility without the hassle, this K&F Concept offering fits the bill nicely.
Optical Quality and Potential Limitations
The K&F Concept 55mm variable ND filter is made with optical glass, which is standard for most decent filters. The metal sealing ring feels solid and screws onto the lens threads smoothly, which is a welcome relief compared to cheaper filters that can often feel gritty or difficult to mount. However, it’s important to manage expectations, especially given the price point.
Variable ND filters are essentially two polarizing filters stacked and rotated against each other. This mechanism, while providing the variability, can introduce certain optical artefacts, particularly at the extreme ends of the density range. The most common issue is the dreaded “X” pattern or cross polarization effect, which appears as a dark cross across the image. This is a known limitation of most variable NDs, and it’s usually most prominent when you go beyond the recommended maximum density (often marked on the filter ring). While the K&F Concept filter is rated up to ND400, pushing it to this absolute maximum, especially on wider lenses, can sometimes result in this pattern or noticeable vignetting (darkening of the corners). My experience aligns with this; I find the usable range is slightly less than the stated maximum if you want to avoid significant degradation. Staying within maybe 6-7 stops (closer to ND64-ND128 equivalent) seems to yield the best results before these issues become too prominent. There can also be a slight colour cast, but it’s often minor and correctable in post-processing.
Slim Profile and Build
The “Slim Fader” designation refers to the filter’s relatively thin profile. This is beneficial, especially on wide-angle lenses, as thicker filters can cause mechanical vignetting (the filter itself blocking the corners of the frame). The 55mm K&F Concept filter is indeed quite slim, which helps, though as mentioned, optical vignetting can still occur at higher densities regardless of physical slimness. The metal ring feels durable and the rotation is reasonably smooth, although perhaps not as buttery smooth as filters costing many times more. One minor annoyance I’ve encountered, echoed by other users, is that lens caps often don’t fit as snugly onto the front threads of the filter as they do directly onto the lens, making them prone to falling off. This is a small point but worth noting for practical use.
Included Accessories Add Value
While the focus is on the filter itself, the inclusion of a cleaning cloth and a filter box adds value to the package. The cloth is standard, but always useful to have for keeping the filter glass clean in the field. The filter box is a simple plastic case, but it provides essential protection when the filter isn’t on the lens, preventing scratches and dust buildup, which is important for maintaining image quality.
Overall, the features work together to provide a highly functional tool for managing exposure. While it has limitations inherent to budget variable NDs, its core benefit of adjustable light reduction is well executed within its practical range.
What Others Are Saying
I looked around online to see what other photographers who use this K&F Concept filter think, and the sentiment is largely positive, especially considering the affordable price. Many users find it invaluable for video work and timelapses in bright conditions, helping to control exposure and maintain desired settings. People appreciate how easily it screws onto their lenses compared to some other budget filters. The variable nature is consistently praised for its convenience. While some mention the expected cross pattern or vignetting when pushed to the maximum density, they generally agree that it performs well within its practical, non-extreme range and is a great budget-friendly entry point into variable NDs.
Final Thoughts: Is This Filter Right For You?
If you’ve been struggling with shooting in bright light, finding it difficult to use wide apertures or achieve long exposure effects without blowing out your highlights, then you understand the need for a solution to control the amount of light hitting your sensor. Failure to address this limits your creative options and can result in technically flawed images.
The K&F Concept Professional 55mm Slim Fader Variable Neutral Density Adjustable ND 2 – ND400 filter is a great fit to solve this problem for a few key reasons. Firstly, its variable density provides immense flexibility, allowing you to quickly dial in the right amount of light reduction for various scenarios. Secondly, it offers a significant range (up to 8 stops), enabling everything from subtle adjustments for wide-aperture portraits to substantial light blocking for long exposures. Lastly, its affordable price makes it an excellent entry point for photographers and videographers who need light control without a large financial commitment. While it has limitations at the extreme end, its performance within its practical range offers genuine creative possibilities. To learn more and get yours, Click here.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API