If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to capture the perfect shot or video clip in bright sunlight, battling blown-out skies or unable to achieve that dreamy shallow depth of field, you know the frustration. I’ve been there, trying to shoot landscapes or portraits mid-day, only to be limited by shutter speed or aperture settings. Having a tool like a variable neutral density filter would have significantly helped me overcome these challenges, allowing for more creative control over light and exposure.
- 【Includes】 K&F CONCEPT 67MM Adjustable Neutral Density Professional Photography Filter ND2~400 + Professional Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth
- 【Material】 ND Filter: Made by Completed Professional Optical Glasses instead of Optical Resin. Microfiber: This Professional Microfiber made by Japanese Raw Material, very soft and easy to...
- 【Professional Design】 Using Super Slim Original Design to Avoid Vignetting When You Taking Photo
Considering Your Purchase
Neutral density (ND) filters are essentially sunglasses for your camera lens. They reduce the amount of light entering the camera, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures than would otherwise be possible in bright conditions. This is crucial for photographers and videographers who want to capture motion blur in water or clouds, achieve a shallow depth of field for portraits even in strong sunlight, or simply avoid overexposure. The ideal customer for a variable ND filter is someone who shoots in varying light conditions and wants the flexibility to adjust light reduction without constantly swapping filters. This includes landscape photographers, outdoor portrait shooters, and videographers working outside. If you primarily shoot indoors or only in low light, an ND filter might not be necessary. Before buying, consider your lens’s thread size (this is critical for fitting the filter), the range of light reduction you need, the optical quality of the glass, and potential issues like vignetting or the “X” pattern effect sometimes seen with variable NDs at their maximum setting.
- 【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...
Introducing the Product
The 67mm K&F Concept Variable Neutral Density ND2 to ND400 Adjustable Fader ND is designed to give photographers and videographers versatile light control. It promises to reduce light from ND2 (1 stop) up to ND400 (about 8 2/3 stops) with a simple turn of the filter ring. This particular package includes the 67mm ND filter itself and a professional microfiber lens cleaning cloth. Compared to fixed ND filters, a variable ND like this offers the convenience of a range of densities in a single unit, although dedicated, high-quality fixed ND filters are often considered to offer peak image quality, especially at extreme densities. This specific K&F Concept filter is well-suited for enthusiasts and budget-conscious creators looking for flexibility without investing in multiple filters.
Here are some pros and cons:
Pros:
* Offers a wide variable density range (ND2-ND400) in a single filter.
* Made with optical glass.
* Multi-coated to reduce reflections.
* Slim profile helps minimize vignetting.
* Generally easy to screw onto compatible lenses.
* Comes with a cleaning cloth.
* Very budget-friendly.
Cons:
* The “X” pattern effect can appear at or near the maximum ND400 setting.
* Usable range might be less than the advertised max density for optimal image quality.
* Can sometimes make attaching lens caps difficult.
* Not water-resistant.
Key Features and How They Benefit You
Variable Density Range (ND2-ND400)
One of the standout features of the K&F Concept variable ND filter is its adjustable density range from ND2 to ND400. This is roughly equivalent to reducing light by 1 stop up to about 8 2/3 stops. What this means in practice is incredible flexibility. Instead of needing to carry multiple fixed ND filters (like an ND8, ND64, ND1000, etc.) and constantly unscrewing and screwing them onto your lens as light conditions change, you can simply rotate the ring on this single variable filter to dial in the desired amount of light reduction.
How does this benefit you? Imagine you’re shooting a waterfall mid-day. With bright sun, your fastest shutter speed might still result in a correctly exposed photo but freeze the water droplets. To get that silky smooth water effect, you need a much slower shutter speed (perhaps several seconds). By screwing on the K&F Concept ND filter and adjusting the density, you can significantly decrease the amount of light reaching the sensor, allowing you to use those long exposure times without overexposing the image. Similarly, if you want to shoot a portrait at f/1.8 or f/2.8 in bright sun to get a blurred background (shallow depth of field), you might exceed your camera’s maximum shutter speed. The ND filter reduces the light, enabling you to use that wide aperture while maintaining a proper exposure within your camera’s shutter speed range. The variable nature makes this adjustment quick and easy on the fly, which is particularly useful for videography where lighting can change quickly or you need fine control over exposure while keeping a constant aperture and shutter speed for motion blur consistency. The range from ND2 to ND400 covers many common shooting scenarios, from slightly dimming bright scenes (ND2-ND8) to allowing for significant motion blur or wide apertures in strong light (ND32-ND400).
Optical Glass Construction
The product description highlights that the ND filter is made from “Completed Professional Optical Glasses instead of Optical Resin.” This is a key material choice that directly impacts image quality. Optical glass, generally speaking, provides better clarity and scratch resistance compared to cheaper resin alternatives often found in entry-level filters. While even glass filters can introduce some optical impurities or colour cast, using good quality glass is the foundation for minimizing these issues. For photographers who care about sharpness and accurate colour reproduction, knowing that the filter is made of glass provides a level of confidence that it won’t degrade the image significantly, at least within its optimal working range. This is especially important for modern high-resolution sensors that can quickly show the flaws of lower-quality optics.
Multi-Coating Technology
Another important feature mentioned is the “Multi Coating” description. Filter coatings are applied to the surface of the glass to improve performance. Multi-coating involves applying multiple layers of coatings. The primary benefits of multi-coating on a filter are:
1. Reduced Reflections: Light bouncing off the filter surface can cause flare and ghosting in your images. Multi-coatings significantly reduce these internal reflections, leading to cleaner images, especially when shooting towards bright light sources.
2. Increased Light Transmission: By minimizing reflections, more light is able to pass through the filter and reach the camera sensor. While an ND filter’s *purpose* is to reduce light, you want that reduction to be predictable and efficient across the spectrum, without unnecessary light loss due to surface reflections.
3. Improved Durability and Protection: Coatings can add a layer of protection to the glass surface, making it more resistant to scratches and smudges. While this filter is listed as “Not Water Resistant” in the specs, some multi-coatings can help repel water, oil, and dust, making the filter easier to clean. Even without explicit water resistance, the multi-coating aids in keeping the glass surface clear for optimal image quality.
The combination of optical glass and multi-coating means the K&F Concept filter is designed to offer decent image quality by minimizing unwanted reflections and maximizing light transmission (within the bounds of the ND effect), contributing to sharper images with better contrast and colour.
Super Slim Original Design
Vignetting, the darkening of the corners of an image, can be a common issue, particularly when using filters on wide-angle lenses. The K&F Concept 67mm variable ND filter boasts a “Super Slim Original Design” specifically to “Avoid Vignetting When You Taking Photo.” A slim filter ring sits closer to the front element of the lens, reducing the chance of the filter edge physically obstructing the light path, especially at wider focal lengths where the lens has a wider field of view and ‘sees’ more of the area around the filter. While variable ND filters, by their nature of having two polarizing elements that rotate against each other, are often thicker than fixed ND filters or other filter types, a slim design is a conscious effort to mitigate this potential problem. For users of wide or ultra-wide lenses who need light reduction, a slim profile is a significant advantage in preserving the evenness of light across the frame and reducing the need for post-processing correction.
67mm Thread Size and Compatibility
This specific ND filter has a 67mm thread size. This is a crucial detail for compatibility. The filter will only directly screw onto lenses that have a 67mm filter thread. The product information helpfully advises users to check their lens barrel or the underside of their lens cap for the “ø” (diameter) symbol followed by a number, which indicates the thread size. This standard sizing ensures that if you have multiple lenses with a 67mm thread, you only need one filter. Adapter rings can be used to fit a 67mm filter onto lenses with different thread sizes, but this can sometimes introduce further issues like vignetting, especially when stepping up or down significantly in size or using multiple rings. The product listing also provides a list of popular compatible Canon lenses (like the EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6, EF-S 17-85mm f/4L USM, EF 70-300MM F/4-5.6L IS USM, and EF 35mm f/2 IS USM) that have a 67mm thread, which is helpful for potential buyers using Canon DSLR systems. Compatibility is non-negotiable; ensuring your lens matches the filter size is the first step to using the product effectively.
Included Professional Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
While seemingly a small addition, including a high-quality cleaning cloth is a practical benefit. The cloth is described as being made from “Japanese Raw Material” and being “very soft and easy to cleaning lens, filters, glasses and mobile etc.” Dust, fingerprints, and smudges on a filter can significantly degrade image quality, causing soft spots, flares, or reduced contrast. Having a dedicated microfiber cloth ensures you can keep the filter and your lens clean, maintaining optimal performance. Unlike rougher cloths or tissues, a good microfiber cloth is designed to lift dust and oils without scratching delicate lens or filter surfaces. This inclusion adds value and helps users maintain their gear properly from the start.
Real-World Performance and Limitations
Based on user experiences, the K&F Concept 67mm variable ND filter performs quite well within a certain range, especially considering its price point. The variability is highly appreciated for its convenience, allowing quick adjustments for changing light. Many users find it effective for reducing bright sunlight in photos and videos, enabling the use of desired apertures and shutter speeds. The ease of screwing the filter onto the lens is also frequently mentioned as a positive compared to frustrating experiences with cheaper, less precisely machined filters.
However, like most budget variable ND filters, it does have limitations, particularly at the extreme end of its density range. The dreaded “X” pattern, which is an uneven dark band across the image caused by the interaction of the two polarizing layers, is a known issue with variable NDs and users confirm it appears when the K&F Concept filter is turned past a certain point, often near or at the stated ND400 maximum. While the advertised range is ND2-ND400, the practical, usable range for optimal image quality is likely closer to ND2-ND128 or ND256 (approximately 1 to 7 or 8 stops). Pushing it beyond this may result in vignetting or the “X” effect that requires significant, and sometimes impossible, correction in post-processing. Some users also noted that their standard lens cap didn’t fit securely over the filter, which can be a minor annoyance for lens protection when the filter is mounted. Despite these drawbacks, for its intended use within its effective range and given its affordability, many find it a valuable tool for managing light outdoors.
Hearing From Other Users
Having looked through feedback from various photographers, it’s clear this ND filter is a popular choice, particularly for those starting out or working within a budget. Many users appreciate how effective it is at cutting down light in bright conditions, making it easier to shoot video or achieve creative effects like motion blur or shallow depth of field in strong sunlight. The smooth feel when rotating the filter ring is often mentioned positively, and users are happy with its performance for typical outdoor shooting needs. While the “X” pattern at maximum density is acknowledged, most users find they can avoid it by staying within the optimal range, which is sufficient for their purposes. The value for money is a recurring theme in the positive comments.
Final Thoughts
Managing light is fundamental to photography and videography, and failing to do so can lead to compromised image quality like overexposure or the inability to execute creative visions like long exposures or wide-aperture shots in bright sun. The 67mm K&F Concept Variable Neutral Density ND2 to ND400 Adjustable Fader ND offers a practical and affordable solution to this common problem. Its variable density range provides excellent flexibility in varying light conditions, its optical glass and multi-coating contribute to decent image quality, and its slim design aims to reduce vignetting. For anyone looking to gain more control over their exposure and explore creative techniques without breaking the bank, this adjustable ND filter is definitely worth considering. To learn more and check it out for yourself, click here.
Last update on 2025-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API