Variable ND Filter For Landscape Photography

Can you use a variable ND filter for landscape photography? As k&F Concept have kindly sent me their new Nano series variable ND to try out I thought I would look at the advantages of variable ND filters and the disadvantages of variable ND filters for landscape photography.

I hope you'll find it interesting

Other places to find me

I'm also on


Product link and promo code (NOT and affiliate link)
10% promo code: USKF10
Promo code validity period: until 2021/12/31

Chapters
00:00 Intro
02:00 Pros and Cons of Variable NDs
05:40 K&F Nanon Variable ND
07:45 In the field
09:26 Test results

[ricksloane]

A vary informative video. I just bought two of the K& F Nano variable ND 2-400 filters for two of my Canon lens. I found out about shooting in harsh light last week at a park most of the shots I took were under or over exposed because oh the time of day and the vary bright sunlight. Can’t wait to try these filters out.

[annwarrenton]

Your last ocean scene was my favorite, and I like the information.

[johnsparkes]

Very interesting video Ralph, always nice to get someones views on new gear that becomes availiable. Thank you for sharing and take care.

Good honest chat about the ND filter, it's good points and it's bad points. Good outside demo with the photographs. Interesting video and for a person that don't use ND filters on camera or drone, I won't be getting one. Many thanks for sharing your work Ralph :)

[thanosbistolas]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on variable NDs Ralph. I have a variable ND Tiffen 2-8 stop that came as a highly recommended one. I bought it precisely for the reason you described in your video i.e. versatility. However, I find that for the type of shooting I do, it caused more trouble than anything else. Not only is the X shadow quite an issue, but I also find that the colour cast was also variable and extremely difficult to get rid of. These days I only use it when I do video work with focal lengths 35-50mm and I find that it is better suited for that rather than anything else.

[kristofeight]

Like you mentioned in video, vnd filters are not for wide lenses, i tested my k&f 8-2000 vnd on my 16mm viltrox and i could get only 2 stops more (which is only 8-32), without any dark sides of photo or x patern. On my 35mm i could get 4 more stops, and 85mm i reached 5.5 stop more. So i decided to buy solid nd filter for my 16mm and i pick up 3, 6 and 10 stops and now im more than happy, even i have to chenge them

[davidhowe]

Thanks for this video Ralph, I’ve been thinking about purchasing a variable nd filter but my past experience has left me leery due to the cross or X factor. I use a 24-70mm lens typically at 24mm for landscapes. You mentioned you tried this filter at 22 mm with good results, so I’d image at 24mm I wouldn’t have to worry about the x issue? I like the idea of the variable; fewer filters to carry and being able to focus with the filter on and then dialling in to the 8 stop. Cheers.

[jimcooke]

Brilliant and honest review Ralph, listening to you carefully i think the pros out way the cons its just that x shadow might put me off a bit at wide angle, but if i had one i would certainly use it.

[pattymattes]

Thanks for the review. I found out about the shadow problem with variable ND filters. So, I opted not to get a variable ND filter. I know the pros are that you don't need to carry various ND filters when one will do the job but I just didn't want to deal with the shadow problem. Thanks for doing these reviews!

[IzzyAbuleelaPhotography]

Cheers Ralph, very informative. I think it solidifies my decision to keep the 100 x 100 NDs in my bag. I'll just have to take the hit on the added bulk and weight 🙏🙏🙏