Hitech 4 x 4" Solid Neutral Density (ND) 1.2 Filter
The 4 x 4" Solid Neutral Density 1.2 Filter from Hitech enables the shooter to adjust exposure without affecting color balance. This ND filter appears gray and reduces the amount of light reaching either the sensor of a digital camera or the film plane of a traditional film camera.
A neutral density filter permits you to shoot with high speeds ISOs under bright light conditions such as on the beach. It is also used to create some unusual special effects such as capturing the "blur" of the motion of a waterfall or the swirling chaotic effect of city traffic. Since it allows the use of slower shutter speeds in bright light, it becomes possible to create these special effects that would normally not be possible to capture without the filter. And, since it can also help to control your depth of field, it permits you to shoot at wider apertures. This is especially handy when shooting portraits where you wish to create more separation between foreground and background. Ultimately, the filter's value is in helping to prevent bright, overly washed out images shot in bright light.
The Hitech filter system is made by Formatt - an English company that is renowned for its high manufacturing standards and consistency of quality. Their CR39 resin is manufactured in large sheets that are oven cured. Their exclusive Absorbing Cell Technology absorbs color as opposed to other filters that are coated. Once cured, they are sliced up to create individual filters. In this way, maximum consistency is maintained from filter to filter. This becomes crucial when you wish to change filters either mid shoot or from day to day.
Neutral Density Filters Have Four Main Uses
- To enable slow shutter speeds to be used, especially with high speed ISOs, to record movement in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds, or cars
- To decrease depth of field by allowing wider apertures to be used, which helps separate subjects from their background
- To decrease the effective ISO of high speed film (above ISO 400) and allow it to be used outdoors in bright situations
- To allow cine and video cameras (which have fixed shutter speeds) to film subjects such as snow, sand or other bright scenes which could cause overexposure
- Absorbing Cell Technology
- Hitech filters are made by Formatt, a company with three generations of professional filter-making experience produces every filter to the highest technical standards. The finest materials, together with state of-the-art production technology have resulted in a standard of optical excellence unmatched anywhere else
- The secret to Formatt's consistency in filter design lies in its unique "Absorbing Cell Technology" (A.C.T.); this unique process allows color correct dyes to be applied to optically pure, wafer thin absorbing cells and offers a controllability that ensures the smoothest grad lines and consistent color across the whole filter surface
- Hitech filters are manufactured to exacting standards and can be counted on to be consistent filter to filter which means you can change filters mid shot or from day-to-day and still maintain the same exposure
| Type | Solid Neutral Density |
| Size | 4 x 4" (100 x 100mm, 1.5mm thick) |
| Grade |
1.2 4 stops |
| Filter Factor | Light transmission: 6.3% |
| Multi-Coated | Not Applicable |
| Rotating | Not Applicable |
| Effect |
Allows use of lower shutter speeds with higher ISOs Reduces the amount of light reaching the digital sensor or film plane Permits use of wider apertures Helps create special effects like blurs |
| Application | Nature, outdoor, scenic photography |
| Color Temperature | Not Applicable |
| Construction | CR39 Resin |
| Front Filter Thread Size | Not Applicable |
| Front Lens Cap Size | Not Applicable |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 5 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
40%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 5 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-5
Pros
Cons
- Shift color
Best Uses
Comments about Hitech 4x4" Neutral Density (ND) 1.2 Resin Filter:
This filter have too much color cast toward magenta. Almost unusable. Buy a real glass filter.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Color shift and build
- Poor Clarity
Best Uses
- None
Comments about Hitech 4x4" Neutral Density (ND) 1.2 Resin Filter:
After receiving this filter I did an exposure calibration and color test. Exposure compensation was 4.3 stops but the color test needed 20 points of green to correct for the horrific magenta shift. So when is a Neutral Density filter Neutral? Not here!
As this filter was going to be used for video, I really didn't want to add another color compensation filter in front of the lens, nor have to do post production color correction every time I use it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Great Price
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Long shutter speed
Comments about Hitech 4x4" Neutral Density (ND) 1.2 Resin Filter:
I have used this filter for my work for two years and it is perfect. I can use it in my Cokin Z-holder but more often than not just hand hold it. It can easily be combined with a CPL or other ND filter to achieve 4-extra stops which help with waterfalls on sunny days, softening clouds, getting a soft ethereal texture from crashing waves and streams.
The nice thing about it is that unlike using very high density screw on ND filters which might make it very difficult to see and focus, especially when using slow f/5.6 lens, you can compose, focus, then use the AF button to lock focus, hold the filter over the lens or other filter, then exposure and click. Very simple and effective. I use this filter a lot. I used to own the extremely expensive SR vari-ND but I sold it for this one because 1) it vignettes at wide angles, 2) does not meter properly due to the physics of the design so you must take test shots and use an iterative approach 3) you can easily over dial in the density which results in a 'cross' in the center where the two polarizers meet. You can't see this effect in the viewfinder since it would be too dark but the result is obvious in the LCD screen. Bottom line, it is much faster to use this filter than a vari-ND and since a vari-ND vignettes at ultra wide angles you end up needing two sets of filters which is just a waste of money.
I use this filter a lot along with about 10 other filters which I keep in my two filter pouches that include grad-NDs, CPL, and yes, a screw-on 3-stop ND. No color cast, fast and easy to use compared with any alternative, and very affordable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Slowing shutter speed
Comments about Hitech 4x4" Neutral Density (ND) 1.2 Resin Filter:
For the quality it is overpriced. Even on a tripod triggered with a remote the images are slightly softer. The same image shot without it is noticeable more clear which is why I think the quality doesn't match the price. Having said that it works very well for slowing the exposure. As long as you understand your images will be slightly softer then without the filter I would still recommend it.
Pros
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
Comments about Hitech 4x4" Neutral Density (ND) 1.2 Resin Filter:
It is not neutral. It has strong magenta cast.
Displaying reviews 1-5
Filter pouch
-
- Original: $28.95
- Save: $1.45
- Price: $27.50
Care & Cleaning
-
- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
What's in the Box
- Warranted Against Manufacturer's Defects
Why Shop at B&H
Make your online shopping trip personal with our online Live Chat representatives. You can easily reach an in-house expert while browsing our site for your shopping needs. We have the most highly-trained staff in the industry who are pros in their fields, and their professional expertise will help you get the most from your purchase.
Place your domestic order with us for shipment via UPS, FedEx Economy, or FedEx Priority by 4 PM ET Monday through Thursday or 11 AM ET Friday and your order will be shipped that day. Visit our Shipping Delivery Times page for further details. Delivery times are subject to payment verification.
We appreciate your purchase from us, and we understand that sometimes the products you buy don’t turn out to be the right choice for you. We guarantee your peace of mind with our 30-day return policy. With no standard restocking fee and few restrictions, you’ll enjoy a return process as easy as shopping with us. Please visit our Return Policy page for further details.
We’ve made iPhone and Android mobile apps available for your service and shopping convenience. Use filtered search to find and purchase almost any item we sell and ship worldwide. Download product manuals and guides for many popular items. See high-resolution product images in close-up detail. Manage wishlists and view order history. Visit our Mobile Apps page to download.
See sample Newsletter
Help
Company Information
B&H Resources
