Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter
The Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter - This neutral density filter gives you the capability to use fast film in bright sunlight. ND filters have several uses and offer the possibility to achieve otherwise unachievable results. They enable the shooter to adjust exposure without affecting color balance. ND filters reduce the amount of light reaching the film.
When used with a digital camera, you can effectively see how this filter works. After the initial exposure, you can check your LCD image and then make whatever change in exposure you feel you need to enhance your image. By rotating the ring, you can either increase or decrease the ND effect. This will be especially useful when trying to achieve "blurred" or "panned" shots.
The filter contains "index" points to help you mark your spot. They do not represent actual ND settings , i.e. non-calibrated - but are there to help you re-set your filter when you wish to recreate the effect.
Note! Singh-Ray cannot predict when vignetting may occur - especially with very wide angle lenses. To avoid vignetting, adjust your focal length, position, and/or composition to remove the vignetting - use your digital camera's display for reference.
- Front ring can accept a Mor-Slo 5-stop Solid ND Filter or a Cokin holder for ND Grad Filters 1
- Front Min/Max density ring lets you adjust density from 2-2/3 to 8 f/stops
Neutral Density Filters Have Four Main Uses
- To enable slow shutter speeds to be used, especially with high speed films, 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 situation
- 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
Neutral Density Factors
- ND.3 (exposure adjustment = 1 stop)
- ND.6 (exposure adjustment = 2 stops)
- ND.9 (exposure adjustment = 3 stops)
| Type | Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter |
| Size |
77mm (Thin Mount) Thickness: 10.5mm |
| Grade | Variable from 2-2/3 to 8 f/stops |
| Filter Factor | Depends on the position of the rotating ring |
| Multi-Coated | No |
| Rotating | Yes |
| Effect | Neutral density |
| Application | Outdoor, nature and scenic photography |
| Color Temperature | Not Applicable |
| Construction | Glass |
| Front Filter Thread Size | Not Applicable |
| Front Lens Cap Size | Push-On Lens Cap (B&H #KALC80) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 41 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
95%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (32)
- Strong construction (21)
- Clear optics (19)
- Firm mount (17)
- Compact (3)
Cons
- Price (4)
- Pricey / poor value (4)
Best Uses
- Image manipulation (12)
- Shooting outdoors (6)
- Color correction (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (11), Photo enthusiast (10), Pro photographer (6)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (33)
Most Liked Positive Review
Great Filter
The Singh-Ray Vari-ND Filter is a must have for those wishing to photograph water to get that smooth-flow effect. This filter gives you a choice of 2 to 8 stops, and allows you to ...Read complete review
The Singh-Ray Vari-ND Filter is a must have for those wishing to photograph water to get that smooth-flow effect. This filter gives you a choice of 2 to 8 stops, and allows you to get those 1+ second exposures when you can't drop your ISO any lower or stop your lens down to obtain the image you are trying to create. Just dial in the amount of density to suit your shutter speed or create your effect. Easy. Leave it set at 2 to focus, and dial in more if you need it. This filter is also made with a warming filter attached, so if you like that effect as well... If you only want to buy 1 ND filter, this one covers them all. Why carry 3 or 4 ND filters when you can do it with one? Granted, buying one of the others may be less expensive, but then you are confined to that single grade of neutral density. It also works awesome on those blurred ocean effects at sunset.
The only downsides to this filter are: (1) - slight vignetting at wide angles, depending on your lens. I am using it with a 24-70 f2.8 Nikkor, and the vignetting is noticeable until about 28mm. The 17-35 would experience the same thing, even with the thin mount (the one I own). I adjust my composition to account for the vignetting, and crop it out. And (2) - your factory Nikon lens cap won't work with the thin mount. If you plan on keeping this filter on your lens, I would recommend buying the slip on lens cap they offer. There are no threads on the front either, but that is not an issue for me, as I never stack filters.
Bottom line - This is not a cheap accessory, but I would recommend it as a vital part of your gear if you like blurred water effects, or need to get longer exposures. If something bad happened to mine today, I'd get another tomorrow, no question. Like most quality pieces of gear, it may cost you, but it is worth it. If you need or use ND filters, this is the one to have in your bag! (emphasis on 1! )
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Works, Vignetting can be bad
I have the thin mount, the product appears built with good quality. It's easy to use. However, on a full frame sensor at 24mm, the vignetting is quite bad. Need better measurements ...Read complete review
I have the thin mount, the product appears built with good quality. It's easy to use. However, on a full frame sensor at 24mm, the vignetting is quite bad. Need better measurements to determine exactly what focal length I can use, 35mm initially appeared fine. But this means I still need to buy another ND filter for wide angle shots.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 41 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
This allows me to use large apertures when using flash outdoors. I also use it to slow down the movement of water to get that silky dreamy look. I wish it was calibrated though, that would make it a bit easier to use.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Lets me slow down the shutter to get those nice running water shots! Also great for video so you can shoot wide open. Great!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Picture Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Great filter to have as you don't need to switch out filters and potentially miss shots when doing outdoor action photography.
Price point is higher than other variable NDs but you do get what you pay for in terms of quality and build. This is a definite must have for my camera kit and I never leave without it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
I'm using this filter on my canon 7D with the 24-70 2.8 lens. I mainly shoot video. I'm loving it! I had the light craft workshop variable nd filter but it seemed to make the focus very soft. So I decided to upgrade to this Singh-Ray, and it's perfect!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Build
- Easy To Use
- Quality
Cons
- Price
Best Uses
- Filming
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
I love how I can change the amount of light coming in on the fly. i dont need to be carrying a bunch of nd filters. Really awesome for video if you want that cinematic look. For that cinematic look, set your camera to shoot 24fps and your shutter to 1/48 or 1/50.....from there its just a matter of how wide you want the aperture to be and you can control the exposure with this product. Also quality is great......it doesn't soften the pics or video. I have a cropped sensor and it stops vinetting on my 10-22mm at around 13mm. If you got the money, I do recommend this awesome product
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
There are less expensive ones on the market, but you get what you pay for. High quality, works as advertised
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
I tried cheaper ND filters that seem great until you actually use them. The biggest problem that I had using a similar product was that I could not get an in-focus image no matter what. Since purchasing the Singh-Ray, I have used it on Canon 24mm, 50, 85, and 70-200, and everything works perfectly with no perceptible loss in image quality.
I use the filter exclusively for allowing me to shoot in bright sunlight at a shutter speed that is within the max sync speed of my camera and flash. I haven't tried it for landscape work so can not comment on colour shifts, etc...
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Convenience
- Optical quality
Cons
- Vignetting
Best Uses
- Motion effects outdoors
- Shooting Outdoors
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
I use this product to facilitate motion effects on bright days. Using a nikon full frame camera (D700), I found vignetting somewhere below 35mm, and it seems I was able to get to close to 24mm.
The product is incredibly convenient, allowing you to achieve the shutter speed you want at a given aperture. To get the high end of the range of f-stops this product offers you would have to stack filters, which would inevitably lead to vignetting, so I don't view vignetting at wide angles a giant negative, just something to be aware of.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Great filter. I use this filter for seascapes when I don't want to use a circular polarizer. Being able to control the stops really let's me get the type of motion blur I'm after. If you're planning to shoot streams or waterfalls consider the vari-duo, which has a built in circ polarizer to control glare.
I marked it as pricey, but the quality and ease of use makes it well worth it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Just got this filter and wish I had it a long time ago. Very versital, does the work of several ND filters at once without the hassle of using multiple filters and keeping all those extra surfaces clean.
Great quality and color.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Image quality untouched
Cons
- Expensive
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
DSLR gave the power of Depth of field to video enthusiasts. To get the Depth of field, you must shoot with aperture wide open.
In day light, that implies that too much light comes to the camera. So you would increase the shutter speed to reduce the light. But it produces a jerky effect in videos. That's why this filter is needed.
Keep the aperture wide open and the low shutter speed, and reduce the light income with this filter.
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
I have used the filter several times so far and after a little getting use to it, am very pleased with the results. The only negative is that max ND, the light meter stops working (not enough light) so I switched to manual exposure and everything was OK.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- One filter instead of 5
- Strong Construction
Cons
- high price
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Great for allowing a photographer to shoot wide open in bright sunlight allowing for fill-flash sync.
Good also for long exposures to create soft flowing water.
TTL exposure is not accurate for some reason. Need to add about 2 stops.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Shutter speed reduction
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Do you want photos with the silky smooth moving water? This filter is the one to get! By reducing the exposure 8 stops, you can reduce the shutter speed from 500 to 1/4 second at any given f stop. This is a BIG plus with the high ISO's of the modern SLR's. The neutral density adds no color cast to your finished picture.
I bought the thin mount to prevent vignetting with wide angle lenses. If you don't need this feature, the regular mount is easier to turn and is also threaded so additional filters can be added to the front, if desired.
When using this filter you must be aware that at the 8 stop setting you won't be able to see much through your viewfinder. Focusing should be done prior to setting the filter. Also you'll need to review your histogram, to comfirm the exposure, because the markings on the filter are only approximations of the f stop reduction. Using manual exposure is recommended.
The filter seems expensive, but if you compare it with purchasing a similar 8 stop reduction it is a good value.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Inconsistent Effect
Best Uses
- Video
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Vignette under 37mm and under 28 you see filter in photos (and that is with thin one)
Has color shift and unwanted effects on anything over half of possible density.
Too expensive!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
nice to carry one filter to take care of neutral density needs! Great for HDR
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Price
Best Uses
- Slowing shutter speed
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Product does exactly what it says, and without loss of quality. Its easy to use and vignetting really isn't that big of a problem. If you don't mind the price, I would highly recommend it
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Too expensive
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
works as it is suppose to without any added color. marks on filter for reference but not for actually ND level. very well built and no vignetting on 24-70L or 70-200L. anything wider than a 24mm has vignetting without a filter on full frame so it will be same with filter. price is very expensive yet you are paying for convience and singh-ray quality. i was thinking of getting a tiffen ND set from .3 to 6 which would have cost near $500 and have 7 seperate filters. use it with the singh-ray 5 stop filter for a total of 13 ND stops. gets the 30 sec+ exposure i really wanted. $640 for both filters is really too much just for the effects. in perspective that is good quality lense purchase. i recommend it 100% but only after you have purchased everything else you really need.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
- You want the best buy it
Cons
- None
Best Uses
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Works perfectly
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Price
Best Uses
Comments about Singh-Ray 77mm (Thin Mount) Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter:
Thsi is a great tool if you shoot in a variety of.challenging conditions. I love shooting waterfalls, and this filter gives great flexibility to completely control the shutter speed reguardless of the light conditions.
Filter is well made, not cheap but you get what ypu pay for.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Filter pouch
- Price: $9.95
- GBP 6.29
Care & Cleaning
- Price: $4.99
- GBP 3.15
What's in the Box
- Storage Case
- Warranted Against Manufacturer's Defects for 90-Days
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