Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter
The 77mm ND Fader Filter from Genus is unique in the world of neutral density filters. Other companies make you buy individual ND filters to meet your needs (i.e. 1-stop, 2-stop, etc.). Genus provides one filter that generates 2-8 stops of neutral density depending on how it is rotated.
In addition, the filter is indexed so you know exactly how many stops of neutral density you are getting. It screws on like any other filter and with a mere twist of the convenient rotating handle on the filter ring, you dial in your filtration. No need to constantly change filters - as the light changes, just dial in another grade of filtration.
Neutral Density 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 appear gray and reduce the amount of light reaching the film.
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 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
| Type | ND Fader |
| Size | 77mm |
| Grade | Not Applicable |
| Filter Factor |
Depends on setting
1
Please Note:Filter factors vary as you rotate the filter close |
| Multi-Coated | Not Applicable |
| Rotating | Yes - handle on filter for easy use |
| Effect |
|
| Application | Outdoor, nature and landscape photography |
| Color Temperature | Not Applicable |
| Construction | Glass |
| Front Filter Thread Size | 86mm |
| Rear Thread | 77mm |
| Front Lens Cap Size | 82mm |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 71 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
92%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (54)
- Strong construction (52)
- Firm mount (41)
- Clear optics (40)
Cons
- Inconsistent effect (6)
Best Uses
- Image manipulation (37)
- Filter protection (7)
- Lens protection (6)
- Color correction (5)
- Exposure control (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Pro photographer (32), Semi-pro photographer (23), Photo enthusiast (10)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (57), Yes (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
You'll never buy individual NDs again...
I bought this to use primarily for video on the Canon 7D, specifically for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 so I could use the wider apertures for shallow DoF with brighter ambient light conditions/outdoors...Read complete review
I bought this to use primarily for video on the Canon 7D, specifically for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 so I could use the wider apertures for shallow DoF with brighter ambient light conditions/outdoors etc.
I shot with the 62mm version on the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 on a Friday and went back to buy the 77mm version for the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 that Sunday, which I also use for video.
These are very well built, seemingly more expensive than they actually are. If you're thinking about buying an individual higher quality ND filter(s), you're going to pay almost as much for that and maybe even more depending on the size.
One thing to keep in mind if you shoot video with primes and will need to switch lenses often on location, etc., the larger front diameter (vs. the mount diameter) of the fader eliminates vignetting with the thickness of the fader, etc. but that also means your lens cap won't fit on it. So spend another $1 on a larger lens cap when you pick this up. I found the 62mm-mount Genus front diameter accepts a 72mm cap (Sigma) and the 77mm-mount Genus accepts an 82mm cap.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Great idea but falls short for skies
I was looking for a all in one budget ND filter, saving me both having to buy multiple strength NDs and also having to switch while shooting video on the run. This gets me ...Read complete review
I was looking for a all in one budget ND filter, saving me both having to buy multiple strength NDs and also having to switch while shooting video on the run. This gets me half way there, it works well in some instances and doesn't in others.
In a shot that is visually full without much sky it is perfect, it allows you to keep a consistent shallow depth of field in bright sun. The mechanism is smooth and will practice it's easy to feather it on the fly ( the lever helps, just take it off for travel). What I like it that it turns silently, much more so than the camera's clicking when adjusting the aperture. I shot a run-n-gun travel pilot over 6 days and it was great for the constantly changing settings from outside sun to shade.
Where it fell short was with skies. The filter, or at least mine, has a definite centre bias and it's in the shape of an upside down "V" or triangle. It shows up on wide shots of skies or elsewhere if you know to look for it. It is obviously quite darker with some shift at the side thirds. It is also too thick for anything wider than about 28mm. I frequently used a Canon 24-70 on my shoot and had to back off from the 24 end or the filter showed at the edges.
I'm curious to see if the other brands do this as well
Pros: Budget friendly and very good for fast on the fly adjustments when you just can't shut everything down to swap filters
Cons: watch the 24 mm and for the shape the filter creates.
Buy the inexpensive 82 mm lens cap when your purchase.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 71 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
- Lens Protection
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
I have yet to have any negative issues with this filter. I use it on my 5d when I'm shooting video outside on sunny days. The filter has good build quality and rotates smoothly. I'm very happy with this purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slight color-shift
Best Uses
- Fast ND
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
This is a great VND filter for the price. Far superior quality to the highly regarded LCW ND Fader.
Overall construction: The filter is very well constructed. It feels very solid when turning the glass element, and the size makes it easier to attach/detach from your lens.
Color-shift: Most of you are probably wondering about the color-shift. Yes, there is a slight color-shift, but it is very subtle and is easily fixed in post.
Vignetting: The lens vignettes at very wide angles -- it is seen worst at 24mm and 28mm on my 5D2, but is not visible at 50mm or 70mm.
Overall, you can't beat its price, quality, or convenience.
Note: This is a 77mm mount with an 82mm front glass. You CANNOT attach an extra filter in front, nor can you attach a lens cap because there is no room on the outer front rim.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
Very handy ND filter. Some vignetting can occur, but if you are shooting on your own and want to be able to quickly vary how much ND you apply this is a great option.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
Gave this as a gift to my husband who requested a fader filter. He loves it and therefore I love it. I am not a photographer so I can only gage this review from his reactions. His reactions were all positive.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
This is an amazing product giving me more flexibility in my photography!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Nice Idea thats all
Cons
- Taken photos are horrible
Best Uses
- Waterfalls
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
Quality of pictures with my Nikkor 70-200 VRII (+D700) is horrible. There is no option to get quality sharp photo. Maybe less then 50mm like others saying but I think that company selling this filter suppose to let us know that filter may not work well with 50mm plus lenses.
DO NOT BUY. I would return the product but I can't. I did my test 30 days after purchase date.
Selected 2 stars because it is great idea to use one filter with multiple F stops patent. Sorry for my broken english.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Exposure control
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
This is a high quality piece of equipment. Perfect for outdoor shooting with a very sensitive camera (like the Sony FS-100). Select the aperture that you want to shoot at then dial in the correct exposure with the Genus ND Fader Filter. Works great! As the lighting conditions change, simply make adjustments to the Genus Filter. No need to change your aperture. Highly recommend!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
I like the prices for as many stops that you get for using only one filter. [...] Affordable. Quality.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Resolution Drop
- Vignetting
Best Uses
- Exposure
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
Pretty good filter. Some resolution drop on lenses that are long focal lengths, some vignetting on wide angle lenses that are 24mm. Otherwise it does the job.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Slight vingette
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
This filter has transformed my run and gun style shooting in hot
countries! I can now get the look & feel I've been looking for. Clients are happy, which makes me happy!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Color Correction
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
First, the only reason I'm not giving this 5 stars is because it will not work with most lens hoods. It's not a design flaw, nor should it be expected that it will work, but its just a heads up.For the price, you can't beat it. I haven't noticed any loss in quality. Some people claim it softens the image a bit. Heres my take on that: ITS A [$]ish FILTER. As with almost any filter, it may degrade the quality a bit. (if you wanted the best quality glass, you'll have to look at at $400+ filter...different price range = different quality). Again, I have not really noticed any loss in quality, im just repeating what some have said.If you're thinking about buying separate ND filters, this is a much cheaper way to get ND's in multiple stops.BUY A LARGER FILTER THAN YOUR LARGEST LENS!!!!!!!If all of your lenses are 72mm, BUY THE 77. By going up one size (and ultimately using a step-down filter for small lenses) you're saving $$. Think about it: if you have a 72mm lens and buy a 72mm fader, what happens when you buy that 77mm lens? OR, if you have a 77mm filter, what happens when you buy a 82mm lens? Just keep that in mind.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Exposure control
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
I use this filter to be able to keep the f-stops as low as possible for minimum depth of field. I use step-up rings so that I can use this filter on all my lenses.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Outside diameter too big
Best Uses
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
I'm using this filter for video shooting with my 60D.
It doesn't vignette with the Canon 10-22 EF-S, but it's large outside diameter means that none of the Canon lens shades fit over it for the 10-22, 24-70, and 70-200 which are the lenses I commonly use. If I have to use a mattebox to properly shade my lens from flares, then I may as well use regular ND's.
Build quality and filter elements are fine, but to me the design is fatally flawed.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
the good:
can adjust the ND to the needs of the image
price
the bad:
no manual, which is needed to avoid problems such as rotating beyond max
high profile so vignetting with 24 mm on 77mm lens
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
Overall I'm very happy with this filter. Performs exactly as expected and gives me a great range of ND filtering from a single filter.
My only complaint is that the 82mm Canon lens cap I purchased to go with this does not fit very well. It will stay on but it's not square and barely hanging on. Not a huge deal but something to be aware of.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Optics
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
It turns almost black, fantastic. Good for waterfalls or any other special effects.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Very soft images
Best Uses
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
None of the good things about this filter matter if you can't get a sharp image when this filter is on.
Tried dozens of times on a 85 1.2 and a 135 2.0 and I can ever get a sharp image with this filter on.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Inconsistent Effect
Best Uses
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
I've tried to Lightcraft workshop and now the Genus. Both suffer from the same problem. I did some serious pixel peeping and I concluded that both Vari-NDs only work on lenses 55mm or less. On my Canon 17-55mm it's still sharp, but shooting at 200mm on my Canon 70 to 200mm f2.8, it's very soft. So for the Genus, I would suggest using it only on 55mm or less lenses. I've heard from the Philip Bloom Blog that Heliopan makes an excellent Vari-ND filter with no loss of sharpnes, but it does cost 2x as much as the Genus. I might give that a try.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Firm Mount
- Strong Construction
Cons
- Inconsistent Effect
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
Good for trying out a ND filter, but filtration doesnt seem very even.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Quality Feel
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Image Manipulation
- Mid Day HDR
- UV Protection
Comments about Genus 77mm ND (Neutral Density) Fader Filter:
I love to play with HDR types of photo's and sometimes when traveling I only get one shot at a scene and that may be in the middle of the day. Now I can get even more creative and catch scenes that I would normally try to shoot early in the day or late in the day. This has turned into a nice addition to my bag. I like it's adjustable density. Good stuff.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
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- Original: $9.95
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- Price: $8.96
Care & Cleaning
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- Original: $4.99
- Save: $0.50
- Price: $4.49
Caps & Wrenches
- Price: $16.95
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