Frequently asked questions about ND filters

What exactly does an ND filter do?

An ND filter reduces the amount of light reaching the camera sensor without affecting color or contrast. This allows you to use longer exposures or shoot with a wide aperture, even in bright daylight.

When should I use an ND filter?

ND filters are always used when you want to work with long exposure times, e.g.:

  • Blur water (rivers, lakes, sea)
  • Making cloud movements visible
  • Blurring crowds
  • Create light trails
  • Photographing with wide aperture in daylight

What ND filter strength do I need to start with?

To get started, we recommend three basic strengths:

Can you combine ND filters?

Yes, ND filters can be easily stacked to further increase light reduction. Our magnetic circular filter system is ideal for this, as the filters can be stacked quickly and precisely.

Do ND filters affect image quality?

A high-quality ND filter made of HD glass with multi-coating has virtually no impact on image quality. Our FILTERFOTOGRAF® ND filters offer:

  • ✅ Ultra HD optical glass
  • ✅ Double-sided AR (anti-reflection) and AF (anti-fouling) coating
  • ✅ Nano-coating for dirt and water-repellent surface
  • ✅ Ultra slim aluminum frame

How do I calculate the correct exposure time with an ND filter?

The exposure time increases depending on the ND level. It's easier to do this with an ND app or table. For example, a 1/125 second base exposure + ND1000 results in approximately 8 seconds.

Can I shoot with autofocus when the ND filter is on?

Autofocus can be problematic with very strong ND filters like the ND1000 . In this case, it's best to focus without the filter first, set the focus to manual, and then insert the filter.

What should I look for when buying an ND filter?

Always pay attention to:

  • ✅ HD glass (Ultra High Definition)
  • ✅ Double-sided AR/AF multi-coating
  • ✅ Nano-coating for protection and easy cleaning
  • ✅ Ultra slim frame for vignetting freedom

The FILTERFOTOGRAF® Magnetic ND filters in our shop offer you all of these features.