Last updated at 12/05/2026 01:28:35
Hoya 52mm VND Variable Neutral Density ND3-400 Filter (Made in Japan)
Delivery between 14–20 May $14.55
Hoya 52mm Variable Neutral Density Filter by Onestop Digital
Free delivery between 18–22 May
Hoya 52mm ND Variable
Free delivery
originally posted on adorama.com
I waited a long time before ordering a variable ND filter. I've been meaning to do so for a while now, but all the reviews I read had some negative comments to make, either regarding image softness or funny color casts. It seemed like the only alternatives were either dirt-cheap copycats or super-expensive originals. But when Hoya finally released their own variable density filters at a reasonable price, I had to give it a try.Optically, this thing is amazing. It works nearly flawlessly. There's no added color cast or softness, everything just looks beautiful. I can slow my shutter speed with the lens wide open even in bright sunlight, and the results are fantastic. There's some minor visible crosshatch when the filter is at its absolute darkest, but that's a very ... MoreI waited a long time before ordering a variable ND filter. I've been meaning to do so for a while now, but all the reviews I read had some negative comments to make, either regarding image softness or funny color casts. It seemed like the only alternatives were either dirt-cheap copycats or super-expensive originals. But when Hoya finally released their own variable density filters at a reasonable price, I had to give it a try.Optically, this thing is amazing. It works nearly flawlessly. There's no added color cast or softness, everything just looks beautiful. I can slow my shutter speed with the lens wide open even in bright sunlight, and the results are fantastic. There's some minor visible crosshatch when the filter is at its absolute darkest, but that's a very minor issue which can be resolved by turning it ever so slightly lighter. We're talking a difference of less than half a stop here, so it's no great loss.My main reasons for docking a star come from handling. The filter is super easy to use and well marked, but it has NO front threads. That means I can't attach a hood to the front of it. The main reason I got this filter is to use it in sunlight, which is precisely when I want to attach a hood, but this filter won't let me. If you have a hood that clips on around the lens' filter threads, then this isn't an issue for you. But if you use hoods that attach to filter threads, then you're out of luck.Also, this filter isn't available in a 49mm size. The smallest available is 52mm. This annoys me greatly, since most of my favorite lenses have a 49mm filter thread. 52mm seems like such an arbitrary number to stop at... I'm almost tempted tp knock another star off just because of this limitation. But the optical performance impresses me enough to give it 4 stars despite the bizarre limitations.
originally posted on adorama.com
Purchased as a gift for my son. It adjusts smoothly from slightly darkened to totally opaque. A good way to begin working with ND filters without having to purchase a whole collection of filters.
originally posted on ebay.com
OK for smaller ND effects but as soon as you start to really dim the image the effect is very noticeably uneven. Vignetting startes early at the corners until you get a dark cross shape across the image. A note inside warns of this but the effect is noticeable too early on. So it's probbaly only usuably variable up to about nd 2-4. I'll keep this handy for desperate situations but I think a range of proper nd filters would be a better quality and probably a cheaper solution.
| General | |
| Product Type | Filter |
| Form Factor | Round |
| Filter Diameter | 52 mm |
| Filter |
Hoya 52mm VND Variable Neutral Density ND3-400 Filter (Made in Japan)
Delivery between 14–20 May $14.55
Hoya 52mm Variable Neutral Density Filter by Onestop Digital
Free delivery between 18–22 May
Hoya 52mm ND Variable
Free delivery
I waited a long time before ordering a variable ND filter. I've been meaning to do so for a while now, but all the reviews I read had some negative comments to make, either regarding image softness or funny color casts. It seemed like the only alternatives were either dirt-cheap copycats or super-expensive originals. But when Hoya finally released their own variable density filters at a reasonable price, I had to give it a try.Optically, this thing is amazing. It works nearly flawlessly. There's no added color cast or softness, everything just looks beautiful. I can slow my shutter speed with the lens wide open even in bright sunlight, and the results are fantastic. There's some minor visible crosshatch when the filter is at its absolute darkest, but that's a very ... MoreI waited a long time before ordering a variable ND filter. I've been meaning to do so for a while now, but all the reviews I read had some negative comments to make, either regarding image softness or funny color casts. It seemed like the only alternatives were either dirt-cheap copycats or super-expensive originals. But when Hoya finally released their own variable density filters at a reasonable price, I had to give it a try.Optically, this thing is amazing. It works nearly flawlessly. There's no added color cast or softness, everything just looks beautiful. I can slow my shutter speed with the lens wide open even in bright sunlight, and the results are fantastic. There's some minor visible crosshatch when the filter is at its absolute darkest, but that's a very minor issue which can be resolved by turning it ever so slightly lighter. We're talking a difference of less than half a stop here, so it's no great loss.My main reasons for docking a star come from handling. The filter is super easy to use and well marked, but it has NO front threads. That means I can't attach a hood to the front of it. The main reason I got this filter is to use it in sunlight, which is precisely when I want to attach a hood, but this filter won't let me. If you have a hood that clips on around the lens' filter threads, then this isn't an issue for you. But if you use hoods that attach to filter threads, then you're out of luck.Also, this filter isn't available in a 49mm size. The smallest available is 52mm. This annoys me greatly, since most of my favorite lenses have a 49mm filter thread. 52mm seems like such an arbitrary number to stop at... I'm almost tempted tp knock another star off just because of this limitation. But the optical performance impresses me enough to give it 4 stars despite the bizarre limitations.
Purchased as a gift for my son. It adjusts smoothly from slightly darkened to totally opaque. A good way to begin working with ND filters without having to purchase a whole collection of filters.
OK for smaller ND effects but as soon as you start to really dim the image the effect is very noticeably uneven. Vignetting startes early at the corners until you get a dark cross shape across the image. A note inside warns of this but the effect is noticeable too early on. So it's probbaly only usuably variable up to about nd 2-4. I'll keep this handy for desperate situations but I think a range of proper nd filters would be a better quality and probably a cheaper solution.
Only reason not 5 stars is lack of outer threads for cap. But I knew this before I bought. Now 2 weeks old. Looked at similar B&W filter with less max stops and more than 82mm outer threads, but price was double. Going to camera store today to see if I can get protective cap that will work. Adorama purchasing online and shipping was flawless - no rash of advertising emails and on time. Used outdoors and indoors with flash using Canon D6 w 24-70 lens.
It's probably the best option for the price.I tried before other brands which suffered from a color cast and impossible to deal with x pattern marks on at least one-third of the steps. This one has only problems where it has an x marked at the end, and the user manual advises about it. Probably there are better options, but not likely at that price point. I would recommend it.
Didn't want to buy a whole set of neutral density filters for the 82mm Tammy 24-70 (already have a full set of 77mm). I like the overall quality of Hoya filters, so I spent the extra to get this one.First, it gives me right at 10 stops of reduction without running into the dreaded "X" issue. Image quality is excellent, color seems a touch richer, VERY pleasant. ONLY down side I can find on this filter is that it lacks threads to attach a lens cap to. For street shooters like me, that is a major issue that Hoya needs to correct.How I use the variable filter:Rather than attach a density filter and adjust settings for exposure, I work a bit backwards- I set the camera to the desired settings, then turn the filter until the exposure meter shows a proper exposure. ... MoreDidn't want to buy a whole set of neutral density filters for the 82mm Tammy 24-70 (already have a full set of 77mm). I like the overall quality of Hoya filters, so I spent the extra to get this one.First, it gives me right at 10 stops of reduction without running into the dreaded "X" issue. Image quality is excellent, color seems a touch richer, VERY pleasant. ONLY down side I can find on this filter is that it lacks threads to attach a lens cap to. For street shooters like me, that is a major issue that Hoya needs to correct.How I use the variable filter:Rather than attach a density filter and adjust settings for exposure, I work a bit backwards- I set the camera to the desired settings, then turn the filter until the exposure meter shows a proper exposure. Not so easy to work with for long night exposures, but great for working in the sun. Just remember that the scale on the filter does NOT give particular measured settings, but rather simply indicates max and minimum filtration. The filter works on the cross-polarization principle, so progression of light reduction is not even -that's why the scale can't give particular settings like .3 or .9.
- Well made and easy to use. I'm not crazy about using the screw on "lever" to turn the outer ring, but it's not really needed either. The ring turns easily without the lever and is easier to store back in the container it comes in w/o fiddling around with and perhaps losing the small lever.
I live in the PNW, and we have amazing water falls here. I needed a good quality Variable ND filter. After a lot of searching I settled on the Hoya 82mm. I use it primarily on my Nikon 24-70mm lens. I like the overall quality of Hoya filters and feel its a good mid range purchase. 10 stops of reduction. Love the image quality.I see a lot of reviewers have an issue with no threads to attach a lens cap to. Since I use this filter for landscapes only, I usually take it off when done. It isn't much of a pain point, but I can see why it would bother some.
Filter doesn't seem to affect the sharpness. There's some color casting but can be easily corrected. It works fine on 24mm, no vignetting. I would suggest spending a couple of hours to test its behavior, things will be a lot easier. I am happy with the purchase and will keep the filter. There's one draw back that someone has already mentioned, there's nothing to hold the lense cap, perhaps to reduce the thickness of the filter.
Perfect. Love the variable feature that changes stops as the scene may requiem.
| General | |
| Product Type | Filter |
| Form Factor | Round |
| Filter Diameter | 52 mm |
| Filter |
Hoya 52mm Variable Density Filter
The Hoya Variable Density filter uses two polarizing layers to control the amount of light that passes through the filter and into the camera lens. At it's minimum effect the filter passes 1/3 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 1.5 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. At it maximum effect the filter passes just 1/400 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 9 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. After the filter is mounted on the lens, turning the filter ring between “Min” and “Max” can greatly control the amount of light entering the lens. With the Hoya Variable Density filter it is possible to shoot with fast lenses like a 50mm f/1.4 lens wide open at f/1.4 in full sun for a very shallow depth of field. Or, to slow down the shutter speed to where the shutter can be open for several seconds in full sunlight. This is enough to create artistic blurring shots of motion on water, cars, people or almost anything that moves. The creative possibilities are endless.
The Hoya Variable Density filter uses two polarizing layers to control the amount of light that passes through the filter and into the camera lens. At it's minimum effect the filter passes 1/3 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 1.5 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. At it maximum effect the filter passes just 1/400 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 9 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. After the filter is mounted on the lens, turning the filter ring between “Min” and “Max” can greatly control the amount of light entering the lens. With the Hoya Variable Density filter it is possible to shoot with fast lenses like a 50mm f/1.4 lens wide open at f/1.4 in full sun for a very shallow depth of field. Or, to slow down the shutter speed to where the shutter can be open for several seconds in full sunlight. This is enough to create artistic blurring shots of motion on water, cars, people or almost anything that moves. The creative possibilities are endless.
The Hoya Variable Density filter uses two polarizing layers to control the amount of light that passes through the filter and into the camera lens. At it's minimum effect the filter passes 1/3 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 1.5 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. At it maximum effect the filter passes just 1/400 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 9 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. After the filter is mounted on the lens, turning the filter ring between “Min” and “Max” can greatly control the amount of light entering the lens. With the Hoya Variable Density filter it is possible to shoot with fast lenses like a 50mm f/1.4 lens wide open at f/1.4 in full sun for a very shallow depth of field. Or, to slow down the shutter speed to where the shutter can be open for several seconds in full sunlight. This is enough to create artistic blurring shots of motion on water, cars, people or almost anything that moves. The creative possibilities are endless.
The Hoya Variable Density filter uses two polarizing layers to control the amount of light that passes through the filter and into the camera lens. At it's minimum effect the filter passes 1/3 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 1.5 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. At it maximum effect the filter passes just 1/400 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 9 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. After the filter is mounted on the lens, turning the filter ring between “Min” and “Max” can greatly control the amount of light entering the lens. With the Hoya Variable Density filter it is possible to shoot with fast lenses like a 50mm f/1.4 lens wide open at f/1.4 in full sun for a very shallow depth of field. Or, to slow down the shutter speed to where the shutter can be open for several seconds in full sunlight. This is enough to create artistic blurring shots of motion on water, cars, people or almost anything that moves. The creative possibilities are endless.
in 3 offers
The lowest price for Hoya 52mm Variable Density Filter right now is $90.00 at Photo-Shop-Studio, compared across 3 retailers.
The all-time low was $90.00 on 24 Apr 2026. That's the lowest price we've ever tracked — a great time to buy.
Prices last updated 12 May 2026.
