Helping to selectively reduce exposure in certain areas, while allowing for a normal, unaffected exposure in other regions, the 72 Formatt Hitech 72mm 5-Stop ND Filteris ideally suited to controlling bright skies without underexposing the foreground. The filter is densest at the edge and tapers to clear by the middle, with a soft-edged line of transition between the density and clear areas. The filter is mounted within a rotating frame, and allows for greater control over the orientation of the density to match certain subject types. Neutral density filters do not affect the coloration of the image and the 1.5 density provides a 5 stop reduction in light from entering the lens.

The design of this filter has been optimized for use with digital sensors and promote nearly flat attenuation of visible, UV, and infrared light. Due to imaging sensors' greater susceptibility to infrared light, compared to traditional film, color casts can occur when photographing darker subjects that require increased exposure times. This filter provides a high level of neutrality across all three spectrums in order to eliminate color casts and ensure cleaner, truer blacks.

Applied to the outside of the Schott Superwite glass construction is a 15-layer Firecrest multi-coating, which helps to minimize reflections and flare in order maintain truer colors and contrast. The multi-coating is also scratch-resistant and hydrophobic to benefit the overall durability of the filter. The filter is set within a 7.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring, which features front threads for stacking additional filters or attaching a lens cap.

1.5 Optical Density    15-Layer Coating on Outside of Filter    Schott Superwite Glass    Rotating and Stackable 7.5mm-Thick Ring    Reduce Exposure in Selective Areas    Soft-Edge Graduation    Neutral Results Across All Spectrums    Hydrophobic and Scratch-Resistant

Graduated ND 1.5 filter for darkening skies and other bright areas of the image.

Provides a 5 stop reduction in light in selective areas.

Soft-edge transition is ideal for circumstances there is not a distinct line of separation between the bright and dark zones of the image.

Rotating mount enables control over the orientation of the density for matching to specific subject shapes and compositions.

Attenuates infrared light, as well as visible and UV wavelengths, to maintain color neutrality and suppress color casts due to increased exposure lengths.

The 15-layer Firecrest coating has been applied directly to the outside of the filter glass by way of a vacuum-formed, hard-coated, electrolytic process. The multi-coating is water- and scratch-resistance for greater overall durability.

Schott Superwite glass promotes maintained image clarity and is set within a 7.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this filter be stacked with Hasselblad's CP filter of the same size? If so what impact would it have on IQ?

A: The Hasselblad Circular Polarizing (CPL) Filter (72mm) has front threading, so it could accept the Hasselblad ND8 Filter (72mm). However, it may cause some difficulty with regards to focusing and would reduce the exposure.

Q: 2. does this have a front thread to take the 82mm circ. polarizer included in some of the formatt hitech kits?

A: No

Q: 3. What size cap will fit this filter?

A: I contacted a technical Rep with Bower, and he tried it with both a standard type 52mm lens cap, and also the newer design many manufacturers are using with the center-pinch type and both fit without issue. I'm not sure what that comment in the customer reviews may have been experiencing but it will hold a standard 52mm lens cap.

Q: 4. Will this fit a 18-55mm nikon lens?

A: No, the Nikon 18-55mm is a 55mm lens filter.

Q: 5. Hi I have a canon 50mm 1.8 stm lens will this fit on it thankyou

A: No,canon filter size is 49mm.You should buy 49mm variable neutral density filter.

Q: 6. does it fit the panasonic 20-60 mm?

A: Yes this filter is compatible with the Panasonic Lumix S 20-60mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens.

Q: 7. is this filter compatible with Pentax 58mm lens?

A: I have used this filter with Canon lens. No problem. Also have mounted the filter in front of a HOYA uv filter. No problem. While I have not used it with any PENTAX lens, I would expect that there will be no problem since the mounting thread for 58mm is standard.

Q: 8. will this fit the DZOFilm Pictor 20 to 55mm T2.8 Super35 Parfocal Zoom Lens?

A: Yes Bower 86mm Variable Neutral Density Filter is compatible with that lens.

Q: 9. Do the stop markings on the filter equal to 1/3 stop?

A: Yes

Q: 10. What is outside diamater? I want to attach a screw in hood.

A: The outside diameter is 62mm.