Helping to selectively reduce exposure in certain areas, while allowing for a normal, unaffected exposure in other regions, the 77 Formatt Hitech 77mm 4-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 1.2 density provides a 4 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.

1.2 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 1.2 filter for darkening skies and other bright areas of the image.

Provides a 4 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. Hello, will this ND filter setup work with a Leica R lens? if so, which ones? I have a 50mm f2 Summicron, & a 24mm Elmarit f2.8. I need an ND filter that will work with both of these. Thanks very much!Julian Wayser

A: There are many versions of the Leica 50mm f/2 Summicron-R lens. Early versions (1964-1976 black; 1964-1966 chrome) were a Series VI + 14160 (Series VI - E44 filter adapter) and later II models (1976-2009 black) are Internal thread for screw-in type filters E 55 size with a Built-in, telescopic hood. The 24mm f/2.8 Elmarit-R was a Series 8 and our records show some may have been an E60. 72mm to Series 7 Filter Adapter B&H # LEARS77282mm to Series 8 Filter Adapter B&H # LEARS88255mm NDs http://bhpho.to/1m7oEIA

Q: 2. What's the diameter of the lens cap to buy for the Heliopan 46mm variable ND filter? Trying not to remove the filter each time the camera is kept in the bag, thus a lens cap would be useful.

A: The filter can only be used with a push on lens cap. There are none that are specific for that filter. This one is very close but can at times slip off.

Q: 3. What's the actual filter weight (not package shipping weight) in grams. Looking for options for drone lens...?

A: Sorry, we do not have the actual weight on record and we cannot weigh it. I would subtract a few ounces to get at the weight you need to know.

Q: 4. Is it multi-coated on both sides?

A: Hoya coats their filters on both sides.

Q: 5. Will this filter fit a Leica Summilux 50mm F1.4 and would cause vignetting in the image wide open?

A: The Heliopan 46mm Variable Gray ND Filter will fit the Leica Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. Lens and will not vignette.

Q: 6. Will this work with Leica Q3?

A: Yes, the Heliopan 49mm Variable Gray ND Filter is compatible with the Leica Q3 camera.

Q: 7. Would this Heliopan Variable ND filter fit a sony lens?

A: Whether this filter would fit depends on which Sony lens you own.

Q: 8. Mine has developed a haze between the two filters. Is there a way to take it apart and clean it?

A: I have exactly the same issue, haze inside the filter. I live in Thailand and after contacting Heliopan there seems to be no support whatsoever outside USA. It's a hugely expensive filter that basically for me is unusable. I asked for instructions to open it but they gave me none. Many ppl have the same issue with this vnd but there is no solution anywhere if you live outside US. I saved a long time to get this and am hugely disappointed.

Q: 9. Can this filter be safely used as a solar filter to film the upcoming solar eclipse?

A: What if one uses live view?

Q: 10. Is this filter compatible with 16-50 mm lens (Sony a6000 kit lens)? Thank you.

A: Because the 16-50 would need a 40.5mm filter, to use this filter you would need a step-up ring.