Exhibiting improved clarity, flatness, and reduced reflectivity, this 77mm Formatt Hitech Firecrest Ultra ND Filter 77mm 6-Stopfrom Formatt Hitech Firecrest Ultra ND Filter 77mm 6-Stopis a neutral density filter providing a 6-stop reduction in exposure. This 1.8 density creates a darkening of the entire image, allowing you to photograph with a wider aperture or longer shutter speed than normally required. By slowing your exposure time or increasing your aperture, you are able to control depth of field and convey movement more easily. Designed using inspiration from their cine Firecrest filters, these Ultra filters receive an additional lapping and polishing process during production to ensure lower reflectivity and improved clarity and sharpness.

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 multicoating, which helps to minimize reflections and flare in order to maintain truer colors and contrast. The multicoating is also scratch resistant and hydrophobic to benefit the overall durability of the filter. The filter is set within a 5.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring, which features front threads for stacking additional filters or attaching a lens cap.

This filter is designed specifically for photography applications. This filter is not suitable for direct solar viewing with the naked eye, including with optical viewfinders.

1.8 Optical Density    15-Layer Coating on Outside of Filter    SCHOTT Superwite Glass    SuperSlim 5.5mm-Thick, Stackable Ring    Hydrophobic and Scratch Resistant    Darkens Entire Image    Neutral Results Across All Spectrums    Secondary Lapping and Polishing Process

The Firecrest Ultra series filters exhibit greater clarity and have lower reflectivity than the original Firecrest filters. Borrowing from the range of Firecrest cine filters, the Ultra series filters undergo a secondary lapping and polishing process after the initial polishing and bonding stage. This additional step helps to ensure flatness and consistency for improved image quality.

ND 1.8 filter darkens the image, allowing you to photograph with a longer shutter speed or wider aperture than normally required.

Providing a 6-stop exposure reduction, this filter allows you to control depth of field and convey movement more easily.

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 multicoating is water and scratch resistance for greater overall durability.

SCHOTT Superwite glass promotes maintained image clarity and is set within a 5.5mm-thick SuperSlim aluminum filter ring.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. hi half the comments say it does X half don't - so which is it ? Yes or No ??

A: Typically most variable nd filters have an x effect and or a color bias when used at the full nd setting. As a rule of thumb, you should stop short of the max and maybe go to about 2 stops lower than the max of the filter. For example if a variable nd filter goes to 10 stops, it would be advisable to shot at 8 stops or below.

Q: 2. Will the image of the sun be white or orange?

A: The sun will appear orange with the Haida NanoPro Solar Neutral Density Filter (77mm, 20-Stop).

Q: 3. I have Nikon 16-35mm len. I heard someone indicated that this len may cause flare. Can I attach my 77mm len hood to my wide-angle len first and then attach this ND len on the wide-angle len???

A: Not really. The Eclipse should be attached to the Wide Angle lens and then attach the Fader Hood. The hood should reduce the chance of flare.

Q: 4. Does this have hard stops?

A: Hello Michael, The Variable ND Filter does not have hard stops. The nature of this type of filter will not have incremental hard stops, and the MIN and MAX marks on the rings are used as a guide.

Q: 5. I bought the 16.5 stop version. Haida page says ok for solar photos. I will use live view Why does Lawrence say it is not ok?

A: The Haida NanoPro ND5.0 Filter (95mm, 16.5 Stop) is safe for solar photos.

Q: 6. Is the thumb screw removable for use w/ a lens hood?

A: According to the manufacturer, the thumb screw on the the SmallRig 77mm MRC Variable ND Filter can be removed. However, SmallRig recommends not to use this filter with a lens hood.

Q: 7. Does this ND fader have circular or linear polarizing?

A: Hello David, we have used Circular Polarisers inside the ND Fader.

Q: 8. Which stack caps or covers fit this filter for protection when not in use?

A: There are several caps for the SmallRig 77mm MRC Variable ND Filter on the product page, under the "Accessories" tab: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1681507-REG/smallrig_3590_77mm_mrc_variable_nd.html/accessories

Q: 9. Do normal 77mm lens caps fit on this?

A: No you will need to purchase an 82mm cap.

Q: 10. Are there front threads on this filter for use with a lens hood? Also, does it work as a screw in filter on the SmallRig mini matte box? If so, are adapters needed?

A: Yes. The following filter does offer front end threads.