Hoya

Hoya 0686 55mm Neutral Density ND400 9-Stop Filter

4.4 (494 reviews)

Control Light and Create Stunning EffectsThe Hoya 55mm Neutral Density ND-400 X Filter is an essential tool for photographers seeking to control light and achieve creative effects. This multi-coated filter reduces light by 9 stops, allowing for wider apertures and slower shutter speeds in bright ...

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Overview

Control Light and Create Stunning Effects

The Hoya 55mm Neutral Density ND-400 X Filter is an essential tool for photographers seeking to control light and achieve creative effects. This multi-coated filter reduces light by 9 stops, allowing for wider apertures and slower shutter speeds in bright conditions. Capture motion blur, shallow depth of field, and safe solar eclipse photography with this versatile filter.

Specifications

  • Brand: Hoya
  • Size: 55mm
  • Filter Type: Neutral Density (ND)
  • Density: ND-400 X (9 Stops)
  • Coating: Multi-Coated
  • Neutral Density Factor: 2.7 / 400 x
  • Exposure Adjustment: Approximately 9 Stops
  • ISO Reduction: 1/500

Key Features

Neutral Density Factor 2.7 / 400 x

Exposure Adjustment approximatly 9 Stops

Reduces ISO 1/500

Specifications

Filter Type
Neutral Density (ND)
Filter Size
55mm
Neutral Density Factor
2.7 / 400x
Exposure Adjustment
Approximately 9 Stops
ISO Reduction
1/500

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Reduces light intake by a significant 9 stops, allowing for longer exposure times in bright conditions.
  • Features a neutral density factor of 2.7 / 400x, providing substantial light reduction without color shifts.
  • Effectively reduces ISO by 1/500, enabling the use of fast films or wider apertures in bright sunlight.
  • Ideal for capturing movement in subjects like waterfalls or clouds, creating smooth, artistic blur effects.
  • Allows photographers to decrease depth of field by using wider apertures, separating subjects from their backgrounds.

👎 Cons

  • The extreme light reduction (9 stops) makes composing and focusing more challenging, potentially requiring a tripod and careful setup.
  • This filter is specifically a 55mm size, meaning it is only compatible with lenses that have a 55mm filter thread.
  • Reducing ISO by 1/500 implies a significant loss of light, which necessitates careful consideration of shutter speed to avoid underexposure.
  • Does not specify any multi-coating, which could potentially lead to increased flare or reflections compared to coated filters.
  • Primarily serves a niche purpose of extreme long exposure photography, making it less versatile for general shooting scenarios.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filter significantly reduces the amount of light entering the lens, approximately by 9 stops, which allows photographers to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright conditions.
The Hoya ND400 filter has a neutral density factor of 2.7 / 400x, indicating its substantial light-blocking capability without affecting color balance.
This filter helps to reduce the effective ISO by 1/500, which is beneficial when using high-speed film outdoors in bright situations or for achieving specific exposure effects.
A 9-stop ND filter like this one is excellent for creating motion blur in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds, or cars, transforming moving elements into silky smooth or streaky effects.
This Hoya filter has a 55mm thread size, making it compatible with lenses that also have a 55mm filter attachment diameter.