Hoya 72mm Neutral Density ND-400 X Filter — main product image

Hoya 72mm Neutral Density ND-400 X Filter

Hoya

Hoya 72mm Neutral Density ND-400 X Filter

Name: Hoya 72mm Neutral Density ND-400 X Filter
Brand: Hoya

★★★★★4.5 (480 reviews)

A 9-stop ND filter that opens the door to dramatic long exposures and ultra-shallow depth of field in bright light.

$70.53*

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Hoya 72mm ND-400 X is a high-density neutral density filter that blocks approximately 9 stops of light, making it a specialist tool for long-exposure photography. By dramatically reducing the light reaching the sensor, it allows shutter speeds of several seconds — or even minutes — in conditions that would otherwise demand fast exposures. This is the filter that produces the classic smooth-water and streaked-cloud effects in landscape photography, and it also enables cinematographers and videographers with fixed shutter speeds to shoot in bright environments without overexposure.

Constructed from optical glass with Hoya's multi-coating treatment, the ND-400 is engineered to maintain image clarity while minimising ghosting and internal reflections. The 72mm thread size suits a broad range of mid-to-pro-level lenses, and step-up rings can adapt it to smaller filter threads if needed. Because the filter is so dense, the recommended shooting method is to compose, focus, and meter before mounting the filter, then switch to manual focus and use bulb mode or a calculated exposure time. While it is not a do-everything ND filter — its 9-stop density is overkill for subtle adjustments — it excels in its intended role as a creative tool for extreme light control.

Key Features

To enable slow shutter speeds to be used, especially with fast films, to record movement in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds, cars, seas etc.

To decrease depth of field by allowing wider apertures to be used, which helps separate subjects from their background.

To decrease the effective ISO of high speed film (ie: above ISO400) and allow it to be used outdoors in blight situations.

To allow cine and video cameras (which have fixed shutter speeds) to film subjects such as snow, sand or other bright scenes which would normally cause over-exposure.

Specifications

Filter Size

72mm

Filter Type

Neutral Density (ND)

ND Rating

ND-400 X (9 Stop)

Coating

Multi-Coated

Material

Glass

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

9-stop light reduction enables multi-second exposures in broad daylight for silky water and cloud motion effects
Multi-coated optical glass maintains sharpness and reduces internal reflections
Standard 72mm thread fits a wide range of professional and enthusiast lenses
Allows use of wide-open apertures in bright conditions for extremely shallow depth of field
Solid glass construction is more scratch-resistant than resin-based ND alternatives

👎 Cons

9 stops of density is too strong for moderate ND work — not versatile as an only ND filter
Autofocus is effectively unusable with the filter attached, requiring manual pre-focus workflow
May introduce a slight colour cast at this density level, requiring post-processing correction
Fixed density with no variability — you cannot dial back to 3 or 6 stops without swapping filters

Frequently Asked Questions

How many stops of light does the ND-400 filter block?

The Hoya ND-400 X reduces incoming light by approximately 9 stops, allowing shutter speeds roughly 500 times slower than an unfiltered exposure in the same conditions.

Does this filter introduce a colour cast to images?

Hoya's multi-coating helps minimise colour shifts, though at 9 stops of density a slight warm or cool cast is common with extreme ND filters. Minor colour casts are easily corrected in post-processing or by setting a custom white balance.

Can I stack this filter with other filters like a circular polarizer?

Physically yes, since it uses standard 72mm threads. However, stacking at wide-angle focal lengths may introduce vignetting at the frame corners, so test your specific lens before committing to a stacked setup.

What is this filter made of?

The ND-400 is constructed from optical glass with multi-coated surfaces to reduce reflections and maintain image sharpness.

Is autofocus reliable with this filter attached?

At 9 stops of light reduction, most cameras will struggle to autofocus. The recommended workflow is to compose and focus before attaching the filter, then switch to manual focus to lock it in place.