Hoya

Hoya Y3VD072 72mm Variable Density ND Filter

4.4 (864 reviews)

Achieve Precise Exposure Control with Variable Density The Hoya 72mm Variable Density Filter offers versatile exposure control for both photography and videography. With an adjustable density range, this filter allows you to control light transmittance and achieve desired effects, such as blurrin...

$94.90*
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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

Achieve Precise Exposure Control with Variable Density

The Hoya 72mm Variable Density Filter offers versatile exposure control for both photography and videography. With an adjustable density range, this filter allows you to control light transmittance and achieve desired effects, such as blurring motion or controlling depth of field.

Specifications

  • Filter Size: 72mm
  • Filter Type: Variable Density
  • Filter Factor: NDx3-NDx400 (Approx. 1.5 to 8.5 stops light reduction)
  • Frame: Black Almite Frame with satin finish
  • Frame Type: Low Profile Frame
  • Material: Glass

Key Features

Rotating filter ring with scale indicating max. through min. settings

Provides 1.5 - 9 stop exposure reduction, equal to filter factor NDX3 - NDX400

Enables slow shutter speeds to be used

Allows greater control over depth of field

Does not affect colour balance or detail

Specifications

Filter Type
Variable Density ND Filter
Filter Diameter
72mm
Exposure Reduction
1.5 - 9 stops
Filter Factor
NDX3 - NDX400
Adjustment
Rotating filter ring with scale
Effect on Color Balance
Does not affect color balance
Effect on Detail
Does not affect detail

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Offers a wide range of exposure reduction, from 1.5 to 9 stops, providing significant control over shutter speed and aperture.
  • Features a rotating filter ring with a clear scale, allowing for precise adjustment of the variable density settings.
  • Enables the use of slower shutter speeds, which is ideal for creating motion blur effects in bright conditions.
  • Provides greater control over depth of field by allowing wider apertures even in bright light, achieving selective focus.
  • Designed to not affect the color balance or detail of images, ensuring natural and accurate photographic results.
  • The filter factor ranges from NDX3 to NDX400, offering versatility for different lighting situations.
  • Simplifies the photographic process by combining multiple ND filter strengths into one convenient unit.

👎 Cons

  • The rotating filter ring design inherently means potential for cross-polarization effects at extreme settings if not carefully aligned.
  • A 9-stop reduction might still be insufficient for extremely long exposure photography in very bright daylight.
  • Specific optical quality details, such as glass type or additional coatings beyond standard, are not explicitly provided.
  • The physical size of 72mm limits its direct use to lenses with a matching filter thread or requires step-up/step-down rings.
  • The "max. through min. settings" scale provides an indication, but precise f-stop numbers at specific rotation points are not individually marked.
  • Does not feature a hard stop at the minimum or maximum density, requiring careful attention to avoid the "X" pattern effect common in variable NDs.
  • The weight and thickness of the filter are not specified, which could be a factor when balancing lightweight lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

This filter provides a wide range of exposure reduction, from 1.5 to 9 stops, which is equivalent to filter factors from NDX3 to NDX400.
Yes, one of its key features is enabling slow shutter speeds to be used, which is beneficial for creating motion blur effects in bright lighting.
The Hoya Y3VD072 72mm Variable Density ND Filter is designed to not affect the color balance or detail of your photographs.
Yes, it features a rotating filter ring with a scale indicating the maximum through minimum settings, allowing for adjustable density.
Absolutely, it allows for greater control over depth of field by enabling you to use wider apertures even in bright lighting conditions.
This Hoya variable density ND filter has a diameter of 72mm, designed to fit lenses with a matching filter thread.
Yes, by offering a variable density range, it effectively replaces the need for carrying multiple individual fixed ND filters with different stop values.