Hoya

Hoya Y5ND4049 49mm HMC NDX4 Neutral Density Filter

4.8 (95 reviews)

Smooth out waterfalls and tame harsh daylight with this 2-stop ND filter built for sharp, flare-free long exposures.

$30.90*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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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 HMC NDX4 is the kind of filter that earns a permanent spot in a landscape shooter's bag. Whether you're standing at the base of a waterfall trying to render silky motion in the cascade, or working a sunlit street scene where you need to open up to f/2 without blowing highlights, this 2-stop neutral density filter gives you the exposure headroom to make it happen. It pairs naturally with mirrorless and DSLR kits using 49mm-threaded lenses, fitting compactly onto smaller primes and standard zooms without adding bulk or throwing off the balance of a lightweight rig.

Hoya's HMC (Hoya Multi-Coating) is applied to both surfaces of the optical glass, and in practice it delivers clean, high-contrast results with minimal flare — even when you're composing with the sun grazing the edge of the frame. The low-profile aluminum ring threads on smoothly and sits flush enough that lens caps still seat properly, a small detail that matters when you're swapping filters quickly on location. It's a straightforward, well-executed tool: no color cast to correct in post, no soft corners to crop out, just reliable light reduction that lets you stay creative when conditions get bright.

Key Features

ANTI-REFLECTION MULTI-COATING – Prevents glare, ghosting, and reflections for superior image clarity. The Hoya 49mm HMC NDX4 neutral density filter features advanced multi-coated glass, ensuring sharp, high-contrast images. Perfect for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, this ND filter enhances landscape photography, video production, and controlled exposure in bright conditions.

ACHIEVE SMOOTH MOTION BLUR IN BRIGHT LIGHT – This neutral density filter enables precise shutter speed control, allowing for stunning motion blur effects in waterfalls, clouds, and moving water. Ideal for photographers shooting in bright environments with a lens that accepts 49mm filters. Works seamlessly with DSLR and mirrorless setups.

2-STOP LIGHT REDUCTION FOR PRECISE EXPOSURE CONTROL – The NDX4 camera lens filter reduces light by 2 stops, preventing overexposure while maintaining natural brightness and color balance. Ideal for shooting in direct sunlight, at the beach, or in snowy landscapes, it enhances image quality without affecting sharpness.

PREMIUM SCREW-IN DESIGN FOR A SECURE FIT – The 49mm screw-in ND filter ensures a secure and hassle-free attachment to your lens, filtering unwanted movement. Designed for professional and amateur photographers using 49mm filters. Hoya's camera lens filters enhance creative exposure control for DSLR and mirrorless cameras.

LOW-PROFILE ALUMINUM FRAME - Designed for durability and precision, the low-profile aluminum frame of our Hoya camera lens neutral density filter minimizes vignetting, making it perfect for wide-angle shots. With an integrated front thread, easily stack filters for creative effects without compromising image quality.

Specifications

Brand
Hoya
Model
Y5ND4049
Filter Size
49mm
Filter Type
Neutral Density (NDX4)
Light Reduction
2 Stops
Coating
HMC (Hoya Multi-Coating)
Frame Material
Low-Profile Aluminum
Mount Type
Screw-In
Front Filter Thread
Yes

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • HMC multi-coating effectively cuts ghosting and flare when shooting into bright skies or reflective surfaces
  • Low-profile aluminum frame keeps vignetting minimal even on moderate wide-angle lenses
  • Two-stop reduction is the right density for everyday bright-light shooting without making the viewfinder too dark to compose
  • Front filter thread allows stacking with polarizers for layered creative control in the field
  • Lightweight and thin enough to stay on the lens as a near-permanent addition without affecting cap fitment

👎 Cons

  • Two stops may not be enough reduction for extremely bright midday scenes where you want multi-second exposures
  • 49mm thread size limits use to smaller-diameter lenses unless you pair it with step-up rings
  • No included case or pouch, so you will need your own filter wallet to protect the coating during transport
  • Standard HMC coating rather than Hoya's higher-tier HD nano coating, so scratch resistance is moderate

Frequently Asked Questions

Two stops. That's enough to drop your shutter speed from 1/500s to 1/125s in bright sunlight, giving you the latitude to introduce motion blur in water or clouds without overexposing.
Hoya's HMC multi-coating is designed to maintain neutral color balance. Most photographers report minimal to no color shift, though slight warmth can occasionally appear in very long exposures.
Yes. The low-profile aluminum frame includes a front thread for stacking. On wider focal lengths, watch for vignetting if you stack more than two filters.
This is a 49mm screw-in filter. Confirm your lens diameter by checking the "ø" symbol on your lens cap or barrel.
Absolutely. A 2-stop ND is a staple for videographers who need to maintain a 180-degree shutter angle in bright outdoor conditions while shooting wide open.