Hoya

Hoya Y5ND4052 52mm Neutral Density NDX4 Filter

Name: Hoya Y5ND4052 52mm Neutral Density NDX4 Filter
Brand: Hoya
SKU: Y5ND4052

★★★★★4.8 (95 reviews)

A reliable 2-stop ND filter for silky water and controlled exposures in bright light, built with Hoya's trusted multi-coated glass

$33.90*

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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

The Hoya 52mm HMC NDX4 is a straightforward, well-built neutral density filter designed for photographers who need reliable 2-stop light reduction without optical compromise. Whether you are smoothing out a stream to a silky flow, opening up to a shallow depth of field for a portrait in bright afternoon light, or simply controlling exposure when your shutter speed has already maxed out, this filter provides consistent, predictable results. The fixed ND4 density means there is no guesswork or rotation to manage — thread it on, adjust your exposure by 2 stops, and shoot. For landscape, travel, and outdoor portrait photographers working with 52mm-threaded lenses, it is the kind of filter that stays in the bag permanently because it solves common exposure challenges quickly.

Hoya's HMC multi-coating is the defining feature that separates this from bargain ND filters. The anti-reflection treatment across multiple surfaces noticeably reduces ghosting and flare, keeping images punchy and contrasty even when shooting into challenging light. The optical glass itself delivers neutral color transmission — whites stay white, blues stay true, and skin tones remain natural without the color casts that cheaper alternatives introduce. The low-profile aluminum frame is slim enough to avoid vignetting on most wide-angle setups and includes a front thread for stacking a polarizer or UV filter. It is a simple, honest piece of glass that does exactly what it says, built to a quality standard that photographers have trusted from Hoya for decades.

Key Features

ANTI-REFLECTION MULTI-COATING – Prevents glare, ghosting, and reflections for superior image clarity. The Hoya 52mm 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 52mm 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 52mm screw-in ND filter ensures a secure and hassle-free attachment to your lens, filtering unwanted movement. Designed for professional and amateur photographers using 52mm 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

Filter Size

52mm

Filter Type

Neutral Density (Fixed)

Model

NDX4 (0.6 Density)

Light Reduction

2 f-stops

Coating

Hoya HMC (Hoya Multi-Coating)

Mount Type

Screw-In

Frame Material

Low-Profile Aluminum

Front Thread

Yes (Stackable)

Brand

Hoya

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

The HMC multi-coating delivers clean, high-contrast images with minimal ghosting, which is especially noticeable when shooting toward bright skies or reflective surfaces
The fixed 2-stop density provides consistent, predictable results with no color shift variability — what you dial in on your exposure is exactly what you get, shot after shot
The low-profile aluminum frame keeps vignetting to a minimum on wide-angle lenses and adds a front thread for stacking additional filters when needed
Hoya's optical glass maintains neutral color balance without the warm or magenta shifts that cheaper ND filters often introduce
The simple screw-in design attaches and removes quickly, making it practical to add or swap during fast-paced location shooting

👎 Cons

At only 2 stops of light reduction, this filter cannot achieve the dramatic multi-second long exposures that require 6-10 stop ND filters, limiting its use for extreme motion blur effects
The fixed density means you cannot adjust the strength — if you need more versatility, you will need to carry additional ND filters of different densities
The 52mm size is specific and common, but photographers with larger lens threads will need step-up rings, adding bulk and potential vignetting
The filter does not include a protective case or pouch, so you will want to store it in a filter wallet to prevent scratches during transport
Compared to higher-end Hoya lines like the Pro ND series, the HMC coating is effective but one tier below in terms of absolute flare resistance and edge-to-edge sharpness

Frequently Asked Questions

How many stops of light reduction does this filter provide, and what shooting scenarios does that cover?

The NDX4 provides exactly 2 stops of light reduction. This is ideal for slowing your shutter speed enough to blur moving water or clouds in moderately bright conditions, or for opening your aperture wider for shallow depth of field in sunlight without overexposing.

Does the multi-coating on this filter make a noticeable difference compared to uncoated ND filters?

Yes. Hoya's HMC (Hoya Multi-Coating) significantly reduces internal reflections, ghosting, and flare. When shooting toward bright light sources or in high-contrast scenes, the coated glass maintains contrast and clarity that uncoated filters visibly compromise.

Can I stack this filter with a polarizer or other filters without vignetting?

The low-profile aluminum frame is designed to minimize vignetting, and the integrated front thread allows stacking. On standard and moderate wide-angle lenses, stacking with one additional filter should be fine. On ultra-wide focal lengths, stacking two filters increases the risk of corner vignetting.

Is the 2-stop reduction enough for long-exposure photography?

For bright midday conditions where you want multi-second exposures, 2 stops alone is typically not enough — you would need a stronger ND (6-10 stops) for that. The NDX4 excels at moderate slowing: blurring a waterfall at 1/4 second, smoothing waves at half a second, or simply opening up your aperture in direct sun.

Will this filter fit any 52mm lens regardless of brand?

Yes. It uses a standard 52mm screw-in thread that fits any lens with a 52mm filter diameter, regardless of manufacturer — Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji, or any other brand.