Hoya YPND050055 55mm Pro ND 500 Neutral Density Filter

The Hoya Pro ND 500 in the 55mm size is a high-density neutral density filter that reduces light entering the lens by a full 9 stops. This level of light reduction is specifically designed for photographers and videographers who want to achieve ultra-long exposures or maintain wide-open apertures in bright conditions that would otherwise overexpose the image. Common creative applications include smoothing ocean waves into a misty surface, turning moving clouds into dramatic streaks, and eliminating pedestrians from busy street scenes through extended exposure times.

The defining technology behind this filter is Hoya's ACCU-ND coating, which evenly attenuates light across the entire visible spectrum. This is critical at the 9-stop level, where lesser filters often introduce significant magenta, blue, or brown color casts that are difficult to correct in post-processing. The low-profile aluminium ring keeps the filter slim to reduce vignetting, particularly important when used on standard and moderately wide-angle lenses. Because the filter blocks so much light, photographers should compose and focus before attaching it, then switch to manual focus and use a tripod for sharp results. For videographers, the ND 500 enables the use of a 180-degree shutter angle in bright outdoor conditions, maintaining natural-looking motion blur in footage.