NiSi 500164 49mm True Color Variable ND Filter — main product image

NiSi 500164 49mm True Color Variable ND Filter

NiSi

NiSi 500164 49mm True Color Variable ND Filter

Name: NiSi 500164 49mm True Color Variable ND Filter
Brand: NiSi
SKU: 500164

★★★★★4.6 (328 reviews)

True color variable ND filter with 1-5 stops of light reduction, 20-layer nano coating, and zero vignetting down to 16mm.

$159.00*

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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 NiSi 49mm True Color ND-Vario filter addresses the most persistent complaints about variable neutral density filters: color shift, cross-pattern artifacts, and vignetting. Its exclusive True Color coating is engineered to maintain neutral, accurate hues across the entire 1-5 stop adjustment range, eliminating the warm yellow cast that many photographers have come to accept as a trade-off with variable NDs. The filter uses optical glass with up to 20 layers of multi-nano coating on both sides, providing robust protection against water, oil, dust, and fingerprints—practical advantages that keep the glass clean during outdoor shoots and extend the filter's working life.

Mechanically, the filter features a larger front thread diameter relative to its 49mm mount, which prevents vignetting on wide-angle lenses as short as 16mm. The matte black interior of the frame absorbs stray light, reducing internal reflections and flare. Smooth rotation of the outer ring moves between 1 and 5 stops of density without the "X" cross-pattern effect that plagues lesser variable NDs, making it equally well-suited for stills and video work where consistent exposure control is critical. For photographers already invested in or considering the NiSi ecosystem, this filter integrates with the Swift System, allowing additional 49mm Swift filters to be magnetically pressed onto the front for quick, thread-free stacking.

Key Features

EXCLUSIVE TRUE COLOR COATING: Experience the NiSi True Color Variable ND Filter with an exclusive true color coating that prevents unwanted yellow tint often seen in other ND filters. This 49mm ND filter offers neutral color rendering for accurate hues, avoiding the color distortion that many camera filters cause. This VND filter keeps colors natural across varied lighting conditions, an ideal addition to your camera accessories collection or as a cool gift for photographer

NO “X” EFFECT FOR SEAMLESS ROTATION: Our Nisi Vable ND filter provides 1-5 stoppers (ND0.3-ND1.5) for smooth, gradual light control without the "X" effect found in standard neutral density filters. Enjoy hassle-free light adjustments with precise control, making this camera lens filter perfect for wide-angle lenses and any situation where smooth gradation is key, whether you’re shooting stills or video with your camera lenses, an ideal photographer gift.

20-LAYER NANO COATING: Built with up to 20-layer multi-nano coating, this Nis True Color Variable ND filter ensures low reflections, water resistance, and oil resistance. The dustproof & waterproof nano coating on both sides protects against dust, smudges, and fingerprints, keeping your camera lens pristine even in challenging environments. This 49mm ND filter was an essential camera accessory for photographers needing a rugged and reliable VND filter.

NO VIGNETTING: Our Nisi Variable ND filter is designed with a larger front thread to eliminate vignetting to 16mm wide-angle lenses, this 49mm filter minimizes edge shadows and glare. The matte black frame interior absorbs stray light, making this an ideal camera lens filter for professionals seeking sharp, high-contrast images free from shadow distortion, even with wide-angle camera lenses, a must-have to your camera accessories and a cool gift for photographer.

SWIFT SYSTEM FOR EASY EXPANSION: This NiSi Variable ND filter is compatible with the NiSi Swift System, allowing for seamless expansion by adding a 49mm Swift lens filter (sold separately). Simply press additional camera filters onto the front for enhanced versatility and control over your shots. The Swift System makes it easier than ever to customize your camera lens filter setup for various lighting conditions and creative effects. This combo is a great gift for photographer.

Specifications

Brand

NiSi

Model

500164

Filter Size

49mm

Filter Type

Variable Neutral Density

Density Range

1-5 Stops (ND0.3–ND1.5)

Color Rendering

True Color Coating

Coating

20-Layer Multi-Nano (Both Sides)

Glass Material

Optical Glass

Vignetting

None (down to 16mm wide-angle)

System Compatibility

NiSi Swift System

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

True Color coating maintains neutral color accuracy without the yellow tint common in variable NDs
No "X" cross-pattern artifact across the full 1-5 stop range
20-layer nano coating provides water, oil, and dust resistance on both glass surfaces
Designed to eliminate vignetting on wide-angle lenses down to 16mm focal length
Compatible with NiSi Swift System for quick filter stacking

👎 Cons

1-5 stop range may not provide enough light reduction for extreme long exposures in bright conditions
Premium pricing compared to basic variable ND filters from other brands
Swift System expansion requires purchasing additional NiSi-specific filters sold separately
49mm thread size may require step-up rings for lenses with larger filter threads

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the stop range of this variable ND filter?

The NiSi True Color Variable ND provides 1 to 5 stops of light reduction (ND0.3 to ND1.5), adjustable by rotating the outer ring of the filter.

Does this filter produce the cross-pattern "X" effect at higher densities?

No. NiSi has engineered this variable ND to eliminate the "X" effect that commonly appears in other variable ND filters, ensuring clean results across the full stop range.

Will this filter cause color shift in my images?

The exclusive True Color coating is specifically designed to prevent the yellow or magenta color casts commonly associated with variable ND filters, delivering neutral and accurate color rendering.

Does this filter cause vignetting on wide-angle lenses?

The filter is designed with a larger front thread to prevent vignetting on lenses as wide as 16mm, and the matte black frame interior absorbs stray light to minimize flare.

What is the NiSi Swift System compatibility?

This filter is compatible with the NiSi Swift System, which allows you to press additional 49mm Swift filters onto the front of this filter for expanded creative control without threading.