NiSi

NiSi 500172 82mm Swift Variable ND Filter: 1-5 Stops

4.5 (626 reviews)

A true-color variable ND filter with 1-5 stops of control, waterproof nano coating, and minimal color shift for precise exposure management.

$245.00*
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 NiSi 82mm Swift True Color ND-Vario (model 500172) is a variable neutral density filter engineered for photographers and videographers who need precise, on-the-fly exposure control without sacrificing color fidelity. Covering a 1-5 stop range (ND2 to ND32), it allows shooters to dial in the exact amount of light reduction needed—whether opening up a fast lens for shallow depth of field in bright conditions, achieving motion blur in video, or smoothing water and clouds in landscape photography. The True Color coating is the defining feature, actively counteracting the green or magenta color shifts that plague many variable ND filters, so images maintain natural white balance throughout the adjustment range.

Built from optical glass with a waterproof nano coating, the filter resists moisture, fingerprints, and dust, making it practical for outdoor and adverse-condition shooting. The 82mm thread size fits a wide range of professional lenses directly, and the filter's larger front thread is specifically designed to minimize vignetting when used with wide-angle focal lengths. Compatibility with the NiSi Swift System allows the filter to be quickly swapped or stacked with other Swift filters in the field, streamlining the workflow for creators who regularly work with multiple filtration setups.

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 82mm 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 VIGNETTING: The NiSi VND filter features a larger front filter thread (86mm) and a thin frame design to ensure no vignetting on ultra-wide or telephoto lenses. This camera lens filter design is ideal for photographers using focal lengths of 35mm and longer, providing edge-to-edge clarity without any shadowing or light fall-off. Perfect for wide-angle shots, this 82mm ND filter enhances your image quality by maintaining uniform brightness, making it a cool gift for photographer.

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 82mm ND filter was an essential camera accessory for photographers needing a rugged and reliable VND filter, an ideal photographer gift.

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.

SWIFT SYSTEM FOR EASY EXPANSION: This NiSi Variable ND filter is compatible with the NiSi Swift System, allowing for seamless expansion by adding an 82mm 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
500172
Filter Type
Variable ND (Neutral Density)
Stop Range
1-5 Stops (ND2-ND32)
Thread Size
82mm
Coating
Waterproof Nano Coating, True Color Coating
Material
Optical Glass
System Compatibility
NiSi Swift System

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • True Color coating preserves accurate white balance and minimizes color shift across the stop range
  • Waterproof nano coating repels moisture and simplifies field cleaning
  • 1-5 stop range covers the most commonly needed ND densities in a single filter
  • Optical glass construction delivers high clarity and sharpness
  • Larger front thread design helps reduce vignetting on wide-angle lenses

👎 Cons

  • 82mm thread size may require step-up rings for use on smaller-diameter lenses
  • 1-5 stop range does not extend to the 6-10 stop densities needed for extreme long exposures
  • Variable ND filters can produce an X-pattern artifact near maximum density on some focal lengths
  • Premium pricing compared to basic variable ND filters from budget brands

Frequently Asked Questions

It provides 1 to 5 stops of neutral density (ND2 to ND32), allowing flexible exposure control without swapping filters.
The NiSi True Color coating is specifically designed to minimize color cast, maintaining accurate colors across the full 1-5 stop range.
This is an 82mm filter. It attaches to lenses with an 82mm front filter thread.
Yes, it is designed to work with the NiSi Swift System, allowing quick attachment and removal alongside other Swift-compatible filters.
Yes, it features a waterproof nano coating that repels water and makes cleaning easier in the field.