Neutral density camera filter B+W 810 MASTER 86 mm, MRC

B+W 810 MASTER is an 86 mm neutral density (ND) camera filter with Multi Resistant Coating (MRC). It reduces incoming light by ten f-stops to enable much longer exposures or wider apertures without affecting colour neutrality, making motion blur and long-exposure effects—such as silky water or empty-looking streets—achievable. The filter is made from finely ground, polished optical glass and finished with a multi-layer thin-film coating that includes seven anti-reflective layers per side and an outer dirt- and water-repellent layer for easier cleaning and long-term protection. A stable tripod is essential when using the filter because exposures can reach up to about one minute.

Advantages

The filter provides uniform light attenuation across the visible spectrum for neutral colour rendition and high optical quality that does not impair the performance of a high-quality lens. Thin-film technology combines the neutral density effect with multi-layer anti-reflective coatings and a hydrophobic outer layer, resulting in reduced reflections, easier maintenance and reliable, repeatable long-exposure results. It is compatible with both analog and digital cameras and supplied as a single professional optical element.

Suitable for

• Landscape photography with long exposures
• Creating silky-smooth water effects and motion blur
• Urban scenes where moving people or cars should be diminished or removed
• Portraits that require wider apertures in brighter conditions
• Any photographic work needing ten-stop light reduction

When it may not be suitable

This ND filter is not intended for direct solar observation and must never be used to look at the sun. It transmits UV and IR radiation that can harm the eyes. For ordinary handheld shooting or short exposures where heavy light reduction is not required, a weaker ND or no filter may be more practical. Extremely long exposures require a stable tripod and careful exposure control to avoid motion blur from camera shake.

Key specifications

• Filter type: Neutral density (ND), approximately 10-stop reduction (ND800/NDx1000 class)
• Filter diameter: 86 mm
• Optical material: finely ground, polished special optical glass
• Coating: multi-layer thin-film with 7 anti-reflective layers per side plus hydrophobic outer layer
• Effect on colour: optically neutral across the visible spectrum
• Compatibility: suitable for analog and digital camera lenses with 86 mm filter thread

How to use

Mount the filter onto a lens with an 86 mm thread and secure the camera on a stable tripod. Switch the camera to manual exposure mode and use the Bulb (“B”) setting for exposure times longer than the camera’s maximum shutter speed. Select a low ISO (ASA) value and, if needed, a small aperture to control depth of field. Prefer Live View for composition and focus, cover the viewfinder during long exposures to prevent stray light, and shoot RAW for maximum editing flexibility. Use a remote release or camera app to trigger the shutter without touching the camera, and disable in-camera long-exposure noise reduction if you plan to stack or process multiple frames externally. The B+W ND Calculator app can help determine the correct exposure time when applying a ten-stop reduction.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure your lens has an 86 mm filter thread.
• Prepare a stable tripod for long exposures.
• Consider whether a 10-stop reduction matches your creative needs or if a lighter ND would be more appropriate.
• Plan for manual exposure control and accessories such as a remote release or camera app.

Usage recommendations

Use low ISO settings, manual exposure (Bulb mode for very long exposures), Live View for framing and focusing, and a remote release. Cover the viewfinder, clean the hydrophobic coating with appropriate lens cloths, and avoid using the filter for direct sun observation.