Neutral density camera filter B+W 106, 72 mm, black

The B+W 106 neutral density camera filter, 72 mm, black reduces incoming light by six f-stops (filter factor 64x) to enable significantly longer exposures or wider apertures without changing aperture settings. It is a single 72 mm threaded filter designed to fit lenses with a 72 mm front thread. By cutting light transmission, the filter allows photographers to produce motion blur in flowing water, smooth moving clouds, or to render moving people as soft or invisible elements in a composition. The filter also transmits slightly more red light beyond 660 nm, which can introduce a subtle warm cast to color images; this can be corrected by using an appropriate UV/IR-blocking filter placed in front of the neutral density filter if required.

Advantages

The B+W 106 neutral density filter provides a precise six-stop reduction in exposure, enabling controlled long-exposure photography without changing aperture settings. Its 72 mm screw thread makes it compatible with lenses that accept 72 mm filters. The strong light reduction (64x factor) simplifies capturing motion effects and managing depth of field in bright conditions while preserving image sharpness when used with proper support such as a tripod. The optical characteristics include a small increase in red transmission at wavelengths beyond 660 nm, which produces a mild warm tone in color shots; this effect can be neutralized by adding a UV/IR-blocking filter in front of the ND filter if color neutrality is required.

Suitable for

• Long-exposure landscape photography (waterfalls, rivers, seascapes)
• Creating motion blur in urban scenes (moving traffic, crowds)
• Controlling depth of field in bright light when using wide apertures
• Architectural and fine-art photography requiring extended shutter times

Key specifications

• Light reduction: 6 f-stops (filter factor 64x)
• Thread size: 72 mm
• Color/finish: black frame
• Effect on color: slightly increased red transmission beyond 660 nm (mild warm cast)
• Package: single filter (1 piece)

How to use

Screw the 72 mm filter into the front thread of a compatible lens until it is securely seated. Compose and focus the scene without the filter if necessary, then attach the filter and switch to manual focus to avoid hunting in long exposures. Because the filter reduces light by six stops, meter the scene with the filter in place or calculate the new shutter speed using the 6-stop adjustment (for example, 1/60 s → 1 s). Use a tripod or other stable support to prevent camera shake during long exposures and consider using a remote release or camera timer. If precise color neutrality is required, mount a UV/IR-blocking filter in front of the ND filter to reduce the slight warm shift from increased red transmission.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use the filter with a sturdy tripod and mirror lock-up or electronic front-curtain shutter where available. Meter with the filter attached or apply the six-stop compensation when setting exposure. If color neutrality is important, place a UV/IR-blocking filter in front of the ND filter rather than behind it to correct the mild warm cast. Avoid stacking multiple dense filters unless necessary, and protect the filter surface with a soft cloth and proper filter case when not in use.