Neutral density camera filter Hoya Variable Density 77mm, 77 mm thread, black

The Hoya Variable Density 77mm is a variable neutral density camera filter with a 77 mm thread and a black frame. It reduces the amount of light entering the lens without altering colour balance, allowing control over exposure and depth of field. By rotating the filter ring between the marked “Min” and “Max” positions you can vary light transmission from about 1/3 of the scene light (approximately 1.5 stops) up to about 1/400 of the scene light (approximately 9 stops).

Advantages

The filter provides continuously adjustable light reduction using two polarizing layers, enabling precise control of exposure and creative effects. It supports wide-open shooting with fast lenses in bright conditions and permits long exposures in daylight for motion blur effects. The 77 mm threaded mount ensures compatibility with lenses that accept 77 mm filters and the black frame minimizes stray reflections.

Suitable for

• Landscape photography with controlled exposure and motion blur
• Long-exposure shots in daylight (water, clouds, light trails)
• Portraits with very shallow depth of field using fast lenses
• Creative motion blur of moving subjects (cars, people)

Key specifications

• Filter type: Variable neutral density (VND)
• Thread size: 77 mm
• Light transmission range: ~1/3 to ~1/400 of scene light (≈1.5 to 9 stops)
• Frame colour: Black
• Operation: Rotating control ring between Min and Max positions

How to use

Mount the filter on a lens with a 77 mm filter thread. After mounting, rotate the filter ring between the “Min” and “Max” markings to set desired light reduction. Compose and meter the scene, then adjust aperture and shutter speed as needed to achieve the intended depth of field or motion blur. When using very high density settings, verify focus and exposure using live view or a test shot to account for reduced light reaching the autofocus and meter.

Usage recommendations

For best results, use the Hoya Variable Density filter with lenses that accept a 77 mm thread and avoid stacking multiple filters at extreme density settings to reduce the risk of vignetting and cross-polarization artifacts. When shooting long exposures in bright light, use a tripod and remote release or self-timer to prevent camera shake.