Neutral Density Half-Frame Filter K&F ND8 52mm (Glass) KF01.1539

The Neutral Density Half-Frame Filter K&F ND8 52mm (Glass) KF01.1539 is a half-frame ND8 optical glass filter designed for lenses with a 52 mm filter thread. This grey graduated filter provides a three-stop reduction in light on one half of the image plane, allowing longer exposures or wider apertures in bright conditions without affecting the other half of the frame. The glass construction preserves image sharpness and colour neutrality while enabling controlled exposure transitions between bright and darker parts of the scene.

Advantages

The half-frame ND8 filter offers precise control over exposure balance by darkening only the upper (or lower, depending on orientation) portion of the frame, which helps retain detail in both highlights and shadows. Made from optical glass, the filter maintains resolution and colour fidelity while resisting scratches and minor surface wear. Its 52 mm screw thread ensures compatibility with a wide range of standard lenses and simple attachment and removal.

Suitable for

• Landscape photography with bright skies and darker foregrounds
• Seascapes and long-exposure shots to smooth water while preserving shoreline detail
• Outdoor portraiture where balanced exposure between sky and subject is needed
• Architectural exteriors with contrast between illuminated façades and shaded areas

Key specifications

• Filter type: Half-frame neutral density (graduated)
• Density: ND8 (3 stops light reduction on the dark half)
• Material: Optical glass
• Filter thread size: 52 mm
• Effect: Darkens half of the image plane for controlled exposure transitions

How to use

Screw the filter onto a lens with a 52 mm thread and orient the darker half to cover the brighter portion of the scene, typically the sky, to reduce highlights by three stops. For precise placement, compose the image and rotate the filter until the transition aligns with the horizon or desired boundary. Use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures as needed after mounting to achieve motion blur, longer exposure effects, or shallower depth of field while maintaining balanced exposure between bright and dark areas.

Usage recommendations

When shooting landscapes, mount the filter with care to ensure the gradient transition aligns with the horizon; consider using live view or a tripod for exact placement. Avoid stacking strong filters that could produce vignetting on wide-angle lenses. Clean the optical glass with a microfiber cloth and appropriate lens cleaner to preserve image quality.