Neutral Density Half-Filter K&F KF01.1542 62mm ND8 Gray Optical Glass

Neutral Density Half-Filter K&F KF01.1542 62mm ND8 Gray Optical Glass is a graduated neutral density filter that progressively reduces light transmission from one side to the other. Constructed from optical glass and sized for lenses with a 62 mm filter thread, this ND8 half-filter cuts incoming light by three stops in the shaded area while leaving the other half largely unaffected. The design enables balanced exposure between bright and dark portions of a scene, helping to retain highlight detail in high-contrast environments.

Advantages

The ND8 half-filter provides three-stop light reduction in the darkened portion without altering color balance, thanks to neutral-density optical glass. Its half-gradient layout allows simultaneous control of sky brightness and foreground exposure, avoiding blown highlights while maintaining correct exposure for lower parts of the image. The 62 mm mount fits lenses with the same thread size and the glass construction offers stable optical properties and scratch resistance compared with cheaper resin alternatives.

Suitable for

• Landscape photography with bright skies and darker foregrounds
• Long-exposure scenes where only part of the frame needs light reduction
• Outdoor portraiture when balancing subject and background exposure
• Seascapes and cityscapes with strong contrast between sky and ground

Key specifications

• Filter type: half neutral density (graduated ND)
• Density: ND8 (approximately 3 stops of light reduction in the darkened area)
• Material: optical glass
• Thread size: 62 mm
• Color: neutral gray gradient

How to use

Mount the filter onto any lens with a 62 mm front thread, orienting the transition between clear and dark areas to align with the horizon or the boundary between bright and dark parts of the scene. Compose and focus before securing the filter, then fine-tune the vertical position or rotate the filter—if using a holder-free circular half-filter—so the gradient sits where it balances exposure as required. Meter exposure for the primary subject or foreground and adjust shutter speed, aperture, or ISO to achieve the desired effect while accounting for the three-stop reduction in the shaded area.

Usage recommendations

Use this half-gradient ND8 when the scene has a distinct horizontal boundary between bright and dark regions; for scenes with irregular brightness transitions consider using a soft-edge graduated ND or neutral full ND. Clean the glass with a microfiber cloth and lens-safe solution, and store the filter in a protective case to avoid scratches and maintain optical performance.