Neutral Density Filter lee filters Big Stopper BS10100U2 10-stop light reduction

The Lee Filters Big Stopper is a neutral density filter that reduces incoming light by 10 stops, enabling much longer exposure times. It darkens the whole scene uniformly without altering colour balance, allowing photographers to use wider apertures or much slower shutter speeds than normally possible. The filter is intended for creative long-exposure effects such as smoothing water, blurring clouds, or creating ghost-like motion in moving subjects, and it fits the 100 mm Lee filter holder system.

Advantages

The 10-stop (3.0 density) reduction produces substantially extended exposures while maintaining neutral colour rendering. It lets you control depth of field and convey motion through deliberate blur, and it is compatible with other filters in the system for flexible creative control. Constructed for use with the Lee 100 mm holder, the filter is suitable for consistent results in bright conditions where exposure would otherwise be limited.

Suitable for

• Landscape and seascape long-exposure photography
• Blurring waterfalls, rivers and moving clouds
• Cityscapes where you want to blur people or traffic
• Architectural exterior shots requiring extended exposures

Key specifications

• Light reduction: 10 stops (3.0 density)
• Optical effect: neutral density — no colour cast
• Form factor: 100 mm system filter for slot-type holder
• Primary use: long-exposure and motion-blur control

How to use

Mount the filter in the Lee 100 mm filter holder and meter exposure without the filter to determine base settings. Apply the Big Stopper and recalculate exposure to account for the 10-stop reduction, then use a tripod and remote release or self-timer to avoid camera movement during the extended exposure. Adjust aperture to control depth of field and allow the shutter to remain open long enough to achieve the desired smoothing or motion blur.

Usage recommendations

Use with a sturdy tripod and mirror lock-up or remote release to eliminate camera shake. Compose and focus before fitting the filter if possible, and check for any required exposure compensation or stacking with other filters to avoid vignetting.