Gray filter gel for fixtures that reduces light intensity without color shift. Available in stops from 0.3 to 1.8 ND.
Definition
Neutral Density (ND) Gels are colorless optical filters that uniformly absorb and reduce all wavelengths of light. They do not alter the color temperature of the light, only its intensity.
ND Series and Stop Values
The standard ND series:
| Filter | Density | Stop Values | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND 0.3 | 0.3 | 1 Stop | ~50% |
| ND 0.6 | 0.6 | 2 Stops | ~25% |
| ND 0.9 | 0.9 | 3 Stops | ~12.5% |
| ND 1.2 | 1.2 | 4 Stops | ~6% |
| ND 1.5 | 1.5 | 5 Stops | ~3% |
| ND 1.8 | 1.8 | 6 Stops | ~1.5% |
| ND 2.1 | 2.1 | 7 Stops | ~0.8% |
| ND 2.4 | 2.4 | 8 Stops | ~0.4% |
Practical Application
ND gels are indispensable for:
- Daylight Exposure Control: Using wider apertures without overexposure
- Motion Blur Control: Longer shutter speeds at high frame rates
- Sensor Protection: Reducing extreme brightness levels
- Dynamic Range Preservation: Retaining detail in highlights
- Creative Effects: Achieving longer motion blur in daylight
Technical Details
- Material: Polyester or synthetic resin
- Absorption: Uniform across all wavelengths
- Availability: In gel form and often as glass filters
- Storage: Protect from UV light
- Compatibility: Compatible with all standard systems
Practical Tips
Multiple ND filters can be combined. An ND 0.6 + ND 0.6 effectively results in 4 stops (ND 1.2).
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