10-Stop ND Filter Group Test: 16 different filters reviewed and compared

[@chakpuia]

This video is More useful than almost all Discovery's shows😂

[@janplexy]

like all of his.

[@frankfeng2701]

There should be a filter review database.

[@bennett4949]

Maybe the most useful and informative video I watched in the last months.

[@zoanyway]

There are a lot of ND reviews on KZbin, but this one sets the bar. High. Would love to see you review 6 stop filters, and a range of variables, despite your general distaste for them, VNDs are wildly popular for videography, where conditions can change so fast, and time is so tight, that the image differences are often outweighed by practical concerns.

[@sproesser1]

I own breakthrough technology X4 filters. I once dropped one in wet sand on the beach. I picked it up, and the glass surface was perfectly clean. The metal was covered in wet sand. They have a coating on the lens that repels water, I cannot believe how well it works. It is incredible technology.

[@SamSine]

What professionalism!! Your videos are wonderfully produced. Top notch review. Thank you so much!

[@zekepliskin6398]

What a bloody brilliant ND roundup. Most helpful. And as one videographer to another, that must have been a nightmare to edit, especially that end shot! Worth it though.

[@barry4619]

Thanks for your hard work on this review! A little over a year ago I replaced all of my B+W filters with Breakthrough X4 3, 6, 10 stop ND as well as CP filters (77mm and 82mm). I’m just an amateur but the difference is amazing. Was wondering if other manufacturers were catching up, now I know.

[@lamontgilliland9664]

Chris, the sincerity of your videos is most appreciated. They are direct and informative and your calm voice makes it a pleasure for the listener. Thank you : )

[@RaoBlackWellizedArman]

One of the best reviews I've ever seen. Excellent format where you can see see the summary very easily.

[@grat2010]

Thank you for including the clean ability! My Hoya filters (not Pro version) are also so annoying to clean.

[@ahmedrashed78]

How's the image quality of the hoya

[@runtime_engineer]

02:54 - Pig Iron Pro ND1000 (16/30) 03:51 - Neewer Slim ND1000 (15/30) 04:25 - K&F Concept 18-Layer ND1000 (16/30) 05:13 - Gobe ND1000 MRC 16-Layer (17/30) 06:04 - ZOMEi HD Ultra Slim Pro ND1000 (19/30) 06:41 - Tiffen aXent ND3.0 (12/30) 07:56 - B+W 110 F-Pro ND 3.0 MRC (21/30) 08:45 - Marumi DHG Super ND1000 (20/30) 09:41 - Irix Edge ND1000 (25/30) 10:36 - NiSi 67mm PRO Nano IRND 3.0 (20/30) 11:11 - Hoya ProND ND1000 (21/30) 12:14 - Formatt Hitech Firecrest Super Slim ND 3.0 (24/30) 13:15 - B+W XS-Pro 810 ND 3.0 MRC Nano (23/30) 13:54 - Breakthrough X4 MRC16 10-Stop ND (27/30) 15:09 - Polar Pro Cinema Series Quartzline ND1000 (27/30) 16:32 - Polaroid HD ND2-2000 Variable ND Filter (8/30)

[@christopherfrost]

Well done, but that was in the description

[@runtime_engineer]

@@christopherfrost I just added your ratings for each filter with timestep. By the way, thanks for the informative video. I'm going to buy fixed ND filter, which is part of a kit from Altura. Have you test/used their ND filter? I have two 52mm lens and one 58mm lens. A little researching and I found that people recommend buying the filters for larger lens (i.e., 58mm in my case). I'm planning to go that route, however, I was wondering how would lens hood for 58mm work on 52mm with step-up ring? Like, would that still work or defeat the purpose of lens hood?

[@christopherfrost]

@@runtime_engineer Oh, I didn't notice that bit. The lens hood probably won't fit properly - depends on the lens hood

[@gje2122a]

It is the most useful and informative video. I purchased the breakthrough ND filter based on your review. I am so pleased with the results. By the way, the breakthrough customer support is excellent. Thank you so much, Christopher.

[@X3lfl3X]

As per usual the best voice in camera and optics reviews on youtube supplying the tests, amazing to watch and listen to, as equally amazing and engaging as the rest of the filmography in the channel =)

[@davidnaylor83]

Wow! Thanks for your thorough testing! Super methodical and nicely presented. Never thought I would enjoy a 20 minute video about filters. Personally I'll probably go for the Irix Edge.

[@andrepaganotti3133]

Nice thorough review Crhis! I was amazed by the fact that very high end filter presented results similar to way cheaper filter. This kind of review helps a lot new photographers to choose the better gear, not the most popular or expensive.

[@richardreich8044]

Bravo! Thanks for the time and effort you put into this one.

[@OliverWolter]

this is just awesome and stands exemplatory as to how comparisons should be made

[@stephensaxon9121]

Informative and with a great delivery. So many presenters seem to need to SHOUT at you or wildly gesticulate in the manner of a childrens TV presenter. Not so here. Information packed and actually relaxing to watch.

[@StudioGalvan]

This is one of the 2 or 3 exceptional reviews concerning ND filters. 🤓 (That I have seen on YT)

[@ApertureApex]

I've actually been looking for a comprehensive comparison video like this for a long while. Thank you Christopher !

[@AjushiPhotography]

I have been obsessed with Breakthrough X4 filters for about the last 6 months - purchased two X2 filters and three X4 filters- I have to agree with you - the build quality and optical quality are all around fantastic! This is my go to brand now. Great job as always on the review!

[@christopherfrost]

Many of the filters in this video are just fantastic...but yes, there's just something about the Breakthrough design and build quality that just really really does it for me

[@FrederikHeringa]

Wow, thanks! Would be great if you could do a variable ND comparison some day too. Some important ones to compare: SLR Magic MkII, Aurora Aperture XND MkII, Heliopan, B&W, Tiffen, GenusTech, Singh-Ray and others. The first two of the ones I mentioned, haven't been tested out that much yet since they're more recent. From some research it seems like they might outshine some of the previously held to be best Vari's.

[@annonomowz4903]

I really appreciate you taking the time to do this Christoper. Thanks so much this was super helpful!

[@francescomanfredi]

A test of variable nd filters for us filmmakers would be a perfect follow up to this incredible comparison!

[@dumfux179]

I was expecting 16 affiliate links to the filters, and a couple more for the cleaning cloths, camera and lens. I gotta say I'm impressed that I didn't see any. Thank you for your (actually) unbiased review!

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks. I've been getting a lot of offers recently from a large number of different companies to do sponsored or promotional videos - some of them offer me quite a lot. But I resist the temptation, because I think that kind of thing shows contempt to your audience.

[@cyberbunny777]

Wish i had seen this video before i got the Polaroid variable ND filter. It blurred out my Samyang 135mm images significantly! Just glad the video confirms my findings!

[@chadaztig07]

16 filter with sample images, with rating scores on different metrics, and conclusion all in 19min video. ok I'm subscribing

[@NismoPhx]

Just that fact that you tested this many filters is amazing. Thank you very much! Your videos are always full of great info.

[@vladolaf2601]

This is the absolute best video about ND filter! Thank you a ton!

[@JamesClark1991]

This Chris. This is why you're the best camera equipment reviewer around and why I support you on Patreon. Absolutely perfect (P.S. I went with the Pig Iron because I'm a cheapskate).

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks so much for the support! It's really helpful for the channel.

[@Gio_EL]

BRAVO!! Bravo Bud! This is the most complete buying guide/review/comparison videos with all of the brands I could specifically want to compare and learn about. I was especially delighted that you included Zomei! I have a variable ND2-400 from them. They so have nicely faithful colors and neutrality. I do like the flaring and characteristic contrast when stacking fillets like a Zomei CPL and UV protector, and even the ND itself, wow the filters! xD For me, Zomei is the Best budget brand. Huh, it's quite FuNNy, I was afraid that my Zomei was actually bad without me realizing it, since from all of what I've read and watched, there are a lot of awful filters our there, even in the mid-range priced ones, even ones which cost several times more than the Zomei. I'm good that it's faithful, especially with what it can do for the price! : D They advertise that in the HD slim model, which I have, that it's made of Scott glass, is that possible for the price? Which I paid around $20 on AliExpress, would you believe so? Thanks Friend! Best! -Gio : )

[@christopherfrost]

Zomei do a number of different options - make sure you get the exact one you see in this video. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Gio_EL]

@@christopherfrost Thanks so much again for this very comprehensive review of so many filters!! I thought that I'd never see comparing filters like this! I thought that I'd have to compare two at a time via KZbin comparisons, well your really did Great Bud! Real Nice and smooth voice, by the way. How much do you charge for dialogue? Ha ha ha ha! After watching this, I know which filter to upgrade to after the Zomei; speaking of which, hey how did you come across the brand? (^^)

[@doros9.2]

It would be cool if you did a similar test with circular polarising filters, Chris! Until then, I wish you Merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@nickalmand]

Thanks for making this! Really helpful since I'm kind of new to ND filters as well. Didn't know there were so many considerations to keep in mind! I'm leaning toward the Breakthrough after watching this...seems like the best bang for the bucks.

[@chiefgoldlotus]

Many thanks!! Very thorough and I appreciate the attention to cleanability. Also had trouble finding a decent review of the Gobe filters that I "was" considering.

[@blueandyyb]

I use a 1000x ND filter from a brand called Progrey. In my test with a 5D Mark III, I found virtually no color cast nor contract/sharpness degrade, and the light reduction is accurate too.

[@alexandronunez100]

always always alwyas helpful. Maybe a 2021 redo would be nice but still this sets an awesome ground for people looking for ND filters. Thank you so much!

[@kevingullick1596]

Great review 👍, I've recently started useing an HAIDA 77mm 10 stop, quite impressed with it so far.

[@alecmarcantonio1489]

As a beginner photographer, this review was extremely helpful! Thank you for the wonderful insight into the 10 stop ND filter market!

[@alecmarcantonio1489]

I was actually leaning towards the Hoya Pro ND before I watched your video. After much consideration, I decided to go with the Irix Edge ND1000 because it seemed like the best bang for the buck for a new photographer, like me, who isn't trying to spend an arm and a leg, but still looking to get top shelf quality product and images.

[@christopherfrost]

Thanks! It's such a great video that Matt Granger ripped it off hehe

[@joaowesleywenceslau1955]

The best ND filter review ever!! Thank you

[@geoffreyhenson3098]

Coincidentally I have just watched a Matt Grainger test of ten stop filters and he also found the Breakthrough X4 the best against other ones available in the USA so it's obviously the one to go for. Thanks for putting this up.

[@christopherfrost]

My test video was the original :-)

[@benjaminbong]

You're the best in reviews Chris! Fantastic video

[@johannestan6878]

Thank you Chris for this comprehensive and helpful review. Am shopping for ND filters, and your video by far is the BEST!

[@Raised-on-Ramen]

This was exactly what I was looking for in a lens compare and review with examples!! Great work outta you and much appreciated!! Yours truly -On a budget. :-)

[@peter_shadow7559]

The best ND Filters Review. Thanks Christopher

[@JimBailey]

A big thank you on this video. I am so glad you did not test the Altura. I tried it out the other day and all the photos were yellow. Thanks again.

[@soma3]

I really appreciate the amount of time it must have taken to get all the content for this video. Awesome job!!

[@HS-fk6hb]

Great comparison Chris!!

[@gregskibeat]

Best info Ever, I feel confident to do the right choice after watching it.

[@rezaahmadi3738]

After couple hours watching different videos, this review was the best and I got my answer. Thanks 🙏

[@philmarsh5593]

Hugely useful, not done in techno babble. Many thanks!

[@ferguscooper]

Brilliant Christopher. Well done man. You are doing us a massive service here. Many thanks!

[@seoulrydr]

Thank you for confirming my choice of Breakthrough Photography's X4 and X6 ND/Polarizing filters. I am currently in the market for a 15-stop ND so maybe I'll give the Polar Pro a shot. Thanks again for a great review!

[@CaminoDidjeridu]

Again a great and very useful video. Thank you Chris!

[@kinchanyt]

This is the best ever video I have seen, most informative video. LIKE!

[@LukaszKlim-ge9xx]

I see that the winner in the quality/price category is Irix Edge 👍

[@lecolintube]

Loved the Welsh at the end! Thanks Chris!

[@simonwalter7142]

Thanks for yet another excellent review. Other opinions I've seen (as well as my own early cheapo experiences) support your general finding that you do indeed get what you pay for where ND (and ND grad) filters are concerned, though some makes are hideously expensive, giving the middlingly priced ones the edge where cost-benefit is concerned IMHO. I use a combination of 100x100 mm and 100x150 mm NiSi (filter holder and filters) and Formatt-Hitech (filters), neither of which are particularly cheap (especially NiSi) but produce good results without any noticeable colour cast.

[@BDRioga]

Breakthrough photography is my go to brand when it comes to ND filters. I own their 3, 6 and 10 stop filters.

[@explodingheavens]

It's so hard to get quality one, but it's great to know. Thinking about filter, I use just as a protection, I should find something of higher quality, so my stills are not ruined...

[@sergioserramusic]

Thank you Chris! :) This video was very helpful, I own various GOBE filters and I'm quite satisfied with them: I have the CPL, the ND1000 (both 2 Peak design) and an inexpensive ND2 (one peak design). I never bothered buying the 3 Peak because the quality of the 2 Peak was good enough for my lenses.I also ordered a Hoya HMC UV(c) filter and it was a pain to use: a bit less sharpness, seemed accurate with the colors but it was a pain to clean. I was using it to protect my 17-40 from the water in Iceland and it was really hard to keep it clean, so I'm returning it (thanks Amazon). Anyway, I'm now interested in a much darker filter, maybe an ND16, and I'll take a look at the IRIX filters, which seemed to me the best as far as quality/price.

[@adalbert1643]

Awesome and so useful! Is there a chance to do the same kind of video for variable NDs?

[@PK-ql5en]

Would love to see 15 stop nd filter comparison. This is where the quality of the glass really shows.

[@MrMrsDibbson]

This video is one of the best and most informative I’ve watched, great quality of content , doing it this well takes effort.

[@Kolomy24]

Feels like few of them actualy improved contrast(sharpness?) or whatever somehow 07:56 - B+W 110 F-Pro ND 3.0 MRC 09:41 - Irix Edge ND1000 12:14 - Formatt Hitech Firecrest Super Slim ND 3.0 13:54 - Breakthrough X4 MRC16 10-Stop ND 15:09 - Polar Pro Cinema Series Quartzline ND1000(better than previos one) Or maybe there is some issues with reference shot What was a great rewiew by the way,thanks alot

[@MrDazzathedude]

Awesome video and really useful, One of the best pleasing and detailed reviews I have seen, covering everything I wanted to know. Well Done and MANY THANKS!!! only problem was I am shopping for variable filter as I am new to the camera world "just 3 weeks old" I don't want to spend a fortune or carry around a bag full of filters as I don't know how or if i will use it. however I am easily convinced and happy to spend much more now if i feel its worth it, I hate having to purchase twice..

[@JRSLASH]

i have a formatt hitech firecrest 6 stop nd filter. love it! glad to see the 10 stop performs equally well. might consider, the B+W also scored well tho!

[@DalsPhotography]

Excellent video Chris! I truly appreciated it. It would be nice to make a small review on square filters too :) I used both of them, but I have an average medium budget. Interesting choice the Irix Filter! THank you for all the input, best wishes from Uruguay.

[@realdxb]

Thank you Christopher for your hard job.

[@vernier29]

Thank you for your time. This test is really useful. I assume at home if you mention a new test on filter it is not necessary welcome.... Ah, les joies de la photographie.

[@Sadiquecat]

Thank you sooo much for doing this. Best review / comparison ever !

[@jimboreaddabible777]

This was a complete information video. LOVE the included time stamp list!!!!! Thank you for the awesome video!

[@JeevesTCW]

Great video extremely comprehensive and useful thank you Christopher

[@Ermans8]

You nail all the video. Chapeau. And thank you!

[@shand1967]

Thanks Christopher, an excellent video. I am looking at investing in a 67mm ND filter for my Canon EF-S 10-18mm lens so this video is well timed.

[@bodkinsbestphotography]

I tired Amazon basics when I was first starting out. Only took a day to realize it was a mistake. I next grabbed a 77mm Hoya ND1000. I'm fairly happy with it, but having limited experience with other brands I didn't realize others were that much easier to clean. Hoya definitely has a big problem with smearing. Think I'll consider grabbing a Irix or Breakthrough next time.

[@melvinjohnson2074]

Great review and timing as I'm in the market for a quality ND filter. Thanks Chris!

[@catchlite5196]

Wonderfull work! I would love to see a test like this for 3 and 6 stop filters too.

[@jayphilippbar3726]

Christopher, thanks for another superb review!

[@marklong691]

Great vid Chris, I've been pondering this very subject over last few weeks, thanks

[@robertcudlipp3832]

Chris, once again, thanks for all the hard work. Would have posted this sooner, but interest in ND filters is a very recent development. Like others, was wondering why square filters were omitted, but have noted your responses. Just being able to drop a square ND filter onto 1 of several lens would have some appeal, but maybe not? Also, was there a reason you chose the particular degree of light blocking given variety available. Btw: your music and style are excellent!

[@alantuttphotography]

Incredible review! Would have like to have more variable ND filters compared, but maybe that will happen sometime later.

[@donsmith2833]

I have never seen so many tested and compared. I do wish you had done one more, SRB.

[@creps2001]

Thanks a lot!! I like your scientist way to compare all that filters! Really useful!!

[@marcpaul8245]

Christopher, this is wonderfully useful information! Thank you!

[@Stop-All-War]

Tyvm Chris 👏🏼

[@mjmdiver1137]

Great comparison. I think that I would have liked to see a little more exploration into the IR leakage with these. That may not be apparent in photos taken inside with a electric light source, and it may impact your assessment of the overall color fidelity of the filters for outside use. Did you do the same color tests outside? If not, I would suggest trying a few of the best ones and see if it appears to impact the results.

[@noobydoo]

Thanks for doing this brilliant video. It definitely helped me choosing the right filter!

[@kasino19]

Hi, What cleaning cloth are you using for your lens and filters? I can't find a similar question here, so my apologies if someone has answered that already.

[@musicdefinesgravity]

This video must have took forever to write, capture and produce... Well done!

[@floods0ftears]

Thank you for this review Christopher. I Own Breakthrough and Formatt-Hitech filters and can confirm your findings. The only complaint I have is about color cast. Outdoor scene during sunny day is much more challenging for every filter and the amount of color cast is exponentially increased. The differences in color cast would have been greater and much more distinguishable.

[@christopherfrost]

I don't think colour cast will show up more on a sunny day than it does when shooting indoors, not sure what law of physics would cause that to happen!

[@floods0ftears]

@@christopherfrost sorry for late reply. The amount of IR radiation varies throughout the day. Every scene has entirely different lighting conditions so the amount of color cast does looks different from photo to photo. If you want, I could e-mail you some samples.

[@EmoEmu]

Very nice comparison! Good work. This is really helpful.

[@soundknight]

I agree with your comments about the marumi filter I have their CPL dhg super in 46mm and it's body is as you say loose feeling however over the years this is never presented any problems and it still moves freely and smoothly I'm sure the company could produce a completely locked down smooth filter if they wish to you there was probably a reason they went with this slightly wobbly feeling mechanical version perhaps something to do with the action or getting your fingers in to remove the filter from your lens?

[@ryanthomas9306]

I went cheap and bought zomei and k&c concepts I really liked the quality difference when I upgraded to b+w Hoping to receive a tiffen or breakthrough for xmas

[@alaincazavant4022]

Excellent comparison! I like at thé end, how you summarized and highlighted thé Best per $

[@612morrison]

Hi Christopher, as a NISI user I just received in the post a Haida NanoPro 6 stop ND filter 150mm and first impressions are positive, they do the same glass in screw in filters. You should take a look.

[@christopherfrost]

Haida filters are very good, yes

[@ZagZagSama]

Most useful gear comparison video in years! Thank You for your hard work assembling it. Any chance you have some initiative to do the same with CPL filters?

[@wellwhatthen10101]

Great video and very informative. But some crazy prices Polar pro mad price for a circular filter, The mid range would be the gobe easy to correct colour cast today as long as the optics are ok and the Zomei on the prices. On the top end you cant go wrong with the NiSi Pro range also the price is just right.

[@GrahamHoughton12]

Very well put together, thanks for the time and effort

[@EstifanosTZewde]

Great comparison video. Thank you for your hard work!

[@anthonyabruscato5098]

This is a very helpful and informative video. Have you thought about doing one for polarizing filters?