NiSi True Color Variable ND Filter - In Depth Test and Review

[@samhawkes6597]

as of May 2024, the lense cap now comes with a pre cut notch in the side so it fits on the 1-5 vnd with the while the pin is still attached. As fort IR pollution, nisi now offer a IR filter you can purchase that has been made to work with this kit. they also offer 1/4 and 1/8 mist filters and a polariser filter made to work with this kit. Also they now have an additional filter that allows you to increase the vnd all the way up to 9 if you need to thats been made to work with this kit.

[@Gumball-c4c]

I recently got m NiSi 5 stops True Color VND and Love it.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Glad you are enjoying it!

[@patgilmour7263]

Love the background. Being a comic fan myself, I can appreciate it.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks! Its definitely my nerd cave.

[@donaldharmonify]

Great video! I just got the true color vnd and they seem to have now updated their lens cap with a notch so that you can have the adjuster in with the cover. Just for anyone who was wondering

[@BartJohnsonProd]

That's awesome! Maybe they took my advice!

[@user-jp9js9th8o]

thank you for the comprehensive review of this filter - maybe the "best" on the web until now... your in formations about the IR issues with (some) filmic cams... what I would like to add: the TC Vario ND also has very low vignetting and nearly null x-effect, the sharpness also is not reduced. And one update: @4:03 - the nudge now is already realized by Nisi. and there are 2 Kikitst with a their swift filter system an 1. another 1.2 ND filter, which expands the 1-5 ND factor up to 5-9 ND and 2. their own ¼ mist filter .. 👍👍👍

[@CircuitBoardcokr]

I had only used their 4x5.65" IRND filter and they also have no color shift that is often seen in other IRND filter brands like tiffen. trustable brand for me.

[@TaleOfTwoIdiots]

Love your studio decor!

[@innstikk]

Great video, just the information I was after before ordering the True Color version. My Sigma fp has IR filter, while for my bmpcc OG/4K I have BW IR-Cut filters 🙂. Remember the front threads is one size larger than the back threads so you need a larger IR cut filter as it should preferably be in front of the ND .

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GUANTA23K]

Great presentation man!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I appreciate it!

[@alvo-oooo]

The "secret" solution seems to be selling a 4 stop ND along with their 1-5 stop VND to yield 1-9 stops overall.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

You are correct! I have a video about this and their SWIFT system coming very soon!

[@gotscottgreen]

Sweet!!! Very cool and well done......

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks!

[@juanpedrotc]

Hey Bart! I'm looking for buying this filter for my BMPCC4K so I read B&H reviews/Q&A on it, and NiSi claims that "The True Color has IR cut" (you can check it on B&H product page). That's a new version or you had a pre production unit? Thanks a lot!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I just went ahead and checked on that and it appears NiSi has corrected the information in the B&H Q&A. It does not have IR Cut.

[@HrPedrosak]

great vid!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thank you!

[@gavriel_adi]

Watching it a third time and really enjoying it, so really thanks first of all, second thing very much I would love to know what you say about this filter combined with today's mirrorless cameras from Sony, Canon, Nikon, etc. Will there be the IR problem?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Glad you enjoyed the video! The IR issue will be completely dependent on your individual camera. Mostly its cinema cameras from RED and Blackmagic that lack an internal IR filter, but make sure to check the specs on your specific camera to be sure.

[@hoodaffairstv]

Good video 👍🏾

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thank you!

[@lb7144]

I came for the True Color ND filter, stayed for the StarWars 😳

[@lb7144]

Subscribed so I could learn something Which I did - awesome video. Spending some money soon 😂

[@user-um8xw8wx4u]

@@lb7144 Sorry to tell u this saga. I was at CalArts 72-74. Left there back to Alaska to shoot a documentary which got ripped off. Ten of my classmates from CalArts worked on StarWars & cashed in bigtime. So it goes. 😎😎

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Haha thank you!

[@liamtain]

Well timed as I'm currently looking for some new ND haha. Big question is how well does it handle the accursed "X pattern" from the polarizers?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

No X pattern that I have observed. The hard stops prevent from over rotation.

[@Nedy_Pictures]

Please help! I recently got a sony a7siii and am confused about what solid ND filter to get ... I will be mostly shooting... Aputure: F2, Shutter: 50, Iso: 640 in bright sunlight. Please any recommendation on how many stops of ND filter i should buy?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

It is hard to say exactly how much ND you will need, but with the settings you mentioned you will most likely need quite a bit. I would increase your shutter speed to double your frame rate and drop that ISO to help.

[@arihantsaswade]

Does it have filter threads on front side for filter stacking?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Yes it does. The front threads are the same size as the rear threads.

[@IslandPhotoNews]

Great review, Bart. Thanks so much. I'm going to order an 82mm version and was wondering if you or anyone can suggest a way to use the filter with a Smallrig matte box. I was kind of hoping to retain the adjustment pin with the matte box, if possible. Thanks!

[@hejlsberg]

Hey, great video! May I ask if you tested the filter on a wide angle lens and if so how did it perform in terms of any vignetting please?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I did not test on any wide angles unfortubately

[@StopTheTapes]

Hey love the video. I have the Komodo as well and have a question. Hypothetically could I buy a drop in IR cut filter to place into my Canon drop in vnd that came with the "Komodo starter pack" and then use it with these ND filters? Would that solve the IR issue? And if so which brand of drop in IR cut would you recommend? I'm running the sigma 18-35mm by the way so plan on using a wide open 1.8 for bright daylight shots and want the truest color possible.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks for watching! Ye you could get an IR cut filter that fits the Canon adapter. I haven't tested many brand of IR cut against each other, and I haven't looked to see what is available for the Canon adapter. If you find something, please let me know!

[@ExploringWorldYouTube]

Hi, thank you for sharing this interesting video. I have a question please and I hope you can answer me. I only make documentaries around the world in V-Log, 4K with my GH6 + Leica12-60mm. Right now I'm using the SLR Magic Reflex Mark II variable filter. I'm not satisfied at all, although many guys talk well about it. I'd like a better VND filter. The NiSi True Color Variable ND Filter seems to be a good filter, but I'm afraid my VND is quite similar. In your opinion will I definitely see better quality with that Nisi? Otherwise can you recommend an even better VND filter? If with Nisi I will get a similar quality compared to my VND filter, I will not use a VND anymore, but reluctantly I will be forced to use a soldid ND. Many thanks for your suggestion.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Glad you enjoyed the video! I haven't used the SLR Magic filters, so I am not sure about their quality. As I state in the video, I feel NiSi is a fantastic blend of price and quality. There are definitely much more expensive VNDs out there that perform a bit better. However, I am quite happy with these in terms of minimal color shift, no X pattern, and no noticeable reduction in sharpness. I'm not sure what issues you are having with the SLR Magic, but if it is any of those issues then the NiSi should be a step up.

[@Vatziubeuca]

dose IR affect a7siii? thanks and subscribed

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I'm not sure. I haven't worked with that camera so I am not sure if it has a built in IR filter or not.

[@braydenjones4505]

Amazing video. Do you have an IR filter you’d recommend?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thank you! I know Formatt Hitec Firecrest are the top of the line, but I have not picked up a 95mm to fit my current lenses yet. I am hoping NiSi comes out with a decent one at an affordable price!

[@braydenjones4505]

Thanks! Unfortunately might be pricey getting those to NZ if I even can! I see so many UV filters on the market, but I’m guessing these won’t fix the IR problem.

[@forfilmssakeUK]

not sure if you're able to spoil this for NISI, but any speculation that perhaps this year, that we'd be seeing the true colour variable ND 5-9 stops from nISI?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I can honestly say I don't have any insider info on that. I am hopeful for something like that as well!

[@djmarzek]

why t22? what about diffraction?

[@robertosaraseli9272]

bart please i have search everywhere but can't get a solutions, how can i adjust my mist filter 77mm on top of the nisi true color 77mm???. it doesn't fit as the true color has different out put than the input it comes. you can put the mist filter before the nisi put you can't on top of it. any help pleaze guys!!!!!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Unfortunately if the thread sizes dont fit then you will not be able to put it in front of the VND. However, NiSi came out with their own mist filter that pressure fits onto the front of the VND. It is called the SWIFT system and I Have a video coming soon.

[@robertosaraseli9272]

@@BartJohnsonProd thanks for the response. I learn that the 77 mm nisi has 82mm out put, so I just need to buy other bigger mist filter to adjust it

[@arunr4103]

The True colour filter is rotating type so when we attach 86mm IR cut filter in front that also will rotate, does that make any changes on motion image quality? Anything like vignetting or colour shift etc Anyone tested that ?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

IR Cut filters should not be affected by orientation. Rotation should not change the effects. Circular polarizers, however, are dependent upon the rotation angle.

[@aldoibz3553]

I have a 26 MP APS-C camera. Can I use the 67mm Nisi ND Vario with the step up ring on the 55mm without losing quality?

[@pawesotys1506]

Hey! Have you noticed any vignieting in these filters? Im am also wondering if bigger filter is always better choice to prevent from vignieting? Thanks

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I have not moved any yet, and I have used them with a 25mm focal length so far. It will depend on how wide your lens is and if you have any filters stacked up. NiSi did make this model a bit slimmer on the border to prevent vingetting

[@convolution223]

Will a UV filter solve the IR problem? I noticed some lenses come with attachable UV filters so hoping that fixes it

[@BartJohnsonProd]

UV and IR are different light wavelengths. Unless a filter lists IR filtration, it will not solve the IR problem. Sometimes filters are combined UV and IR cut.

[@swansong007]

I would like to use this variable ND on my Nikon F3 film camera. Do you think I need to worry about infrared cast on my film. ? Thanks for your video. I found it very helpful

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks for watching! Thats an interesting question about film. It may depend on how sensitive your film is to IR light. I dont have much experience with film, so I am not 100% certain.

[@nickhemphill]

Anyone know if this is coarse or fine/standard pitch? I am needing one for Canon 28-70L f/2 lens, and the PolarPro needs an adapter that they never seem to have available. Thanks!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

That I am not sure of. Is PolarPro using a different thread pitch? I have never run into an issue with these filters not threading onto a lens.

[@iKeto_gal]

@nickhemphill Did you find one for the 28-70L f/2?

[@nickhemphill]

@@iKeto_gal I did. NiSi makes one. Otherwise the adapter with PolarPro is available as well.

[@jenloraine9993]

I just bought de 5-9 stops, and I have no clue how the mark points stops works as there are no numbers 🤷🏻‍♀️. Do you have any video explaining this?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I do have video about that filter. The 5-9 stop is part of the previous ND-VARIO line and the marking do not designate specific stops. They are simply there for reference. Here is the video if you want to check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqbSqpKtedKnbLs

[@jenloraine9993]

@@BartJohnsonProd awesome. Thank you so much

[@Krinyo666]

Could you test the Irix Edge 2-5 stops vnd filter? Irix is a very good quality and well known in cinema world but everyone advertises PeterMCKinnon, B+W, Nisi, Hoya... I'got 3 static nd of Irix and they also haven't any color shaft. However no one have tested it yet in youtube.

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I will see if I can get my hands on that product.

[@andrecsaddict]

If i use this filter with Sony a7iii will i have this problem in strong Greek sunlight??

[@evocati6523]

Luckily for you the sunlight in Greece is similar to the sunlight elsewhere

[@MrArdayan]

minr shift to megenta too

[@dorianjayc]

do you know if polarpro VND have the same IR problem？

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I vent used them, but if they have no IR filtration they will act the same way

[@dorianjayc]

@@BartJohnsonProd thanks for the info cheers

[@ashyxt]

sir, if I shoot with f/1.4, ISO 100, is 5 stop enough to get 1/125 under bright sunlight?

[@drafeirha]

A 5 stop light reduction from f1.4 equals shooting with f8. So if you shoot with f8 and 1/125 shutter in your conditions you will know if the 5 stop filter is strong enough for your needs

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thanks for answering! Great info!

[@LoveDarts]

Do you have step up rings? Which ones work with the nisi true colour

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Yes I use step up rings. I use affordable ones made my Sensei. But any step up rings will work as long as you get the right thread sizes.

[@LoveDarts]

@@BartJohnsonProd thanks!

[@arunr4103]

Use strictly brass step up rings cause aluminium will stuck on filters sepcially when using as stack mode with other filters

[@LoveDarts]

@@arunr4103 yeah mine are stuck on my lens annoyingly!

[@machku]

Is there any update for True Color 5-9 Stops ND? Thanks!

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Not yet! I have been checking in with them to see what they might have coming! I would love to try it out.

[@innstikk]

If you already have a regular 3 stop ND, you could use that with the 1-5 and get 4-8. 🙂 I believe that the dreaded X only comes with ND Vario as they use to polarisers (ore something similar) so a ND with a ND vario in front should work fine.

[@RealRyanSecord]

How does this compare to a Polar Pro PM VND?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I haven't tested the Polar Pro, so I cant say.

[@EdisonWU_HK]

what do you recommend vnd for bmpcc4k/6k?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

I use these VNDs on my Blackmagic P4K and P6K

[@EdisonWU_HK]

@@BartJohnsonProd What's your solution to this ir pollution problem? Do you have some IR cut filter recommendations?

[@grzegorzporowinski]

Can you correct this IR pollution in post?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Unfortunately not easily. You would need to create and keyframe masks to remove the magenta, as it only affects the black objects in the frame. It is not a magenta tint on the entire image.

[@grzegorzporowinski]

@@BartJohnsonProd so this filter is almost totally useless :( because you cant attach ir filter, because of it variable nature :( I didnt buy polarpro because of it color changes but this is even worse :(

[@grzegorzporowinski]

@@BartJohnsonProd btw. I see this in dark greens too. It change greens a lot :(

[@Msfs2024HD]

​@@grzegorzporowinskiyou can stack the filters. Screw the nd onto the ir cut filter

[@charruaporelmundo]

So, I have a7 iv, I’ll not have tha ir issue, right?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

That depends if your camera has a built in IR filter. Im not sure about the a7 IV.

[@charruaporelmundo]

@@BartJohnsonProd Thanks, I’ll check

[@MarcelDonker]

Is it right that there is no true color version of the 5-9 stops, only 1-5?

[@BartJohnsonProd]

Thats correct. As of right now there is only the 1-5 in True Color. I believe they have a higher strength solution coming soon.

[@slowmanfilms]

There’s still a purple color shift. Do be fooled!!