The HOYA Variable Density filter uses two polarizing layers to control the amount of light that passes through the filter and into the camera lens. At it's minimum effect the filter passes 1/3 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 1.5 stops on the aperture or shutter speed. At it maximum effect the filter passes just 1/400 of the light in a scene. That is equal to 9 stops on the aperture or shutter speed.
After the filter is mounted on the lens, turning the filter ring between "Min" and "Max" can greatly control the amount of light entering the lens. With the HOYA Variable Density filter it is possible to shoot with fast lenses like a 50mm f/1.4 lens wide open at f/1.4 in full sun for a very shallow depth of field. Or, to slow down the shutter speed to where the shutter can be open for several seconds in full sunlight. This is enough to create artistic blurring shots of motion on water, cars, people or almost anything that moves. The creative possibilities are endless.
The HOYA Variable Density filter uses high-quality optical glass from HOYA Corporation, the worlds largest optical glass manufacturer and is available in sizes 52mm to 82mm.
For best results Hoya recommends using a tripod when photographing with slow shutter speeds.
About HOYA
HOYA is the world's largest optical glass manufacturer and holds 50% of the share throughout the world on all production of optical glass. Within this field of optical glass production, HOYA is exceptionally featured, without comparison to any other competitors. It supplies its glass to most of the renown optical lens manufacturers in Japan and around the world and holds the number one share of camera filters world-wide. Kenko Tokina is the world-wide export agent for HOYA filters.
Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd. | HOYA Filter Division