Hoya NDX400 9 Stop ND Filter

480sparky

Senior Member
Either Hoya doesn't make the ND400 any more and has pulled it from their site (and B&H still has some in stock to sell), or Hoya hasn't noticed it's missing from their site.
 

Mediaman09

Senior Member
What the take on the Variable Density filter ? Is it more flexible if one wants to experiment with ND over various type of lenses.. or various types of shots? I am new to ND filters in general.

Ref:
HOYA | The Difference is Clear
Hoya 77mm Variable Density Filter A-77VDY B&H Photo Video

If I have this right, after some additional searches here, I gather the consensus is stick with the NDX400...and if one finds a need for an ND filter with fewer stops, raise the ISO.

Ref:
I have a 77mm ND400 by Hoya, and the quality of the filter is terrific. If you buy a 1-stop or a 3-stop, quite often the effect isn't enough even when using the lowest ISO. So with this one, you will have more options.

It will go from 1-stop to 9-stops. As Jake mentioned, the problem some people have experienced is that the variable ND filters aren't good when it comes to the higher stops. It adversely affects the image. It should work for between 1 stop and hopefully up to 6 stops, but above that you will be taking a chance.

I think it might have been Rick M who once mentioned he used a 3-stop ND filter but the effect wasn't quite enough for what he wanted. If you want the glassy smooth and/or silky water effect, you should look for either a 9- or 10-stop ND filter. The ND400 is a 9-stop filter.

If you go with a 9- or 10-stop ND filter, you can always raise your ISO if you need a faster shutter speed. If you go with a 3-stop, most likely you will encounter some limitations on just how slow you can make your shutter speed. And if the filters are for a wide angle lens, consider a slim profile filter(s). They won't vignette like some of the thicker ones.
 
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hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
The Hoya NDX400 9 Stop ND Filter comes up a lot in recommendations for this type of filter.

Is there more than one variety of this filter? Or is it discontinued?? I must be missing something....

I see it at B&H here : Hoya 77mm NDx400 HMC Filter A77ND400 B&H Photo Video

..but when I search for it on the Hoya site, it finds it but takes you to this page (of what seems like other filters):
HOYA | The Difference is Clear

As Sparky mentioned, it is possible this filter has been discontinued by Hoya. Amazon lists it as first showing up in June 2003 so it is over 10 years old. I bought one last year when B&H had a sale on it...I think it was around $49.

What the take on the Variable Density filter ? Is it more flexible if one wants to experiment with ND over various type of lenses.. or various types of shots? I am new to ND filters in general.

Ref:
HOYA | The Difference is Clear
Hoya 77mm Variable Density Filter A-77VDY B&H Photo Video

If I have this right, after some additional searches here, I gather the consensus is stick with the NDX400...and if one finds a need for an ND filter with fewer stops, raise the ISO.

Ref:

I haven't use a variable ND filter myself, but some of the reports make it seem like it is uneven especially at the higher strengths. If you own a CP filter, that can also be used as a low strength ND filter. CP filters vary from filter to filter, but the box should list a filter factor (such as 1.5, 2, or something similar). If you find a 9-stop or 10-stop is simply too much, you can always get a less expensive 3-stop ND filter. If you are looking to slow down water to make it smooth, a 9- or 10-stop is really a good place to start.
 
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