Best Brands for ND Filter Glasses to Enhance Your Photography


Every idea or revolutionary development that has the power to alter our world begins with the vision of a creator, and creativity is the only thing that can sustain any dream. If you have a position like that, there are a lot of things to learn about the photography industry. However, neutral density filters (ND filters) are considered essential tools when it comes to standard photography requirements. This enables artists to manipulate light, deal with exposure issues, and produce stunning digital art forms like pictures or videos. 

To define high-quality visuals, professional photographers and cinematographers select the best ND filter glass brands. It is more likely that the best use of ND filters is what makes those Warner Bros. or Netflix films or TV shows the most amazing.

Additionally, the camera and photography accessories market will be worth around USD 17.21 billion in 2034. Presenting a 15.26% yearly growth rate from 2025 to 2034 indicating that there will be more Snow Leopard shots and Harry Potter-style films to enjoy!

However, how can one identify the top ND filter brand for this particular niche? You can use this blog for both personal and professional purposes.

Are ND Filters Worth Buying?

Photography is primarily about light, but what should you do if there is too much good light? The problem arises when you have to go outside on a sunny day, and all you need is a fast shutter speed and relatively small aperture settings. However, ND filters are your only hope when it comes to long exposures. By decreasing the amount of light that passes through the lens, these dark grey filters lengthen exposure times, which can reach six to ten f/stops. The purchase of these filters is, therefore, unquestionably worthwhile.

The Best ND Filter Brands for Professional Photography

Whether you are looking for the best variable ND filters for photography from a reputed brand or top circular ND filter brands, here we have listed brands that can best fit your requirements. Why not start with the number one brand choice?

1. PolarPro

PolorPro is a recognised company that offers innovative camera gear and photography accessories. Its products are famous for their creative flexibility in different shooting conditions. It designs a range of products like variable neutral density (VND) filters, hybrid ND/PL filters, and matte boxes. Better known for its premium glass quality and haptic feedback options.

PolarPro
Source: Pinterest

Their detailed specifications are mentioned below:

Specifications:

Available Filters

  • Quartz Line ND Filters: range in ND8, ND16, ND64, ND1000 and ND/NP Varients.
  • Quartz Line Circular Polariser: range in 1.5-stop reduction.
  • Variable ND filters: range in 2-5 stop VND and 6-9 stop VND
  • Specialised Filters: drone-specific range designed for DJI Mavic and Phantom Series drones.

Filter Size

  • Available in different sizes based on requirements, including professional camera and drone lenses.

Reasons to Buy

  • Glass material is 99% pure fused quartz.
  • Innovatively engineered brass and aluminium knurled edge frames.
  • Feature a 16-layer coating for different benefits.
  • Ideal for motion blur, shallow field depth, and long-distance exposures.

2. K & F Concept

The K & F Concept company began its journey back in 2011, and not being too old, it gained huge popularity in the market. Whether its producing tripods, camera accessories, filters, and many other things. Check out its neutral density filters at reasonable prices. Form magnetic to square ND filters and others.

K & F Concept
Source: Pinterest

Here are more details to explore:

Specifications:

Available ND filter Densities

  • Variable ND Filters: range in ND2-ND32, ND8-ND128, ND2-ND400, ND32-ND512 and true colour variable ND2-ND32
  • Fixed ND Filters: range in ND4, ND8, ND64, and ND1000
  • Square ND Filter: range in ND8, ND1000, and GND8
  • Magnetic ND Filter: range in ND
  • Speciality ND filters range in ND+CPL combo and Nano-X Series

Filter Size

  • Available in various diameters, including 49 mm, 58 mm, 67 mm, 77 mm, 82 mm, and 100mm x 100mm or 100mm x 150mm for square range.

Reasons to Buy

  • Offers quick-attach options with fixed stops.
  • Good for semi-professional needs with a cheaper pricing range.
  • Constructed with Japanese ACG glass with multi-layer nano coatings
  • Minimised X-cross effect with advanced polarisation technique.

3. Nikon

The Nippon Kogaku K.K, mainly known as Nikon, was founded in 1917 from that onwards, this company has gained a top position in the market for its specialisation in imaging and optical electronics technologies. Whether it’s about its premium DSLRs, interchangeable lenses, camera filters, and other precision instruments. 

Nikon
Source: Pinterest

Explore some of its filter range that complements ND functionality below:

Specifications:

Available Filters

  • Circular ND Filters: range in ND4 and ND 8.
  • Neutral Colour NC Filter: Maintains neutrality only.
  • Circular Polarising Filter II: Slight ND effect up to 1-2 stops.

Filter Size

  • Available in various diameters based on the lens compatibility, including 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 77mm, and more.

Reasons to Buy

  • Robust and resistant to scratches.
  • Offer effective reflection control in daylight shooting.
  • Follows nano-coating standards with a crystal coat and super integrated scheme.
  • Offer minimum effect image sharpness quality with colour accuracy.

4. Tiffen Filters

Tiffin Filters is a known brand in the ND filter game chain, as you are bound to be impressed by its products. Although options are not limited, the brand manages to fulfil all your requirements when it comes to finding out the best ND filter glass brands. From Tiffin water white to variable ND filters and more.

Tiffen Filters
Source: Pinterest


Here are more details to explore:

Specifications:

Available ND filter Densities

  • Fixed ND Filters: Range in ND 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, up to 3.0  
  • Variable ND Filters: Range in ND 0.6 to 2.4

Filter Size

  • Available in a wide range of thread sizes, including 52 mm, 58 mm, 62 mm, 67 mm, 72 mm, 77 mm, 82 mm, and up to 95

Reasons to Buy

  • Premium optical glass crafted with the ColorCore technique
  • Its variable filter range features adjustable neutral density via a rotating ring 
  • Feature multi-coating to deliver excellent durability and high resistivity 
  • Provide improved colour fidelity through the infrared suspension technique.

5. NiSi

NISI is a newcomer brand that started its ND filter production in 2005. But despite the lack of heritage, it would not let you choose another brand. As it manages to create innovative and ultra-high-quality filters that give tough competition to premium brands like PolarPro and others. They offer everything that a serious photographer might need to take their shots to the next level.

NiSi
Source: Pinterest

Get confirmation with the details mentioned below:

Specifications:

Available Filters

  • Circular ND Filters: range in ND8, ND64, ND1000, ND3200, and ND64+CPL 
  • Square ND Filter: range in ND8, ND64, ND1000, ND32000, and GND8 (Graduated ND filter) 
  • Variable ND Filter: Range in ND-VARIO 1.5-5 stops, ND-VARIO 5-9 stops, and true colour VND 
  • Speciality Kits: Swift system and V7 holder kits

Filter Size

  • Available in both circular and square sizes, including 52mm, 77mm, 82mm, and square with 100mm x 100mm or 150mm x 150mm

Reasons to Buy

  • Its IR coating minimises colour-casting effects 
  • Offer versatile camera filter models 
  • Suitable for cameras, drones, and iPhone lenses
  • Feature foam gaskets and adjustable polarisers

Conclusion

On a professional platform, it is crucial to identify the best ND filter glass brands before making a purchase. You need the best brand and its best product to get the desired results, whether you are shooting a movie on a sunny day or taking a high-quality picture of a landscape. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the top ND filter brands for professional photography above. Present to you the top options, such as Lee Filters, Haida, NiSi, Freewell, PolorPro, and more.
Based on your needs, such as branding, quality, or budget, choose wisely!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are the Main Uses of ND Filters?

ND filters are unique tools that are used in both photography and videography needs. They best reduce the light entering the lens, enable long exposures for smooth shots, maintain proper video shutter speed, and shallow the depth of field in bright light settings.

What Types of ND Filters Are Available?

The types of ND filters include circular, square, variable, fixed, and hybrid filters. These are rated based on how much light they block, and it is denoted as their strength, which ranges from ND2 to ND1000, for various stops as per the requirements.

How Do I Clean and Maintain My ND Filter Glasses?

You can clean the best ND filter glass using a microfibre cloth or soft lens brushes. Also, you can use lens solutions for treating smudges, while avoiding the use of harsh chemicals. Make sure to store them in cases to prevent scratches and other damages.

Are ND Filters Necessary for All Photography?

No, ND filters are not necessarily needed for all photography practices, but they are crucial for long exposure shots, video shoots in bright lights, and wide aperture shots. Mostly, their use depends on photography style, shooting conditions, and subjectivity.