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Tiffen 52mm Variable Neutral Density Filter

Tiffen 52mm Variable Neutral Density Filter

Product Code: 8335696N

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A unique, versatile and flexible tool, affording you the convenience of using several Neutral Density filters all in one - 52mm Tiffen variable ND filter

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£99.00

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Reasons to buy from Park Cameras

Tiffen 52mm Variable Neutral Density Filter

The Tiffen Variable ND filter is a unique, versatile and flexible tool, affording you the convenience of using several Neutral Density filters all in one.  Primarily used as a photographic tool for controlling depth of field and exposure, the Variable ND is being sought in the video market as well because it is fast, easy to use, small, lightweight, and does not require additional accessories such as a matte box. 

  • Provides 2 to 8 stops of light control
  • Thin profile ring - 9mm
  • Wider outer optic to help reduce vignetting at wide angles
  • Comes in Tiffen Professional packaging with padded black nylon pouch
  • Made with high quality optical glass using Tiffen's ColorCore technology
  • Made in the USA
  • 10-year warranty

Product features in detail

Why use a Variable ND Filter?

Neutral density filters reduce the amount of light going through the lens into your camera. By reducing the light you are able to achieve the following:

  • Allows the use of slow shutter speeds, with high speed films or digital cameras, to record movement/image blur in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds or any fast moving subject

  •  Gives you full control over your depth of field. You are able to decrease depth of field by using wider apertures, which helps separate subjects from their background (subject matter in focus while your background is blurred)

  • Allows you to shoot high speed film (above ISO 400) in bright outdoor situations by reducing effective ISO

  • Enables cine and video cameras (which have fixed shutter speeds) to film subjects such as snow, sand or other bright scenes which could cause overexposure

Before and After

The Tiffen Variable ND filter operates on the same principle as a Circular Polarizer rotate until you reach your desired effect and shoot. It allows you to have continuous control over the amount of light coming through your lens in an approximate range of 2 (ND 0.6) to 8 (ND 2.4) stops while maintaining the integrity of your image. Note: The evenly spaced indexing marks between MIN and MAX do not represent calibrated stops. They are for reference only, to be used as a density bench-mark to return to a previous setting.

How to Care for Your Variable ND:

Your Tiffen Variable ND should be handled with care to avoid dirt, scratches and fingerprints.  Store it in its protective pouch when not in use. Your filter can be damaged by being dropped, by overexposure to extreme temperatures or humidity, improper cleaning, or by being left unprotected in direct sunlight. Use cleaners that are made specifically for cleaning filters and optical lenses and follow product instructions.

All Tiffen filters are made in the USA using  our proprietary ColorCore technology  and covered by a 10-year warranty.

How do I use my new Variable ND Filter?

Mount your Tiffen Variable ND to the front of your lens and set to the "MIN" (lightest) density. Frame  and focus as usual on the minimum density setting. Sometimes your lens may not focus properly on a heavier (darker) density. If this occurs, focus at the "MIN" density setting, then turn off Auto Focus (set on Full Manual Mode) and turn the ring to the desired density. The heavier the density, the slower your shutter speed will be. This longer exposure allows the shutter to remain open long enough to record the same amount of light.

For example, when shooting outdoors your camera's shutter speed may be set at 1/500 at f8 with no Variable ND on the lens. By adding a Variable ND filter to your lens and setting it at the minimum density (2 stops) the shutter speed is now 1/125 at f8 and at maximum density (8 stops) your camera's shutter speed would be ½ second at f8. This could be converted into even slower equivalent exposure by reducing the lens aperture - 1 second at f11, or 2 seconds at f16, or 4 seconds at f22.

Tiffen VND filters are available in the following thread sizes:

Check the front element of the camera lens which will typically display the thread size required for that specific lens model. All Tiffen variable neutral density filters are provided with a 10-year warranty.

Browse our complete range of high quality USA-made Tiffen filters here, including long exposure ND filters, filter kits, circular polarisers and infrared filters.

When shooting with multiple filters in your camera bag, why not get organised with a filter case such as the Mindshift Gear Filter Nest Mini Filter Case which securely holds four filters up to 82mm or the larger Mindshift Gear Filter Hive Storage Case which will carry a combination of square filters and round filters such as these. Perfect for landscape photographers and any outdoor photographers to get organised.

  • With the Tiffen Variable ND filter mounted to your camera lens, reset the ISO to the lowest setting especially if you are trying to achieve image blur. This will give you longer exposure times and minimize noise
  • Rotate the ring to the MIN density setting.  Focus your image. Once you have grabbed focus, turn OFF your Auto Focus and set to  Full Manual Mode
  • Your camera's internal exposure meter will not be completely accurate when determining the exact exposure when using a Variable ND at high density values; however, the reading it gives you will be relatively close. When using a DSLR in the manual mode, the histogram will give you more control of your exposure as you go through your test shots. Use this as a starting point and look at this as an opportunity to really learn more about the relationship between f-stops and exposure time
  • Now you have your image in focus, you've turned off the Auto Focus and set your camera on Manual Mode, and based upon your internal exposure meter you have turned the ring to a setting that you think  will give you the result you're looking for for example, f8 with an exposure time of 1/15 seconds take a test shot
  • If the image appears overexposed, then reduce your exposure time or reduce your aperture, depending on whether or not you want to affect your depth of field (changing your aperture changes your depth of field). By the same token, if the image is underexposed, open up the aperture or increase the exposure time. With some practice, you should be able to go from that initial test  shot to an actual usable image within two  or three attempts
  • When using a film camera, bracket first and record your exposures. The indexing on the outer ring will prove useful; however keep  in mind these marks are not calibrated to  specific densities.

    Tiffen VND filters are available in the following thread sizes:

    Check the front element of the camera lens which will typically display the thread size required for that specific lens model. All Tiffen variable neutral density filters are provided with a 10-year warranty.

    Browse our complete range of high quality USA-made Tiffen filters here, including long exposure ND filters, filter kits, circular polarisers and infrared filters.

    When shooting with multiple filters in your camera bag, why not get organised with a filter case such as the Mindshift Gear Filter Nest Mini Filter Case which securely holds four filters up to 82mm or the larger Mindshift Gear Filter Hive Storage Case which will carry a combination of square filters and round filters such as these. Perfect for landscape photographers and any outdoor photographers to get organised.

Offers: N/A
Offer Category: Camera Lenses
Offer Product Type: ND Filters
Autofocus: N/A
Aperture ring: N/A
Constant Aperture: N/A
Lens CIPA Image stabilization rating: N/A
Colour: N/A
Diameter (mm): N/A
Length (mm): N/A
Weight (g): N/A
Distance scale: N/A
DoF scale: N/A
Elements: N/A
Environmental Sealing: N/A
Focus distance limiter: N/A
Focal length: N/A
Focus method: N/A
Filter Thread: N/A
Full time manual: N/A
Groups: N/A
Hood supplied: N/A
Lens Image stabilization: N/A
Lens mount: N/A
Lens Materials: N/A
Maximum focal length: N/A
Maximum magnification: N/A
Maximum aperture (number): N/A
Maximum aperture (text): N/A
Max Format size: N/A
Minimum focal length: N/A
Lens Minimum focus distance (m): N/A
Minimum aperture (number): N/A
Minimum aperture (text): N/A
Motor type: N/A
Number of diaphragm blades: N/A
Power zoom: N/A
Special elements / coatings: N/A
Tripod collar: N/A
Lens type: N/A
Wide/Tele: N/A
Lens Level: N/A
Best For: N/A
Best For Holiday and Landscape: N/A
Best For Interior and Architecture: N/A
Best For Fashion and Portrait: N/A
Best For Macro and Still Life: N/A
Best For Astro: N/A
Best For Street: N/A
Best For Wildlife and Sport: N/A
Zoom lock: N/A
Zoom method: N/A
Notes: N/A

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Condition guide

Our used products are subject to wear and tear in comparison to brand new products. This also applies to accessories that are supplied with the camera including batteries which may have a lower optimum performance level/life expectancy.

  • Like New – The equipment is in a condition as if you have just bought it from the manufacturer. The item is still considered to be ‘Like New’ even without the original packaging and accessories. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect working order. Lenses are optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
  • Excellent – The equipment should be close to being ‘Like New’ but there may be some small cosmetic blemishes that lower its grade. The product has been fully tested and is in perfect excellent order.
    • Cameras – Should have no marks on the LCD screen
    • Lenses – Should have no marks on the elements and optically clear. There may be light dust present that will not effect the imagery.
  • Very Good – The equipment may have some slight cosmetic wear to the paintwork and cosmetic blemishes  with only light signs of use and the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
    • Cameras – The LCD screen may have small signs of wear that does not affect its display
    • Lenses – The mount of the lens will start to show signs of wear
  • Good – The equipment is showing more obvious signs of cosmetic wear and blemishes, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
    • Cameras – LCD screen may have scratches or wear that is starting to affect the display.
    • Lenses – May have slight dust inside that does not affect images. The mount shows signs of use.
  • Well Used – The equipment will show significant signs of wear. The paintwork will be coming away in large areas exposing the metal work, but the product has been fully tested and is in great working order.
    • Cameras – LCD screen is heavily worn either by de-lamination or has scratches to it. Rubber grips are starting to come away from the body.
    • Lenses – The lens has dust inside that may affect images. The rubber zoom/focus ring is coming away from the barrel of the lens.

*All of our used items are listed with the accesories that are included. If they are not listed then they will not be supplied at eh epoint of purchase.

Used team

Peace of mind with our 6 month warranty

This product has been thoroughly tested by our team of photographers and we are happy to give a 6 month warranty as a result. The number of tests depends on the individual product but we are confident in this product having tested all the major functions. Anything that isn’t as you would expect, we then make a note of and show this in the condition notes on the page.

So you can be confident you are buying a great piece of kit that’s been looked after by a fellow photographer and seen many extraordinary sights, tested by our team of photographers and now looking forward to being set free to capture more great images!

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