Variable NiSi ND-VARIO filters in optical glass with Nano-coating

The best from a variable ND filter

Variable ND filters are not real ND filters but are formed by two superimposed polarised films that rotate at a precise angle and absorb a variable amount of light. Only by using the best glass, precise construction and the best films is it possible to build a variable neutral density filter that is also of high quality. Although a variable filter will never be a true ND, our variables come as close to it as possible.

Always weigh the pros and cons, but if speed and ease of use are a must, the VND filter is unmatched.

What is NiSi’s strength?

NiSi has overcome the paradigm of third party production (OEM), classic distribution with different intermediaries and constructive compromises to get a high price premium. NiSi designs, manufactures and distributes its products directly (or through a selected group of partners). This allows us to obtain the best quality glass and components, without compromises, while maintaining a competitive price point.

Our variable filters are an example of this: lens grade optical glass is granted exclusively by NiSi in the field of photographic filters, you will find it only in the best photographic lenses and cinemas. NiSi Nano Coating has been specially developed to make the filter repellent to water and oil while maintaining a very high sharpness. The films that allow the filter to vary the density are designed to minimize defects and dark spots*, completely eliminating the so-called “x effect” or “cross effect” that most variable ND filters suffer from.

The NiSi Vario ND filter is perfect for videographers, but it’s also incredibly versatile for photography.

With just one filter (and the option to combine it with others), you can manage any lighting situation in your videos and photos, and experiment with different shutter speeds in your photography.

NiSi VARIO ND filters are especially useful for portrait photography when you want to keep a wide aperture, and therefore a shallow depth of field, even in bright conditions.

Adjustment of reflections in addition to light intensity.

As mentioned at the beginning, variable ND filters contain two paired polarising films. This means that, in addition to controlling light intensity, they can also reduce reflections.

However, not all Vario-ND filters offer this advantage. To adjust polarisation, the entire filter (not just the front ring) must be rotated, and the filter must be designed with this functionality in mind. This is only possible with magnetic mounts like the JetMag Pro 1–5 Stop Vario ND.

Once you’ve rotated the front ring to set the desired light reduction, you can then rotate the entire filter as one unit (ensuring the front and rear elements remain aligned). This way, only the polarising effect will change.

Screw-in and magnetic Vario-ND filters, what are the differences?

• The screw-in Variable ND filter uses the standard male front thread of the lens and is screwed directly onto it. In the case of the NiSi screw-in Vario ND, it also has a front thread to allow stacking with other filters.
  • Using multiple filters at the same time is not very convenient.
  • Perfect for those who only need a Variable ND filter and keep it on most of the time.
  • There are no optical differences compared to the magnetic version, only differences in handling.
  • Once installed, you can only adjust light reduction, not polarisation.
• The JetMag Pro magnetic VND filter is mounted using a threaded adapter ring (threaded on the lens side, magnetic on the filter side). The ring can remain on the lens thanks to magnetic caps, and you can use not only the Vario ND but the entire JetMag Pro filter system.
  • Easy to use multiple filters together.
  • Fast mounting and removal.
  • Safety lock.
  • Control of both light reduction and polarisation in a single filter.

NiSi VND 1–5 Stop and JetMag Pro System: How does it work?

The JetMag Pro System is perfect for flexibly using the NiSi 1–5 Stop Vario ND. By using this filter as a base, you can add the ND16 (4 Stop) for JetMag Pro to achieve a 5–9 Stop variable ND. You can also add the Black Mist filter.

• No vignetting between 15–16mm with the 1–5 Stop Vario ND + 4 Stop ND16.
• No vignetting at 16–17mm with the 1–5 Stop Vario ND + 4 Stop ND16 + Mist filter.

How to use the NiSi JetMag Pro magnetic VND filter:

1. Choose the right adapter ring(s) for your lenses. Select rings matching the thread diameter of your lenses so you can use one filter across multiple lenses.
2. Install the magnetic adapter ring by screwing it onto your lens.
3. Bring the JetMag Pro filter close and let it snap into place thanks to the magnetic mount.
4. ⚠️ Important: Mechanical Locking System:
   • When attaching the filter, do not align the coloured handle with the white mark on the ring—otherwise, it won’t latch properly.
   • Once attached, rotate the filter until the coloured handle is aligned with the white mark on the ring. Now the filter is securely locked, even if bumped.
   • To remove the filter, rotate it to misalign the coloured handle from the white mark.

TRUE COLOR ND-VARIO 1-5 stops screw-in

The NiSi True Color ND-VARIO 1–5 Stop screw-in filter is ideal for photographers looking to explore long exposures and for videographers who want real-time light control during filming, without introducing any artefacts or aberrations.

Thanks to its adjustable light reduction from 1 to 5 stops, the filter is highly versatile and allows photographers and videographers to achieve their desired shutter speeds.

The screw-in version is best suited for single-filter use.
If you plan to add a 4-stop filter for increased light reduction or a Mist filter to soften highlights, now or in the future; we recommend the magnetic JetMag Pro version described above.

Any questions? You can always contact us directly

*NiSi variable filters are the state of the art for a variable filter, but in any case, variable filters are not real ND filters (of any brand). A variable filter is always constructed using paired polarisers. NiSi uses the best quality glass and pays maximum attention to construction and polarising film, plus it designs, manufactures and distributes its products directly. A variable ND filter will never have the same quality with the same construction and materials as an ND filter. Therefore, we always recommend a true ND filter for specific applications where the advantages of a variable filter are not fundamental.