Variable NiSi ND-VARIO filters in optical glass with Nano-coating
The best from a variable ND filter
A variable ND filter is two polarising films, one rotating against the other, absorbing more or less light as the angle between them changes. It is not a true ND — no variable filter of any brand is — but with the right glass, the right films and precise construction it gets very close. If you want the mechanism in full, we cover it in how variable ND filters work and how to choose one.
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.
Main use of the VND for videos
- Precise shutter speed management to maintain the best ratio between fps and shutter speed
- Use wide apertures even in bright light
- Manage light and shutter speeds even in long rolling scenes with significant light variations
Main use of the VND for photos
- Using wide apertures for greater control, like blurred background in portraits, even in bright light
- Long exposures in different lighting conditions without changing filters
- Adapting panning to different conditions with a single filter
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 or magnetic: which mount?
The glass is the same. What changes is how the filter gets onto the lens, and what you can do once it is there.
- Screw-in. Threads straight onto the lens and carries a front thread of its own for stacking. Best if the variable ND is the one filter you keep on most of the time. One filter per thread size, or a step-up ring.
- Magnetic (JetMag Pro). An adapter ring stays on the lens, the filter snaps on and locks. Quick to fit and remove, and it lets you stack the rest of the JetMag Pro range on top. One filter covers every lens you have a ring for.
Which one is right depends on how many filters you expect to use at the same time, and on how you want to handle polarisation. We put the two side by side, with the numbers, in a separate comparison.
Disclaimer: Variable ND (VND) filters are constructed from two optical glass elements that rotate relative to each other. Due to this design, they are not weatherproof or waterproof. The hydrophobic (water-repellent) coating is applied only to the front and rear glass surfaces to help repel water, fingerprints, and dirt, making the filter easier to clean. It does not seal the filter against water or moisture ingress.
Stacking, mounting and specifications
In the magnetic JetMag Pro version the 1–5 stop variable ND is a base you build on. Add the ND16 (4 stop) and the range becomes a 5–9 stop variable; add a Black Mist on top and you are softening highlights at the same time.
- No vignetting from 15–16mm with the 1–5 stop Vario ND + 4 stop ND16.
- No vignetting from 16–17mm with the 1–5 stop Vario ND + 4 stop ND16 + Mist filter.
How to fit it, the locking lever and the full specifications — with the video — are on the JetMag Pro ND-VARIO page. The rest of the magnetic system, the adapter rings and everything else that snaps onto them, is on the JetMag Pro system page.
TRUE COLOR ND-VARIO/PL 1-5 stops screw-in
Designed to deliver accurate, neutral colour rendition throughout the entire adjustment range, from minimum to maximum intensity. Unlike many other polarising filters on the market, it does not introduce a magenta tint or warm colour cast, preserving consistent and natural tones both in RAW for photography and LOG for video, while also simplifying post-production.
Two essential filters in a single accessory: reduces incoming light while simultaneously cutting unwanted reflections from water, glass, and vegetation. With a single filter, you get complete control over both exposure and polarization, reducing the number of filters you need to carry, speeding up setup in the field, and giving you more time to focus on shooting.
Available in threaded size for：49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 86 and 95
- Independent VND & PL Control: adjust density and polarisation separately.
- VND/PL 2-in-1: exposure and reflection control in one filter.
- True Color Technology: natural, accurate colours without colour casts.
- 6-Pin Kit Compatible: add 6 extra pins for more control.
- 1–5 Stop Range: smooth exposure control for changing light.
- Ultra-Slim Frame: no vignetting, even with 15mm ultra-wide lenses.
- 4-Sided Nano Coating: water, oil and reflection resistant; easy to clean.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Markings: easy adjustment in low light.
- Metal Lens Cap: premium protection against dust, scratches and impacts.
- SWIFT System Compatible: seamlessly integrates with SWIFT filters.
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.
Available in threaded size for：40.5, 43, 46 ,49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 86, 95 and 105mm
- Reduces exposure from 1 to 5 stops.
- SLIM construction with precise rotation.
- True Color film added to the optical glass for high color accuracy without the “X-effect.”
- High-Ultra Clarity (HUC) optical glass, exclusive to NiSi, with Nano coating and water-repellent surface for easy cleaning.
- Two-tone design made from high-quality materials with textured grip and a removable control pin for full manual adjustment of the entire ring.
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.