For all of you who love long exposures during the day, HGX Prime variable ND filters are calling your name.
Landscape photographers rejoice; you have another variable ND filter option to choose from. Of course, ND filters can be used in many genres of photography, so everyone rejoice. Today, ProMaster announced that they have decided to bolster their Prime Professional Collection of filters by adding the new HGX Prime variable ND filters to their lineup. ProMaster is claiming that you will get extreme sharpness and outstanding color rendition when you use one of these filters. Join us after the break for all the deets.
The new ProMaster HGX Prime variable ND filters feature a variable range of 1.3 to 8 stops and have been manufactured using ultra-hardened, scratch-resistant optical glass. ProMaster states that the glass is individually ground, polished, and coated with 36 layers of anti-reflective multi-coatings. The HGX Prime variable ND filters also use a repellent called Repellamax II, which is an anti-static barrier that resists dust, dirt, oil, water, and fingerprints.
One of the cool features on the HGX Prime variable ND filters is a mechanical hard stop at each end of the range of the filter. This feature will allow for easier, repeatable results. The filter ring also has white lines at each full density stop, from 1.3 (minimum) to 8 (maximum), so you can easily see what setting you are at. You’ll also find installed on each filter a small, removable knob, which allows for fast, precise adjustments to the filter (lose it, and ProMaster will replace it).
ProMaster states that while all variable ND filters suffer from cross-polarization at higher densities, the X on the ring of the HGX Prime variable ND filters indicates to photographers where they might start to see an X-shaped area in their image. This marking will be especially useful when using wide-angle lenses. That’s a nice touch, and it is refreshing to see a company state that yes, cross-polarization is an issue, and this is how we are dealing with it, rather than put out bogus claims that it is not a problem. So, kudos to ProMaster for that.
The outer threads of the Prime variable ND filters are the same size as the mounting thread, allowing the lens cap to be attached while the filter is installed, and also eliminating the need for stepping rings when mounting other accessories. In regards to filter sizes and pricing, the ProMaster HGX variable ND filters come in filter sizes ranging from 49-82mm, and they start at $119.95. If you would like more detailed information about the filters from ProMaster, head on over to their official website.