Hoya Pro 1D 16x (4-stop) Neutral Density Filter

The Hoya Pro 1D 16x (4-stop) Neutral Density Filter has several uses and offers the possibility to achieve otherwise unachievable results. ND filters appear gray and reduce the amount of light reaching the film. They have no effect on color balance.

Neutral Density filters enable the shooter to adjust exposure without affecting color balance. ND filters appear gray and reduce the amount of light reaching the film. Neutral density filters are available in 1, 2, 3, or 4 stops to suit individual situations. Determining which neutral density filter yields ideal results for any given lighting situation takes knowledge, experience and a collection of such filters. Speaking generally, the 2-stop value (ND 0.6) effectively compensates average situations.

Hoya's digitally multi-coated glass greatly reduces the appearance of lens flare and ghosting caused by reflections. The filter frame is made from a black matte aluminum satin finish almite frame which reduces reflections. Almite is a coating used to help prevent corrosion. The black rimmed glass contained in the filter reduces the chance of light reflecting off the edge. As a real benefit, each filter has a knurled edge to facilitate easy attachment and removal. Hoya has even included a UV protected plastic storage case to extend the life of the filter. In addition, the Pro 1D filter is a low profile (thin) design making it a great choice for the wide angle shooting common in today's photo and video market.

Hoya is one of the largest manufacturers of glass in the filter industry. In collaboration with its parent company, Tokina Optical, Hoya continues to strive to produce some of the best glass on the market. Currently, they hold 40% of the world's market for optical glass.

The advantage of most Hoya filters is that Hoya puts, at least, one layer of anti-reflective coating on each side of their glass. It is not bare glass. Even if the glass is not multi-coated, this kind of production tends to minimize flare and ghosting.

Neutral Density Filters Have Four Main Uses

To enable slow shutter speeds to be used, especially with high speed films, to record movement in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds, or cars
To decrease depth of field by allowing wider apertures to be used, which helps separate subjects from their background
To decrease the effective ISO of high speed film (above ISO 400) and allow it to be used outdoors in bright situation
To allow cine and video cameras (which have fixed shutter speeds) to film subjects such as snow, sand or other bright scenes which could cause overexposure
Neutral Density Factors

ND.3 (exposure adjustment = 1 stop, reduces ISO to 1/2)
ND.6 (exposure adjustment = 2 stops, reduces ISO to 1/4)
ND.9 (exposure adjustment = 3 stops, reduces ISO to 1/8)
ND1.2 (exposure adjustment = 4 stops, reduces ISO to 1/16)