Photographers will love it, but it’s also a bonus for filmmakers, as the 1 to 5 stop range makes it easier to maintain a chosen shutter speed and aperture as ambient light changes. 

A variable ND and a polarizer solve two different problems. The VND controls how much light reaches the camera, while the polarizer reduces unwanted reflections from surfaces such as water, glass and foliage. Bringing both functions together means less equipment in the bag, a lower-profile setup on the lens and fewer filters to change when working in changing conditions.

 That’s what NiSi did with the NiSi True Color VND/PL 1-5 Stops, a variable ND and polarizer in one filter, giving photographers and filmmakers independent control over exposure and reflections without having to stack separate filters.

In fact, unlike solutions where the two adjustments are linked, NiSi has given the VND and polarizer separate controls. The light reduction can be set between 1 and 5 stops and then left in place while polarization is adjusted independently. This makes it possible to fine-tune reflections without changing the selected exposure setting.

For filmmakers, the 1 to 5 stop range makes it easier to maintain a chosen shutter speed and aperture as ambient light changes. Photographers can use the same control to work with wider apertures in bright conditions or introduce longer shutter speeds, while the polarizer provides separate control over reflections and glare.

Optical performance is especially important when combining several filter functions in front of the lens. NiSi’s True Color Technology is engineered to maintain accurate, neutral colors throughout the adjustment range, avoiding the magenta or warm color casts that can occur with some variable ND and polarizing filters. The controlled 1 to 5 stop range is also designed to prevent the X-pattern caused by cross-polarization that can appear with some variable ND filters.

Both filter surfaces use NiSi‘s multi-layer, low-reflection nano coating to reduce reflections while repelling water and oil. Together with the neutral color reproduction, this helps maintain the image quality and consistency expected when the filter is used for both high-resolution still photography and LOG video.

The filter is housed in a slim aluminum frame designed to avoid vignetting even when used with ultra-wide full-frame lenses down to 15 mm. Luminescent markings make the settings easier to see in low light, and an aluminum front cap is included for protection during transport and storage.
The True Color VND/PL is also compatible with NiSi’s SWIFT system, allowing it to be combined with additional filters when a more specialized setup is required.

With the True Color VND/PL 1-5 Stops, NiSi brings two of the most frequently used filter controls into one compact design. Exposure can be set first, polarization adjusted separately, and the photographer or filmmaker can work with fewer filters between the lens and the scene.

The new filter from NiSi will be available this October, in sizes from 49-95 mm, with a recommended price that starts at $165.00 (49 mm) and goes up to $285.00 for the 95 mm diameter filter.