Bower FN86 Variable Neutral Density Filter 86 mm (Black)

Sometimes I read reviews about the “engineers” that buy products and complain about how something is not working to spec, but I’ll buy it anyway. This was one of those itemsI took a base photo with my Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art that has an 86mm filter size (I also have step up rings for my 35mm lens so I can use it for that too) and it was at ISO 100, f/1.8, 1/8000 sec. Then I placed the filter on and cranked it all the way to the stopper and got the dreaded ND X pattern. Backing off from that I was then at 1/320 sec., a nice 4 2/3 stops of light, which should be enough for portraiture. Yes, my lights can handle HSS, but sometimes you want a little motion blur before strobing your subject.The photo of my dog was taken using a speedlight and edited in Lightroom (1/125 sec. l, f/1.4, ISO 100 in full sun).What I like: stops at either end of the rotation, the color cast doesn’t seem too bad, not bad for the price if I decide to keep it.What I don’t like: the X, not getting a full 8 stops of light (which should have been 1/30 sec.), doesn’t come in hard case, rather a soft case with the same material on the inside as on the outside.

An affordable fader/variable ND filter! This 77mm filter is on my 17-50mm Sigma and it preforms very well. Just like my 95mm Bower, the action is smooth for fading. The other feature I really like is that it has a stop built into the MIN and MAX so you cant move past the filters range causing image issues.Going into buying this, I knew shooting at a wide angle (17mm) and a high ND stop (8-10) that there was the potential for the "X" pattern. And while it does happen, it isnt a deal breaker for me. The overall quality of the shots and video are still very good. Eventually, I will buy a 10-stop ND so if needed I can shoot at 17mm and stop my camera down and not have the pattern. For now, this filter is great for my shooting/video needs.Pros:Smooth fadingMin/Max stopAffordableFeels well builtCons:Wide Angle lenses may suffer from "X" pattern issues - this is likely with any Variable/Fader ND thoughSlight color shift to cooler side

If you're looking for ultimate IQ or professional results then you may want to get something a little better but for my casual video use I think it's a good performing ND filter for the money. I can now shoot wide open at the optimal shutter speeds for that cinematic look for video. The stiffness in adjusting the filter is just the right amount so it's not too hard or too loose that it'll turn on its own. The only issue is that at max or near max there's heavy vignetting and a black X across the image. It's a common issue on these variable ND filters so it's not really a fault of this particular brand/model.

Great for slowing the shutter speed to capture the flowing water of waterfalls.

This filter works fine if you are careful and know what your are doing. The first time I tried to use it - I ruined all my pictures but after experimenting with it for a few weeks , I've got it figured out. I took off one star because I can't find a cover that fits it. The 72mm cover is a tad to small and the 77mm is obviously way too big. Any suggestions on covers?

This is the condition this product arrived in. No excuse for this. I cleaned it, looks like it might work ok. Not confident that returning and buying another one would be a better result. The cover looks like it was slid on a floor for a mile and inside was alot of dust.

I use it with my Sigma 85mm 1.4 Art Lens on my RED WEAPON Dragon. Love it.

For the price it is a great ND filter. increasingly heavy vignetting the further down you stop, but I use it as a style choice. Great product

Me costó muchísimo trabajo encontrar un filtro variable nd de este tamaño. Es el tercero que compro, los anteriores hacían el famoso efecto de la x y éste no. No he hecho estudios minuciosos como para ver si colorea la imagen, pero a simple vista no lo hace. Algunos otros de este precio lo hacen y no hay manera que lo corrijas. Éste fue una gran compra sin tener que invertir cientos de dólares.

Mala calidad, malo el resultado que da, nada recomendable.

very nice

滑らかに撮影したくて試しに購入。iPhone XS maxではmomentのレンズを取り付け、Filter Mountを介して、62→77mmのステップアップリングをつけて、このBower 77mm Variable Neutral Density Filter NDフィルターを使用。期待どおり、日中撮影した動画はいい感じに仕上がるようになった。一眼ではEF50mm F1.2L USM レンズ72mm→77mmにして、このフィルターを。EF24-105mm F4L IS USMレンズでそのまま利用。サイズのことなるレンズでも、問題無く使えたことを考えると、すごく安い買い物になった。さらに高価なフィルターだともっと良い画が撮れるのか試してもみたい。四隅が黒くなったり、画面斜めに影が入ったり、ということがあるのかと用心していたが、私の使い方ではそれらは起こらず、良かった。

他に大口径のものがなかったので、望遠レンズ用にこれを購入しました。ただし、望遠レンズで可変値を絞ると、画像がにじむようにソフトになってしまいます。２、３絞り程度に限定して使ってます。シャープネスがもう少し欲しいところではあります。