Hoya offers many Neutral Density filters in its range, including a NDX2 (1 stop), NDX4 (2 stop) and NDx8 (3 stop). We tested the strongest on offer and the Hoya HMC NDX400 is capable of restricting 9-stops of light through your lens. The filter itself features an HMC (Hoya Multi-Coated) layer applied to the glass, which is designed to minimise reflections and eliminate any flare or ghosting, but we didn’t notice any change from the uncoated versions on test. The filter we tested had a 72mm thread, but Hoya produces eight different sizes, including 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72 and 77mm, so the majority of modern lenses are covered.
The NDX400 comes in a plastic case with one layer of foam to protect
it from wear and tear and, as with the B+W filter, it was easily screwed on and off our lens between uses out in the field.
The Hoya HMC NDX400 costs £95 in a 72mm size and the largest of its kind – the 77mm – costs £101. Like the B&W filter, though, the price for smaller ones reduces dramatically – a 52mm NDX400 will set you back around half the price.
AT A GLANCEMaterial: Glass (Multi-Coated)
F/stop reduction: 9
Attenuation factor: 400
Filter optical density: 2.6
Sizes available: 49, 52, 55, 58, 62,67, 72 and 77mm
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