The new design of the Hoya Variable Density II minimizes the vignette effect often experienced when shooting on wide-angle lenses. Hoya engineers reconstructed the Variable Density frame, minimized the overall thickness and created a top frame that is one full size bigger than the original Variable Neutral Density Filter.
Variable Neutral Density filters are helpful because:
- They save you money; buy 1 filter instead of a set of 3-4
- They save time; simply rotate the filter rather than switch it out
- They save space; one filter takes up less room in the bag
The Hoya Variable Neutral Density II Filter can be used in place of several fixed Neutral Density filters. The design of variable density filters allows you to rotate an outer frame to set the desired density the same way as a circular polarizer. A cross X pattern will occur when rotating past the minimum or maximum density range of the filter.
NOTE: The frame construction of the Variable Density II requires taking a lens cap that is one size bigger than the filter threads of your lens. For example, a 72mm filter would require an 77mm lens cap.