A variable neutral density filter can be very handy. You just need a filter that covers multiple strengths. Haida has released CPL VND Pro II, a variable neutral density filter that acts as a polarizing filter. Haida asked me to look at this new variable ND filter with polarization capabilities.
First of all, I don’t like variable neutral density filters. This is from a photographer’s point of view. Some time ago I had the opportunity to use another mutable neutral density filter and it showed the downsides of these filters. You can read my review of this Haida M10 inset filter and see why I don’t like it so much.
With that said, if you are a photographer, I think you should choose good quality ND filters. That’s why I use Haida Red Diamond Filter and Haida NanoPro Magnetic Filter: the former for casual situations, the latter if I want to travel light.
Why use a neutral density filter for filming?
I have a short introduction for those who don’t know the basics of film exposure. The best choice for shutter speed is the inverse of twice the frame rate. Aperture is used to obtain the desired depth of field. Therefore, the ISO level is the only thing that can be used to set the correct exposure.
If you use log footage for recording, you may end up with a higher base ISO. For CLOG-3 in Canon cameras, ISO 800 is the base ISO. So if you want to shoot movies in sunny conditions, you’ll be forced to narrow the aperture down to f/16 or f/22, which is often undesirable.
In that situation, the only solution for the cinematographer OR the filmmaker is a neutral density filter. This way you can keep your ISO at its base value, the shutter speed corresponding to twice the frame rate, and the aperture set for the desired depth of field. That’s why professional video cameras often come with interchangeable ND filters built in.
One ND filter for all
The filter system is not suitable for video. While usable, it is often too cumbersome, especially when the camera is used on a gimbal or Glidecam. Until now, I have used Haida NanoPro Magnetic Neutral Density Filter to get my exposure correct.
But the magnetic filter system isn’t ideal either, as I only have 3, 6 or 10-stop ND filters available. Many times, the best contact person asks for something in between these. That’s why for videographers or filmmakers, a changeable ND filter is the best choice.
Haida has released a changeable ND filter with a built-in circular polarizer. Since a variable ND filter relies on the rotation of two polarizing filters, I was wondering how well this could work. Haida sent me a sample CPL VND Pro II for my review.
A closer look at Haida CPL VND Pro II
The Haida CPL VND Pro II is a uniquely crafted filter that can vary from three to seven stops. Made from aluminum alloy, it’s lightweight without sacrificing build quality. The red ring has an indent showing the available stops. The well-designed lever allows you to rotate the filter to adjust the desired strength.
The red ring can also rotate separately from the neutral density setting. This is a polarization option that allows you to select the desired polarization after you have selected the correct neutral density. The filter can be easily attached and removed or rotated without the risk of removing it by mistake.
The filter is not too thin, which is to be expected. If you use it with a super wide angle lens to take pictures, I think you will encounter some vignetting. But for videographers and filmmakers, this shouldn’t really be a problem because of the 16:9 aspect ratio.
Using the Haida CPL VND Pro II filter
There are two important things to look for when choosing a filter with variable neutral density. First of all, the representation of colors must be perfect. You don’t want any color, no matter how dense the filter is. The Haida CPL VND Pro II perform well in this aspect; it doesn’t show any visible color.
The second is the risk of cross formation when the filter is used at extremely high densities. I saw this with the Haida M10 inet VND filter, which allows for a full 360 degree rotation. Test my review of that filter to see how this cross formation occurs. Haida CPL VND Pro II has nothing like it. Footage and photos show uniform exposure across the complete frame.
One thing to watch out for is the uneven polarization that occurs with wide-angle lenses. This is due to the viewing angle and has nothing to do with this particular filter. But at first glance, you might mistake this as a sign of a crossover formation. When used at longer focal lengths, where uneven polarization becomes less obvious, there is still no sign of cross-forming effects, just normal polarization effects.
Placing the filter on the lens is easy thanks to the great grip. Setting the neutral density is also easy, and since it’s infinitely adjustable, you can rotate the lever until the exposure is correct. The numbers in the text can be hard to see. You have to look from the right angle to be able to see inside. But with normal use, the actual density set is not important. Simply rotate the lever until the exposure is correct.
There is just enough resistance to the rotation of the red ring. This ring is used for bias and its resistor holds it in place as you rotate the lever inside the red ring. Operating Haida CPL VND Pro II puts you in full control.
My conclusion
Although I was a bit skeptical at first, I learned a lot to like the Haida CPL VND Pro II filter. It provides the control needed for filmmaking, and I also have the option of polarizing without the need for a second filter.
The filter is well designed and easy to use. It is made of high-quality materials and multi-coated K9 optical glass to ensure good image quality. While it can also be used for photography, I believe it is primarily aimed at the video world. However, if you don’t want to carry around a lot of neutral density filters on your photography trip, you might as well consider this one.
What I Like
- Well designed
- Full aluminum alloy
- Practical and infinitely adjustable range of neutral density (3-7 stops)
- No cross-forming at maximum use
- Buit-in polarity
- The polarizing ring has the perfect amount of rotational resistance
- No color displayed
What can be improved
- Easy-to-remove metal screw lever
- Neutral density indicator can be hard to read (though that shouldn’t matter in actual use)
- When used on an ultra-wide-angle lens for photography, blurring may occur
- Needle may be too long when using translucent box
If you are looking for such a filter, Haida CPL VND Pro II is a good choice. My advice would be to buy an 82mm filter and use the lifting rings to make it fit smaller diameter lenses. This way, you only have to buy one filter and can use it on every lens you own.
What do you think about this filter? Please share your ideas or experiences with this filter in the comments section below.
