- A neutral density or ND filter is a filter that is used to darken or lower the amount of light that passes through the lens by a specified number of stops, ranging from a fraction of a stop to 10 stops or more. There are also variable neutral density filters that change the amount of light allowed to enter when rotated. Uses for neutral density filters include shooting in bright light with a fast aperture for shallow depth of field, capturing video at appropriate shutter speeds in bright light, and taking long exposures during the day.
Neutral Density Filter

Neutral Density Filters Explained
A neutral density filter is, ideally, a neutral grey filter that has no effect on the image other than darkening it. (As opposed to UV filters, Polarizing Filters, and other special effects filters that may significantly influence the nature of the resulting image.)
Ideally, a good neutral density filter will not introduce any color cast to an image, or reduce the image detail / sharpness by any discernible amount. Unfortunately, some ND filters, from the affordable to the expensive, do introduce a faint color cast to the resulting image.
While a warm or cool side effect can easily be compensated for by adjusting the camera's white balance, unfortunately the color issues with ND filters also manifest in not just temperature but also tint, or the magenta / green spectrum. This can still be roughly corrected for either in-camera or in post-production, however the purity of the overall subtle colors may still be compromised.
If a photographer only finds themselves using an ND filter very rarely, then a "cheap" one is likely good enough to achieve the desired effect. However a photographer or videographer who uses ND filters on a regular basis, let alone multiple ND filters of different densities or sizes, would be wise to invest in a filter set that is as color-neutral as possible, and also consistent between each filter.
Workshops Related to Neutral Density Filter Definition
HDR Photography Workshop: Lens Filter
HDR PHOTOGRAPHY LENS FILTER The only filter we use for HDR Photography is an Neutral Density (ND) filter. An ND…
Lighting 201: Fantastic ND Filters at Any Price Range
Fantastic ND Filters at Any Price Range | Transcription Let’s talk about neutral density filters. Here’s what you’re going to…
Lighting 201: Over Powering the Sun – Part II
Over Powering the Sun | Part II | Transcription All right, we’re also going to teach you a little technique…
Related Articles to Neutral Density Filter Definition
How To (Safely) Spray Your Lens To Make Great Images Even Better
There are numerous ways to light and shoot the same scene, but you can take your creativity a step further by introducing special effects.
Neutral Density Filters Aren’t So Neutral At Anything Else
Neutral density isn’t so neutral after all, but we still need them. Here’s a look at how some of the popular ones compare to each other.
Our Favorite Neutral Density Filters | Gear Talk Episode 5
ND filters are like M Night Shyamalan movies, most are terrible, but there are a few good ones. Check out this video and article to see what our favorite ND Filters are!
Create Your Own Ten-Stop Neutral Density Filter for B&W Long Exposures
Love the look of long exposure images, but can’t afford a ten-stop neutral density filter? Let me show you how…
Latest Guides
Premium Education
SLR Lounge Premium
1,500+ Lessons, 30+ Workshops
Get Connected!