1. Introduction
The HOYA PRO ND-EX Filter Kit provides photographers and cinematographers with essential tools for precise light management. This kit includes three neutral density filters: ND8 (3-stop), ND64 (6-stop), and ND1000 (10-stop). These filters are designed to reduce the amount of light entering your camera lens, enabling creative control over exposure in various lighting conditions. The PRO ND-EX series features HOYA's ACCU-ND technology for consistent color accuracy and enhanced IR protection, ensuring natural and predictable image results without unwanted color shifts.
Image: The HOYA PRO ND-EX filters allow for creative long exposure photography, such as blurring water movement.
2. What's in the Box
Your HOYA PRO ND-EX 49mm Filter Kit contains the following items:
- One (1) HOYA PRO ND-EX 8 (3-stop) Neutral Density Filter (49mm)
- One (1) HOYA PRO ND-EX 64 (6-stop) Neutral Density Filter (49mm)
- One (1) HOYA PRO ND-EX 1000 (10-stop) Neutral Density Filter (49mm)
- One (1) Soft ballistic nylon filter case
Image: The HOYA PRO ND-EX 49mm filter kit, showing the three filters neatly stored within the included soft case.
3. Setup and Installation
To attach a HOYA PRO ND-EX filter to your camera lens, follow these steps:
- Ensure your camera lens has a 49mm filter thread. This size is typically indicated on the front of your lens or in its specifications.
- Carefully remove the desired ND filter from its case. Hold the filter by its edges to avoid touching the glass surface.
- Align the filter's threads with the threads on the front of your camera lens.
- Gently rotate the filter clockwise until it is securely fastened. Do not overtighten.
- To remove, rotate the filter counter-clockwise until it detaches from the lens.
The filters feature a durable aluminum frame and front filter threads, allowing you to stack multiple filters if needed, such as combining an ND filter with a polarizer for additional creative control.
Image: A hand demonstrating the proper way to attach a HOYA filter to a camera lens by aligning the threads and gently twisting.
4. Operating Instructions
Neutral Density (ND) filters reduce the intensity of light uniformly across the visible spectrum, allowing for longer exposure times or wider apertures in bright conditions. This kit provides three different levels of light reduction, each enabling distinct creative effects:
HOYA PRO ND-EX 8 (3-stops)
Image: The HOYA PRO ND-EX 8 filter, designed for 3-stop light reduction.
This filter reduces light by 3 stops (ND8). It is ideal for shooting with fast lenses at wide open apertures during daylight, allowing for a shallow depth of field. This is particularly useful for portraits where you want the subject to be sharp against a softly blurred background.
HOYA PRO ND-EX 64 (6-stops)
Image: The HOYA PRO ND-EX 64 filter, providing 6-stop light reduction.
This filter reduces light by 6 stops (ND64). It is essential for expressing objects in blurred motion, such as flowing water or moving clouds, even in moderately bright conditions. Recommended for landscape, city snapshot, video, and other photographic genres where motion blur is desired.
Image: Coastal rocks and ocean captured without an ND filter, showing distinct water movement.
Image: The same coastal scene captured with an ND filter, demonstrating the smooth, blurred effect on the water.
Image: A visual comparison illustrating the effect of ND filters on moving water, from sharp detail to silky smooth blur.
HOYA PRO ND-EX 1000 (10-stops)
Image: The HOYA PRO ND-EX 1000 filter, offering significant 10-stop light reduction.
This filter provides a significant 10-stop (ND1000) light reduction, allowing for very long exposures even in bright daylight. It is used to create an ethereal, fantastical atmosphere by rendering moving elements like clouds and water into smooth, silky textures. Widely used in landscape, street-snap, and architecture photography for dramatic effects.
Image: A bustling city street scene with clear, distinct figures of people walking, taken without an ND filter.
Image: The same city street scene captured with an ND filter, showing the motion blur effect on the moving pedestrians.
Image: Examples of creative effects achievable with ND filters, including shallow depth of field, motion blur, and long exposure for an ethereal look.
Exposure Calculation
When using ND filters, you will need to adjust your exposure time. Each "stop" of light reduction doubles the exposure time. For example:
- ND8 (3-stops): If your normal exposure is 1/30 second, with an ND8 filter, your new exposure will be 1/30 * 23 = 1/30 * 8 = 8/30 seconds (approx. 0.27 seconds).
- ND64 (6-stops): If your normal exposure is 1/30 second, with an ND64 filter, your new exposure will be 1/30 * 26 = 1/30 * 64 = 64/30 seconds (approx. 2.1 seconds).
- ND1000 (10-stops): If your normal exposure is 1/30 second, with an ND1000 filter, your new exposure will be 1/30 * 210 = 1/30 * 1024 = 1024/30 seconds (approx. 34 seconds).
Many modern cameras can automatically calculate the correct exposure with an ND filter attached, especially in aperture priority or manual modes. However, for very dense filters like ND1000, it may be necessary to calculate the exposure manually or use a separate light meter before attaching the filter.
Important: Due to the significant light reduction, autofocus may struggle or fail with denser ND filters. It is often recommended to focus manually before attaching the filter, or use live view with magnification to achieve precise focus.
5. Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance will extend the life and performance of your HOYA PRO ND-EX filters.
Cleaning
- Always use a clean, soft microfiber cloth specifically designed for optical surfaces.
- For dust, use a blower brush first to remove loose particles.
- For smudges or fingerprints, apply a small amount of lens cleaning solution to the microfiber cloth (not directly to the filter) and gently wipe in a circular motion from the center outwards.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive materials, or tissues that can scratch the filter coating.
Storage
- Store filters in the provided soft ballistic nylon case when not in use to protect them from dust, scratches, and impacts.
- Keep filters in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
6. Troubleshooting
Here are some common issues and their solutions when using ND filters:
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Color Shift (Green/Magenta Tint) | Some ND filters can introduce a color cast, especially cheaper ones or during very long exposures. | HOYA PRO ND-EX filters are designed with ACCU-ND technology and enhanced IR protection to minimize color shift. If a slight shift is observed, it can usually be corrected in post-processing by adjusting white balance. |
| Difficulty Focusing | Dense ND filters significantly reduce light, making it hard for autofocus systems to operate. | Focus your lens before attaching the ND filter. Alternatively, use live view with magnification to manually focus after the filter is attached. |
| Vignetting (Dark Corners) | Using multiple stacked filters or a very wide-angle lens can sometimes cause vignetting. | The PRO ND-EX filters feature thin frames to reduce vignetting. If it occurs, try removing any unnecessary stacked filters or correct it in post-processing. |
| Filter Stuck on Lens | Overtightening or temperature changes can cause filters to become difficult to remove. | Apply gentle, even pressure when twisting. Use a rubber filter wrench if available. Avoid overtightening during installation. |
7. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Neutral Density (ND) Filter Kit |
| Kit Includes | ND8 (3-stop), ND64 (6-stop), ND1000 (10-stop) |
| Filter Diameter | 49mm |
| Material | Optical Glass, Aluminum Frame |
| Coating | Multi-Coating, ACCU-ND Technology, Enhanced IR Protection |
| Product Dimensions | 1.93"L x 1.93"W (individual filter) |
| Item Weight | 0.005 ounces (individual filter) |
| Model Number | YYK3149 |
| UPC | 024066071842 |
| Manufacturer | HOYA |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant |
Image: The back of the HOYA PRO ND-EX filter kit packaging, detailing the specifications and individual filter characteristics.
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or any inquiries regarding your HOYA PRO ND-EX Filter Kit, please contact HOYA customer service or visit their official website.
Manufacturer: HOYA
Distributed by: Kenko Tokina USA Official
Official Website: www.hoyafilter.com
Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.