The Tiffen 72mm Variable Neutral Density Filter presents a versatile solution for controlling depth of field and achieving unique visual effects. Its built-in rotating ring allows for adjustable neutral density ranging from 2 to 8 stops (0.6 to 2.4), which effectively slows down the shutter speed. This extended exposure time captures more light and introduces motion blur into the shot. One of its main advantages is the elimination of the need to carry multiple neutral density filters, saving both time and money. To use the filter, simply attach it to your lens, set it to the minimum density, and then frame and focus your shot. When using higher densities, it's essential to be cautious with focusing to ensure accuracy. If needed, switch to manual focus and adjust the filtration degree accordingly.

For instance, if your standard exposure is 1/500 at f/8 without the filter, setting the filter to "Min" would change the shutter speed to 1/125 at the same aperture, resulting in a 2-stop decrease in speed and a subtle hint of blur in the image. By rotating the filter further, you can achieve even slower shutter speeds, such as 1/2 second at f/8 (8 stops). It's important to note that the calibration marks on the filter are for reference only and may not provide precise settings for specific densities. The Neutral Density filter allows for capturing unusual special effects, such as creating a "blur" effect for rippling water in a waterfall or capturing the swirling motion of city traffic. It enables the use of slower shutter speeds in bright conditions, making it possible to capture these effects that would be challenging without the filter. Additionally, it helps control depth of field, allowing for shooting at wider apertures and preventing overly washed-out images in bright light. Tiffen's ColorCore process ensures greater accuracy in controlling the color and density of their filters, including special effects filters. This process surpasses traditional dyed-in-the-mass filters, which often exhibit color and density variations. With precise control over the filter's densities, Tiffen can create more exact degrees of filtration.