How to Choose the Right ND Filter Set for Your Lens
By Camix | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick the right ND filter set for your lens, covering filter strength, thread size, and fixed vs. variable options.
Quick Answer
To choose the right ND filter set, match the filter thread size to your lens (check the symbol on the lens cap or barrel), then pick a set that includes the strengths you need—ND2, ND4, and ND8 cover most situations for both photo and video.
Why Filter Strength Matters
ND filters reduce the amount of light entering your lens, allowing slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright conditions. The strength is indicated by the ND number: ND2 reduces light by 1 stop, ND4 by 2 stops, and ND8 by 3 stops. A set with ND2, ND4, and ND8 gives you flexibility to adapt to different lighting without carrying multiple single filters.
For video, a 3-stop ND8 is often enough to achieve a cinematic 1/50 shutter speed in daylight. For stills, you might need stronger filters for long exposures, but a basic set is a great starting point.
Thread Size: 58mm, 67mm, or 77mm?
The filter must match your lens's thread size, which is usually printed on the lens barrel or on the underside of the lens cap (e.g., 'Ø58mm'). If you have multiple lenses with different sizes, you can buy filters for your largest lens and use step-up rings, but this can cause vignetting on wider lenses. Alternatively, consider a kit that includes multiple sizes—but check the included strengths.
The Neewer 58mm kit and 77mm kit both include ND2, ND4, ND8, UV, CPL, and FLD filters, while the 67mm kit focuses on ND2, ND4, ND8, and ND16. The 67mm set gives you an extra stop (ND16) for even darker conditions, which is useful for long exposures in bright daylight.
Fixed vs. Variable ND: Trade-offs
Fixed ND filters offer consistent, predictable density and often better image quality. Variable ND filters let you adjust strength by rotating the filter, which is convenient but can introduce cross-polarization artifacts (like X-shaped shadows) at extreme settings. For beginners, a fixed ND set is simpler and more reliable.
If you're on a budget and want versatility, a kit with fixed ND filters (like the ones mentioned) is a practical choice. If you shoot video and need quick adjustments, a variable ND might be worth considering, but be prepared for potential quality trade-offs.
Decision Rules for Choosing an ND Filter Set
- Determine your lens thread size: Check the lens barrel or cap for a number followed by 'mm' (e.g., 58mm, 67mm, 77mm). This is the filter size you need. If you have multiple lenses, consider buying for the largest and using step-up rings, but be aware of vignetting. Write down the thread sizes of all your lenses before shopping.
- Choose the strengths you need: For general photography and video, a set with ND2, ND4, and ND8 covers most scenarios. If you often shoot long exposures in bright light, look for a set that includes ND16 or higher. Match the ND strengths to your typical shooting conditions.
- Decide between a multi-filter kit and a variable ND: If you want simplicity and predictable results, choose a fixed ND set. If you need quick adjustments for video, a variable ND is more convenient but may have quality issues at extreme settings. Consider renting or borrowing before committing to a variable ND.
Product Facts
- Neewer 58MM (ND2-ND4-ND8-UV-CPL-FLD) Filter Set and Accessory Kit: The Neewer 58mm filter set includes ND2, ND4, ND8, UV, CPL, and FLD filters, with a 1-year warranty and free UK delivery. This kit is ideal for lenses with a 58mm thread, offering a versatile range of filters for both protection and creative control at an affordable price.
Neewer 58MM (ND2-ND4-ND8-UV-CPL-FLD) Filter Set and Accessory Kit - Neewer 77MM (ND2-ND4-ND8-UV-CPL-FLD) Filter Set and Accessory Kit: The Neewer 77mm filter set also includes ND2, ND4, ND8, UV, CPL, and FLD filters, with a 1-year warranty and free UK delivery. For larger lenses, this 77mm kit ensures you have the right size without needing step-up rings, covering the same filter types for consistent results.
Neewer 77MM (ND2-ND4-ND8-UV-CPL-FLD) Filter Set and Accessory Kit
Who Should Choose Which
Best for
- Beginners who want an affordable, versatile kit to learn with
- Photographers with a single lens size who need multiple filter types (UV, CPL, ND)
Not for
- Professionals requiring the highest optical quality and precise color neutrality
- Videographers who need quick, on-the-fly adjustments without changing filters
