NAB 2011 - Schneider Optics True-match vari-nd kit

Somehow I missed this until right near the end of the NAB show. Schneider have decided to bring out their own vari-ND filter solution using their high quality glass. I find vari-ND filters essential for my daily work and am really glad to see a high end solution – albeit at a higher price than existing filters.

Essentially a high quality matched pair of polarisering filters, one circular and one linear, you can vary the amount of neutral density across a claimed ten stop range. Unlike some other variable ND filters Schneider claim theirs will remain sharp on a 200mm lens (on a 5DMkII).

century 2 — The Schneider Vari-ND solution

The set comprises a 77mm screw in circular polariser and a 4×4 linear polariser which is held in a custom Lee filter holder which allows the filter to rotate.

century filter — The filter holder is made by Lee filters

I have bought this kit for my personal use and hope to be doing a test soon.

Video by Seppe Van Grieken.

By Dan Chung

Co-founder of Newsshooter, Dan Chung has over 20 years of experience working behind a camera. His career started in photography but evolved into documentary, multimedia and broadcast TV. He shot the first news video on a DSLR and has been on staff at Reuters, The Guardian and CNBC. Dan heads up the editorial team at www.photogearnews.com.