Head-to-head · Best ND Filter Kits

Hoya Variable Density II vs K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND ND2-400

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Hoya Variable Density II comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Photographers and videographers who want one do-it-all variable ND covering the widest range — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best ND Filter Kits

Hoya Variable Density II

4.6

$161.29as of Jun 7

The Hoya Variable Density II is the best all-round ND filter kit-in-one, replacing a bag of fixed filters with a single ND3-ND400 (1.5-9 stop) variable. Digital Camera World made it its favorite variable ND overall, praising 'negligible impact on sharpness, contrast and color rendition,' and a multi-filter comparison favored the Hoya for the least color shift. The only catch is the usual variable-ND 'X' pattern at maximum.

Strengths

— Generous ND3-ND400 range covers 1.5 to 9 stops in one filter
— Negligible impact on sharpness, contrast and color through the range
— Oversized front element reduces vignetting on wide lenses

Watch-outs

— Cross-polarization 'X' pattern appears at the maximum setting
— Slight blue cast at the very top of the range (pull back a stop)
— Variable ND, so not a true fixed-stop set for critical long exposures

$161.29 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #5 in Best ND Filter Kits

K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND ND2-400

4.3

$76.94as of Jun 7

The K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND ND2-400 is the value pick — a wide 1-9 stop variable ND for around $90 that reviewers agree delivers most of the capability of pricier filters. Digital Camera World scored it about 3.75/5, praising the 28-layer nanocoating and handling while noting it softens detail slightly. Photography Life and Digital Photography School both found its color cast minor and easily corrected.

Strengths

— Excellent value, far cheaper than premium variable NDs
— Wide ND2-ND400 (1-9 stop) range in one filter
— Putter-style adjustment handle with stops marked on the frame

Watch-outs

— Slight softening of detail and minor warm color shift
— X-pattern cross-polarization at the highest settings
— No hard stops, so density selection is less repeatable than premium rivals

$76.94 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Hoya Variable Density II

The Hoya Variable Density II covers a wider range (1.5-9 stops) than the NiSi True Color ND-Vario (1-5 stops) or PolarPro VND (2-5 stops), and unlike the fixed Cokin Nuances Extreme kit it does it all in a single screw-in filter rather than a set.

K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND ND2-400

The K&F Concept Nano-X matches the Hoya Variable Density II's wide 1-9 stop range at a much lower price, but lacks the hard stops of the NiSi True Color ND-Vario and PolarPro VND and softens detail slightly more; it is a variable rather than a fixed set like the Cokin Nuances Extreme.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hoya Variable Density II	K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND ND2-400
Type	Variable ND (screw-in)	Variable ND (screw-in)
Range	ND3-ND400 (1.5-9 stops)	ND2-ND400 (1-9 stops)
Glass	Multi-coated optical glass	Import AGC optical glass
Frame	Slim, oversized front element	Slim 7.4mm
Control	Screw-in knob	Putter handle, marked stops
Thread Sizes	52-82mm options	49-82mm options
Coating	Multi-coated	28-layer nano, water/oil-repellent

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