User Manual
How do I use my new Variable ND Filter?
Mount your Tien Variable ND to the front of your
lens and set to the “MIN” (lightest) density. Frame
and focus as usual on the minimum density setting.
Sometimes your lens may not focus properly on a
heavier (darker) density. If this occurs, focus at the
“MIN” density setting, then turn o Auto Focus (set
on Full Manual Mode) and turn the ring to the
desired density. The heavier the density, the slower
your shutter speed will be. This longer exposure
allows the shutter to remain open long enough to
record the same amount of light.
For example, when shooting outdoors your camera’s
shutter speed may be set at 1/500 at f8 with no
Variable ND on the lens. By adding a Variable ND
lter to your lens and setting it at the minimum
density (2 stops) the shutter speed is now 1/125 at
f8 and at maximum density (8 stops) your camera’s
shutter speed would be ½ second at f8. This could
be converted into even slower equivalent exposure
by reducing the lens aperture - 1 second at f11, or 2
seconds at f16, or 4 seconds at f22.
• With the Tien Variable ND lter mounted to
your camera lens, reset the ISO to the lowest
setting especially if you are trying to achieve
image blur. This will give you longer exposure
times and minimize noise
• Rotate the ring to the MIN density setting.
Focus your image. Once you have grabbed
focus, turn OFF your Auto Focus and set to
Full Manual Mode
• Your camera’s internal exposure meter will not
be completely accurate when determining the
exact exposure when using a Variable ND at
Before and After Shots
No ltration – Exposure 1/125 at f8
Tien Variable ND – Exposure 1/15 at f8
high density values; however, the reading it
gives you will be relatively close. When using
a DSLR in the manual mode, the histogram
will give you more control of your exposure
as you go through your test shots. Use this as
a starting point and look at this as an oppor-
tunity to really learn more about the relation-
ship between f-stops and exposure time
• Now you have your image in focus, you’ve
turned o the Auto Focus and set your
camera on Manual Mode, and based upon
your internal exposure meter you have
turned the ring to a setting that you think
will give you the result you’re looking for —
for example, f8 with an exposure time of 1/15
seconds — take a test shot
• If the image appears overexposed, then
reduce your exposure time or reduce your
aperture, depending on whether or not you
want to aect your depth of eld (changing
your aperture changes your depth of eld).
By the same token, if the image is underex-
posed, open up the aperture or increase the
exposure time. With some practice, you
should be able to go from that initial test
shot to an actual usable image within two
or three attempts
• When using a lm camera, bracket rst and
record your exposures. The indexing on the
outer ring will prove useful; however keep
in mind these marks are not calibrated to
specic densities
www.tiffen.com
Photos by: Michael Cassara