5 Best ND Filters for Beginners Landscape Photography (All Budgets)

Paul Farace Photography
6 days ago
5 min read

Rocky tide pools at a calm beach sunset, with pink-purple sky reflecting on wet sand and dark coquina rocks along the Atlantic Ocean in Marineland Florida.

What does a Neutral Density (ND) Filter even do? They are basically dark sunglasses for your camera. They block the amount of light able to reach your sensor.

By blocking the available light this allows you to effectively control your camera’s shutter speed, but not all ND filters are created equal. Settling on the right filter can feel difficult with so many options available.

This guide breaks down five great Neutral Density (ND) filters available right now, categorized by budget, to help you find the perfect match for your lens.

All images and words by Paul Farace Photography

Paul Farace is an award winning Florida based landscape photographer and author with 20 years of experience, specializing in capturing the state's coastlines and waterways. Operating out of St. Augustine, he shares his expertise through fine art prints, adventure videos, educational workshops, and digital content. Explore his work and bio details at Paul Farace Photography.

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Alright let's dive in!

Golden sunrise over ocean waves cascading around rocky shore, with blurred surf and glowing orange sky. — Photo taken with a Breakthrough Photography ND Filter.

Why Beginner Landscape Photographers Need an ND Filter

Ever wonder how pros capture those silky waterfalls and streaky, dramatic clouds? The secret isn’t an expensive camera. It’s a Neutral Density (ND) filter. Acting like sunglasses for your lens, an ND filter blocks excess light so you can use long exposures even in bright daylight. If you want to elevate your landscape game, control your shutter speed, and create breathtaking motion blur, this simple tool is your ultimate creative upgrade.

Should You Use Variable or Fixed ND Filters for Landscape Photography?

Stick with fixed strength ND filters for landscape photography. Variable ND filters offer great flexibility, but fixed have superior image quality.

What strength ND filter should you get?

If you are only buying one, go with a 6 Stop for a great all around filter. It offers the best flexibility around sunrise and sunset. A 10 stop is great for day time or very long, minute+, exposures.

Check out the long exposure image gallery at the end!

The 5 Best ND Filters for Beginners Landscape Photography

Ad for 7artisans ND filter with black packaging and lens filter; large text reads The Ultra Budget Pick

1. The Ultra Budget Pick: 7artisans ND Filter Ultra Slim

Best for Absolute beginners trying out ND filters for the first time.
Price Range: $10-15
Key Features: Aluminum alloy frame, Slim design, scratch and water resistant coatings.

Sometimes you just want to try things out before you spend too much money. Or perhaps you just have a very tight budget and want to explore longer exposure photography and creative shutter control. Grab one of these if you want to dip your toe in the water.

*Note - Only 55mm, 62mm and 72mm size.

7Artisans 6 Stop (ND64) Filter - https://amzn.to/4bJkLuE

GOBE ND64 lens filter box on white background with Stepping Stone Pick text and large black circular filter image.

2. The Stepping Stone Pick: GOBE ND Lens Filter

Best for Photographers wanting to try ND filters with a bit better image quality and durability.
Price Range: $25-45
Key Features: Premium Japanese optical glass, 24 layer nano-coating provides neutral color balance, reduces lens flare, removes ghosting and protects against scratches, dirt, and grime.

With just a bit more of an investment you will get some decent glass in your ND filter. Check out this GOBE ND Lens Filter if you still want to try things out without spending too much, but with a bit better image quality and durability.

GOBE 6 Stop (ND64) Filter - https://amzn.to/4cbV5qE

K&F Concept camera lens filter box and green-tinted filter beside text: The Excellent Value Pick on a white background.

3. The Excellent Value Pick: K&F Concept Magnetic Nano X-Series ND Filters

Best for Anyone wanting an excellent compromise between quality and price.
Price Range: $50-80 ($150 for the 5 Filter kit)
Key Features: Made with optical AGC glass, 28 layer multi-coating, quick magnetic filter switching.

The K&F Concept Nano-X Series offers excellent value for photographers. It features high definition optical glass and advanced nano-coatings that prevent glare, water, and scratches. Instead of traditional screw in filters, it uses a magnetic attachment system. This setup is far superior because it eliminates cross threading and allows you to snap filters on instantly, helping you never miss a shot.

K&F Magnetic ND64 Filter - https://amzn.to/4wi6M6l

K&F Magnetic 5 Filter Kit - https://amzn.to/4xUzdJ1

The Eco Conscious Pick text beside URTH Magnetic ND64 lens filter box and green-tinted filter on white background.

4. The Eco Conscious Pick: URTH Magnetic ND Lens Filter

Best for Eco conscious photographers who love great glass.
Price Range: $80-120
Key Features: Made from German SCHOTT B270 glass with 20-layer CoraNano TM coating. Quick magnetic filter swapping system.

The Urth ND Lens Filter is a neutral density filter with 20 layer nano-coated Japanese AGC glass. Urth is a certified B Corp that plants trees for every product sold, making this an great choice for nature loving landscape photographers.

URTH Magnetic ND64 Filter - https://amzn.to/4wmqIFe

URTH Magnetic 5 Filter Kit - https://amzn.to/3RNMwvo

The Ultimate Investment Pick text beside a Breakthrough Photography X4 ND camera lens filter and red pouch on a white background.

5. The Ultimate Investment Pick: Break Through Photography X4 ND Filters

Best for Photographers who only want the best.
Price Range: $150-170
Key Features: Made from German SCHOTT B270 glass with 20-layer CoraNano TM coating. Quick magnetic filter swapping system.

The Breakthrough Filters X4 Neutral Density filters are professional grade camera accessories engineered for extreme color neutrality and sharpness. They feature SCHOTT Superwhite B270 optical glass, weather-sealed brass traction frames, and advanced multi-resistant nano coatings.

Breakthrough Photography 6 Stop Filter - https://amzn.to/4g3ygGL

Breakthrough Photography 10 Stop Filter - https://amzn.to/4i2ufF1

What ND filter do I Use?

I love my Breakthrough Photography ND Filters and also use their X4 CPL Filter.

Long Exposure Landscape Photography Image Gallery

Fire In The Sky
Blue Hour Coquina
Lightning Over The Farms
MalaCompra Dawn
St. Augustine Pier
Coquina Cascades
On The Surface
Moore Cove Falls Rainbow
Ocean Fog
Massive Bolt
Minimal In Riverdale
Hidden Spring

Here are some more articles to check out next:

5 Best CPL Filters for Beginners Landscape Photography (All Budgets)

10 Wide Angle Long Exposure Tips: Master Your Craft

5 Tips for EPIC Coastal Photography

And

Here are some videos to check out:

Wide Angle Long Exposure Seascapes

THIS is why I Get Up Early! Blue Hour Landscape Photography!

10 Florida Landscape Photography Tips You Need to Know

Thanks for reading!

Check out my portfolio right here! Paul Farace Photography.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What ND filter strength should a beginner start with?

A 6-stop (ND64) or 10-stop (ND1000) filter is ideal. A 6-stop filter works perfectly for golden hour streams and waterfalls. A 10-stop filter allows you to flatten choppy ocean waves and stretch clouds in bright daylight.

Should I buy a variable or fixed ND filter?

Fixed ND filters offer superior image sharpness and avoid the ugly "X pattern" artifact. Variable ND filters offer unmatched convenience for budget conscious beginners by combining multiple strengths into one rotating glass element. Variable filters are also great for video work.

What is the difference between square and screw-on ND filters?

Screw-on filters attach directly to your lens thread and are highly portable and budget friendly. Square filter systems use a holder system that lets you stack multiple filters and easily use graduated ND filters for bright skies. More recent magnetic systems make things much easier too.

Will cheap ND filters ruin my landscape photos?

Very cheap filters often introduce heavy color casts, usually turning images blue or magenta. Budget friendly modern options from reputable brands now offer excellent color neutrality without breaking the bank.

How do I know what filter size to buy for my lens?

Check the front of your camera lens for a millimeter symbol (ø) followed by a number (e.g., ø67mm, ø77mm). Buy your filters to match that specific number, or buy a larger size and use affordable step up rings to fit smaller size lenses.

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North East Florida Guide: https://www.paulfaracephotography.com/florida-photo-guide

Marineland Seascape 1on1 Guide: https://www.paulfaracephotography.com/marineland

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