Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.
B+W Vario ND XS-Pro and Hoya Variable Density Filter score essentially the same (4.7 vs 4.7). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.
The B+W Vario ND XS-Pro is the best-overall pick — premium Schott glass with brass mount.
The Hoya Variable Density is the sharpness pick — best sharpness retention in the variable category.
Premium build. Brass mount. Warm cast at max.
Best sharpness. Cleaner coatings issue. Blue cast at max.
| Spec | B+W Vario ND XS-Pro | Hoya Variable Density Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | Schott | — |
| Mount | Brass | — |
| Coating | MRC nano | HPMC |
| Brand | B+W | Hoya |
| Range | — | 2-9 stops |
| Type | — | Variable |