Verdict
Head-to-head · Best ND Filter Kits

B+W Vario ND XS-Pro vs Tiffen Variable ND

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

B+W Vario ND XS-Pro comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about professional landscape + video shooters wanting premium glass — read the strengths below before deciding.

B+W Vario ND XS-Pro
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best ND Filter Kits
B+W Vario ND XS-Pro
$199

The B+W Vario ND XS-Pro is the best-overall pick — premium Schott glass with brass mount.

Strengths
  • Premium Schott glass
  • Brass mount — won't bind to filter threads
  • Lockable variable ND range
Watch-outs
  • Most expensive
  • Warm color cast at extreme settings
  • Premium pricing on smaller sizes
Tiffen Variable ND
Ranked #4 in Best ND Filter Kits
Tiffen Variable ND
$120

The Tiffen Variable ND is the USA-made pick — Hollywood industry-standard brand for cinema.

Strengths
  • Least color cast at minimum settings
  • Made in USA
  • Affordable variable ND
Watch-outs
  • Optically softer at extreme settings
  • Less sharpness retention than Hoya
  • Threads tend to cross-thread

How they stack up

B+W Vario ND XS-Pro

Premium build. Brass mount. Warm cast at max.

Tiffen Variable ND

USA-made. Least color cast at minimum. Soft at extremes.

Specs side-by-side

SpecB+W Vario ND XS-ProTiffen Variable ND
GlassSchott
MountBrass
CoatingMRC nano
BrandB+WTiffen
OriginUSA
ColorLowest cast at minimum
TypeVariable
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