Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.
Hoya Variable Density Filter comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about buyers who need sharpness with budget over Schott glass — read the strengths below before deciding.
The Hoya Variable Density is the sharpness pick — best sharpness retention in the variable category.
The Tiffen Variable ND is the USA-made pick — Hollywood industry-standard brand for cinema.
Best sharpness. Cleaner coatings issue. Blue cast at max.
USA-made. Least color cast at minimum. Soft at extremes.
| Spec | Hoya Variable Density Filter | Tiffen Variable ND |
|---|---|---|
| Range | 2-9 stops | — |
| Coating | HPMC | — |
| Brand | Hoya | Tiffen |
| Type | Variable | Variable |
| Origin | — | USA |
| Color | — | Lowest cast at minimum |