Variable NDX Filter 82mm - Flash Kenko - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Variable Neutral Density (ND) Filter
Brand	Kenko
Model	Variable NDX Filter 82mm
Filter Size	82mm
Density Range	ND2 to ND400 (1 to 9 stops)
Optical Construction	Multi-coated glass elements
Material	High-quality optical glass, aluminum alloy frame
Weight	Approximately 30 g
Thread Type	Standard filter thread
Rotation Angle	180 degrees (from minimum to maximum density)
Power Source	None (passive optical device)
Main Functions	Adjustable light transmission, reduced shutter speed for motion blur, wider aperture in bright conditions, depth-of-field control
Cleaning and Maintenance	Use a soft microfiber cloth and lens cleaning solution; avoid touching glass surface with fingers
Safety Precautions	Do not force rotation; protect from impacts and scratches; store in a padded case
Compatibility	Lenses with 82mm filter thread
Included Accessories	Filter pouch, cleaning cloth
Spare Parts and Repairability	Not user-serviceable; replace if damaged

Frequently Asked Questions - Variable NDX Filter 82mm Kenko

What is a variable ND filter used for?

A variable ND filter allows you to adjust the amount of light entering the lens, enabling slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright light without changing the exposure. It is useful for creating motion blur in waterfalls, clouds, or for achieving shallow depth of field in sunlight.

How do I attach the Kenko Variable NDX Filter 82mm to my lens?

Screw the filter onto the lens's filter thread (82mm) by turning it clockwise. Ensure it is snug but not overtightened. The filter may have a front thread for additional accessories like a lens cap.

Does this filter affect image quality?

Like all filters, it may slightly reduce sharpness or introduce color cast, but the Kenko Variable NDX is multi-coated to minimize reflections and maintain high optical quality. At extreme densities, some vignetting or cross-polarization effects (X-pattern) may occur.

What is the density range of the filter?

The filter offers ND2 to ND400, corresponding to 1 to 9 stops of light reduction. Rotating the ring changes the density continuously.

Will this filter work with my 82mm lens?

Yes, if your lens has a 82mm filter thread. Check the lens cap or barrel for the diameter marking.

How do I clean the filter?

Use a soft blower to remove dust, then a microfiber cloth with lens cleaning solution. Wipe gently in circular motions. Avoid using rough materials or excessive pressure.

Can I use this filter with a lens hood?

Yes, if the lens hood has a clip-on or bayonet mount that fits over the filter. Some hoods may not attach directly; consider a hood that attaches to the filter's front thread.

Why do I see a dark cross or uneven darkness when rotating?

This is known as the 'X-effect' or cross-polarization artifact, common in variable ND filters at very high densities (e.g., beyond 6 stops). To avoid it, do not exceed the recommended density range for your lens's focal length.

Is the filter protected against scratches?

The filter has a hard coating but is not scratch-proof. Always use the included pouch for storage and handle with care to prevent damage.

Does this filter have a warranty?

Kenko typically offers a limited warranty against manufacturing defects. Check the included documentation or contact Kenko support for specific coverage details.

USER MANUAL Variable NDX Filter 82mm Kenko

Just turn the outer filter ring

Variable NDX

For information of other language than English, please visit our web-site of following URL. http://www.kenkoglobal.com/ndx

Contents

4 Newly Developed Unique Design
5 Easy to Operate / Easy Framing / Easy Focus
6 Polarizing Effect Cancellation / DMC - Digital Multi-Coated
7 Avoid Vignetting
8 The Benefits of Having a Depolarization Plate
9 Exposure Values Chart
10 For Longer Exposures
12 For Wider Apertures
14 Prevents Overexposure / Highlight Clipping
16 For HDSLR MOVIES
18 Safety Precautions
19 Structural Weakness - Color Shift / Upkeep

Newly Developed Unique Design

Kenko's uniquely designed variable neutral density filter provides the equivalent brightness range of ND 2.5 to ND 1,000. (practical use being up to ND450).

Easy to Operate / Easy Framing / Easy Focus

With a tripod mounted camera, use the brightest setting for framing and focus and then increase the density to your desired level by simply turning the outer filter ring.

1. Framing and Focus 2. Turn the outer Ring
2. Adjust the Aperture and Shutter Speed 4. Shoot

Polarizing Effect Cancellation

The Variable NDX filter changes the brightness of light using a polarized filter. This new filter uses a “polarizing effect cancellation” where a polarized filter is used, but purely for controlling the amount of light with no effect on color balance, glare or reflections.

Scenic waterfall cascading over rocks with a rainbow arching through, no visible text or symbols

Waterfall cascading down a rocky stream with green vegetation in the background (no text or symbols visible)

Polarizing Effect Polarizing Effect

DMC - Digital Multi-Coated

Digital multi-coated filters greatly reduce the appearance of lens flare and ghosting caused by reflections.

Avoid Vignetting

The singular versatility of the Variable NDX filter not only replaces a whole set of stacking neutral density filters it also removes vignetting which may be caused by using multiple filters.

Scenic view of a flowing river surrounded by dense green forest (no text or symbols visible)

Scenic view of a flowing river surrounded by dense green forest (no text or symbols visible)

Close-up of hands adjusting a black camera lens against a clear blue sky (no text or symbols visible)

Close-up of hands holding two black lenses against a clear blue sky (no text or symbols visible)

Stacking ND filtersWith Variable

The Benefits of Having a Depolarization Plate

Variable NDX filter using a depolarizing plate

Random polarization is eliminated when natural light passes through the depolarization plate, minimizing any change in color by using 2 layers of polarizing film.

Light reduction effect - Small Light reduction effect - Large

Variable NDX Filter - Color change is minimized.

F4 1/500sec. F4 1/250sec. F4 1/125sec. F4 1/60sec.

Other Fader ND Filter - Color change occurs due to random polarization.

Portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a red top against a clear blue sky (no text or symbols visible)

Portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a red top (no visible text or symbols)

Portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a red top (no visible text or symbols)

Portrait of a woman with long dark hair wearing a red top (no visible text or symbols)

F4 1/500sec. F4 1/250sec. F4 1/125sec. F4 1/60sec.

Exposure Values Chart

The Variable NDX filter changes exposure values by rotating the front element of the filter. In order to evaluate the correct exposure to use, please refer to your camera's built in meter. (Please note: The scale position on the side of the filter is not proportional to the ND values).

ND values The amount of light	Exposure value (Stops)	Shutter speed If the conversion value of a shutter speed is 1/125 sec.
ND2.5	1/2.5	1 1/2
ND4	1/4	2
ND8	1/8	3
ND16	1/16	4
ND32	1/32	5
ND64	1/64	6
ND128	1/128	7
ND256	1/256	8
ND450	1/450	8 1/2

For Longer Exposures

Without changing the aperture, the Variable NDX filter allows the freedom to change the shutter speed according to the effect desired. For example, without adjusting the aperture, the same 1/60 scene can be taken using the Variable NDX filter with shutter speeds from 1/20 to 6 seconds, with just a turn of the outer filter ring. The problem of diffraction is eliminated by being able to work with a slow shutter speed.

Street scene with pedestrians walking on wet pavement, no visible text or signage

With Variable NDX filter
F8 4sec.

Crowded pedestrian plaza with people walking and taking photos (no visible text or signage)

Without Filter
F8 1/50sec.

Beach scene with sandy beach, turquoise ocean, and rocky shoreline under partly cloudy sky (no text or symbols visible)

Without Filter F8 1/500sec. Without Filter F14 1/20sec.

Ancient stone fortress under a cloudy sky, surrounded by green fields and trees (no visible text or symbols)

Landscape photo of a rugged hillside with a winding dirt path and cloudy sky (no text or symbols visible)

With Variable NDX filter F14 10sec.

Coastal beach scene with turquoise waves, sandy shore, and rocky shoreline under cloudy sky (no text or symbols visible)

With Variable NDX filter F8 0.6sec.

Coastal beach scene with waves rising, rocky shoreline in foreground (no visible text or symbols)

With Variable NDX filter F8 1.3sec.

With Variable NDX filter F14 10sec.

For Wider Apertures

With the Variable NDX filter, the shutter speed remains constant for a wide aperture easily creating a blurred background effect.

With Variable NDX F1.4 1/4000sec.

Portrait of a woman with long dark hair outdoors, surrounded by greenery and trees (no visible text or symbols)

Without filter F4 1/1250sec.

White marble statue of a seated figure with draped hair, set against a blurred floral background (no text or symbols visible)

With Variable NDX F1.4 1/4000sec. 12

Stone statue of a smiling angel holding a child, set against a blurred red potted plant background (no text or symbols visible)

Without filter F4 1/1250sec.

Stone dragon sculpture in a city street, no visible text or symbols on the sculpture itself

Wedding couple in wedding attire embracing, set against a blurred green background (no text or symbols visible)

Prevents Overexposure / Highlight Clipping

Even with a shutter speed of 1/8000 seconds, a large aperture of F1.4 or F1.2 can cause overexposure / highlight clipping. With the Variable NDX filter, this overexposure is eliminated.

Close-up of a motorcycle's front wheel assembly with chrome headlamps and metallic brackets (no visible text or symbols)

With Variable NDX F1.2 1/8000sec.

Close-up of a motorcycle's front wheel and dashboard with metallic headlamps (no visible text or symbols)

Without Filter F1.2 1/8000sec.

With Variable NDX
F1.4 1/5000sec.

Portrait of a young woman with long dark hair, smiling outdoors under a clear sky (no text or symbols visible)

Without Filter
F1.4 1/8000sec.

Beach scene with a white archway, palm tree, and blue sky (no text or symbols visible)

With Variable NDX

Beach scene with a white archway and decorative bell against a clear blue sky (no text or symbols visible)

F1.2 1/6400sec.

Beach scene with a palm tree, a white archway, and a bell in the background (no text or symbols visible)

Without Filter
F1.2 1/8000sec.

For HDSLR MOVIES

For HD video-enabled cameras, use the Variable NDX filter to easily adjust light control and shutter speed. The Variable NDX filter makes it simple to produce blurred background effects, simulate a night scene or create manual fade in / fade out effects. It is also perfect for use in bright locations such as beach or snow scenes and city scapes.

Desert landscape with golden sand dunes under a cloudy sky, distant mountains in the background (no text or symbols)

Landscapes

Wedding couple in a wedding pose with floral arrangement, green outdoor background (no text or symbols)

Blurred background effects Blurred background effects

Snowboarder mid-air above a snowy landscape with evergreen trees and blue sky (no text or symbols visible)

Prevents overexposure Simulate a night scene

City scapes Time leap video

Safety Precautions

Human injury or material damage may occur if filter is used mistakenly because instructions are not observed.

• Do not drop or impact filters. If glass breaks, do not touch it with bare hands, as doing so may cause injury. Moreover, filter frame may become misshapen, and unattachable to lens.
• Do not leave filter in direct sunlight or hot & humid locations, as doing so may discolor filter, which will prevent desired effect.
• Be sure to properly attach filter to lens. Failure to do so may mean that the filter will detach and fall from the lens, which will damage the filter thread.
• There are some specialist wide-angle lenses that have extremely protruding front eye centers. Attaching a filter to such a lens may cause contact between filter and lens, possibly scratching the lens, so be sure to carefully check the gap between the filter and lens while attaching the filter.
• Be sure to become fully acquainted with filter effects prior to taking photographs.

Structural Weakness - Color Shift

When using a neutral density higher than 450, cross-like color variations may occur. Structurally this problem cannot be eliminated due to the 2 layers of polarizing film.

Exterior view of a resort pool with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees under a twilight sky (no signage or text visible)

Upkeep

To clean off dirt from glass, add a small amount of lens cleaner to a lens cloth or lens paper, and wipe the lens as if drawing a circle. When glass is clean, wipe it dry with lens cloth, making sure that no lens cleaner remains on the glass.

When filter is not in use, place it in supplied case, and store away from direct sunlight, and very hot and humid locations.

We open, The world of imagination

Kenko Tokina Co., Ltd.

KENKO INTERNATIONAL DIVISION

Visit our website at www.kenkoglobal.com

Sample Photograph by Ryosuke Takahashi

Model : Eri Hayashi