TIFFEN 138ND6 Filter Optical Density Neutral 138MM 2-STOP 0.6

( Brand: Tiffen ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 138ND6 ), ( Part Type: Filter ), ( Form Factor: Round ), ( Filter Diameter: 138mm ), ( Filter Effects: Neutral Density ), ( Country Of Origin: United States )

Review TIFFEN Nd Filter 138mm 0.6 Optical Density Neutral

The Tiffen 138ND6 is a high-performance neutral density (ND) filter designed for photographers seeking to master long-exposure techniques, achieve creamy bokeh in fast apertures, or slow down shutter speeds in bright lighting conditions without altering the color balance of their images. Crafted from premium optical glass, this 138mm circular filter delivers a consistent 2-stop (0.6 optical density) attenuation across the entire visible spectrum, ensuring neutral gray filtration that preserves the true tones of your scene while maintaining image fidelity. Ideal for landscapes, seascapes, and architectural photography, the ND6 filter allows photographers to extend exposure times from fractions of a second to several minutes, effectively blurring flowing water into silky textures or transforming bustling city streets into dreamlike, motion-smeared canvases. Its precision-engineered design minimizes lens flare and ghosting, making it a reliable choice for both wide-angle and telephoto applications. The filter s durable, scratch-resistant coating protects against environmental elements, ensuring longevity and consistent performance in demanding shooting conditions. Whether paired with a DSLR or mirrorless camera system, the Tiffen 138ND6 is a versatile tool for expanding creative possibilities, offering photographers the freedom to experiment with depth of field and motion effects while keeping their compositions sharp and true to life.

The Tiffen 138ND6 (138mm, 2-stop, 0.6 optical density) neutral density filter is a popular choice for photographers seeking to control exposure without altering color balance. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.

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### **Pros of the Tiffen 138ND6 Filter**

1. **Consistent Neutral Density**

The filter maintains a true neutral gray tone across the visible spectrum, ensuring no color cast is introduced to your images. This is particularly important for video and still photography where color accuracy is critical.

2. **Optical Quality**

Tiffen is known for its high-quality glass, and this filter is no exception. The optical density is evenly distributed, minimizing lens flare and ghosting. The 0.6 OD (optical density) provides a 2-stop reduction, which is useful for long exposures, slow shutter speeds, or bright lighting conditions without needing multiple filters.

3. **Durability and Build**

Tiffen filters are constructed with durable materials, including screw-in metal rings and high-quality glass. The filter is designed to withstand frequent use, making it a reliable long-term investment.

4. **Versatility**

- **Long exposures** (e.g., silky water, light trails) in daylight.

- **Slow shutter speeds** for creative effects like motion blur in bright conditions.

- **Video work** where consistent exposure is needed without adjusting aperture or ISO.

- **Astrophotography** or landscape photography where you want to balance exposure without altering the scene s natural colors.

5. **Compatibility**

The 138mm size is a standard diameter, making it compatible with most medium to large-format lenses. It can also be stacked with other filters (e.g., polarizers or graduated NDs) if needed.

6. **Minimal Vignetting**

Unlike some cheaper ND filters, the Tiffen 138ND6 does not introduce significant vignetting (darkening at the edges), which helps maintain even exposure across the frame.

7. **Easy to Use**

The screw-in design is straightforward to attach and remove, and the filter s neutral nature means you won t need to adjust white balance in post-processing.

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### **Cons of the Tiffen 138ND6 Filter**

1. **Cost**

Tiffen filters are premium products, and the 138ND6 is no exception. For photographers on a tight budget, this filter may represent a significant investment, especially if they don t yet know if they ll use it frequently.

2. **Size Limitations**

The 138mm diameter means it s only compatible with lenses that have a 138mm filter thread or larger. Smaller lenses (e.g., 58mm, 67mm) will require an adapter ring, which can add to the cost and bulk. If you have a variety of lenses with smaller threads, this filter may not be practical for all of them.

3. **Weight**

ND filters, especially screw-in ones, can add noticeable weight to your lens. While not excessive for this filter, it may be a consideration if you frequently shoot handheld or with long telephoto lenses.

4. **Potential for Lens Flare**

While Tiffen filters are generally well-made, no filter is entirely immune to lens flare, especially when shooting directly into the sun. However, this is more of a general concern with ND filters than a flaw specific to the Tiffen 138ND6.

5. **Stacking Limitations**

If you need more than a 2-stop reduction, you d need to stack multiple filters or use a higher-stop ND (e.g., 6-stop or 10-stop). Stacking can lead to increased vignetting or ghosting, though Tiffen s quality minimizes this risk.

6. **Not Ideal for Extreme Conditions**

While durable, screw-in filters are not as rugged as clip-on or square filters. They may not be ideal for extreme environments (e.g., sand, saltwater, or heavy use without protection).

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### **Conclusion**

The Tiffen 138ND6 is a high-quality, reliable neutral density filter that excels in maintaining color accuracy, optical clarity, and versatility for a wide range of photographic and videographic applications. Its premium build and even density make it a favorite among professionals and serious enthusiasts. However, its cost and size limitations may make it less practical for photographers with smaller lenses or those operating on a limited budget.

If you frequently work in bright conditions and require a neutral, high-quality ND filter for long exposures, video, or landscape photography, the Tiffen 138ND6 is an excellent investment. For casual photographers or those with smaller lenses, you might consider a more budget-friendly alternative or a clip-on ND filter system for added flexibility.

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### **Recommendation**

- You prioritize color accuracy and optical quality in your work.

- You have a lens with a 138mm thread or larger and plan to use it regularly for long exposures, video, or bright-light scenarios.

- You re willing to invest in a durable, professional-grade filter that will last for years.

- You don t need extreme ND values (e.g., 6-stop or higher) and prefer a single, manageable filter.

- You have a limited budget and are unsure about the filter s necessity.

- Your lenses are primarily smaller than 138mm, making adapter rings or clip-on filters more practical.

- You need a higher-stop ND (e.g., 6-stop or 10-stop) for extreme long exposures, in which case a variable ND or a higher-density filter might be better.

- You prefer the flexibility of clip-on filters, which can be used on smaller lenses without adapters.

For most photographers who need a reliable, neutral 2-stop ND filter for their 138mm lenses or larger, the Tiffen 138ND6 is a strong recommendation. Its quality justifies the cost for those who value performance and longevity.

Details:

Neutral Density filters also allow proper exposure at a wider lens opening for reduced depth-of-field to highlight key subject by making the foreground and/or background out of focus. This 0.6 density creates a darkening of the entire image, allowing you to photograph with wider aperture or slower shutter speed than normally required. Controls depth-of-field. Filter does not affect coloration of the image and is ideal for use with other filters.

By slowing your exposure time or increasing aperture, you are able to control depth of field and convey movement more easily. Listing for sale is 1 new filter with pouch. Balances exposure. Neutral density filters do not affect the coloration of image and are ideal for pairing with other.

Neutral Density Filters, These filters reduce the amount of light passing through camera lens without changing color scene. Made in USAA, Item Number: 138ND6, Price: $450. Filter Format: Larger Format, Color: ND6, The Tiffen 0.6 Neutral Density is a solid ND filter providing 2 stop exposure reduction. Tiffen 138mm ND0.6. Tiffen filters are manufactured using Color Core technology, a closely guarded proprietary process that entails permanently laminating the filter material in between two pieces of optical glass ground flat to tolerances ten-thousandth an inch, then mounting them precision metal rings.

Allows slower shutter speeds to produce blurred motion effects. They are especially useful in bright light conditions to help prevent overexposure. Eliminates overly bright, washed-out images. Tiffen Optical Filters.

part #: 138nd6 prices

• $39.95-$100.00

specifications filtecam:

• brand: Tiffen
• mpn: 138nd6
• part type: Filter
• form factor: Round
• filter diameter: 138mm
• filter effects: Neutral Density
• country of origin: United States

payments filtecam:

• credit card: Diners-club
• other
• wallet: Paypal

offer filtecam:

• availability: In Stock
• started: March 6, 2026
• sold: 0
• options: Ship-to-home
• quantity: 2

shipping filtecam:

• type: Fixed
• class: Standard
• cost: $9.99
• service: Standard
• transit: 4-7 Days

returns filtecam:

• time: 14 Days
• policy: Returns Accepted
• method: Money back
• paid by: Buyer

seller filtecam:

• # reviews: 18611
• city: Chatsworth, California
• rating: 99.9%

general filtecam:

• Cameras Photo > Lenses Filters > Filters
• condition: New

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