
( Brand: Tiffen ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: W77ND21 ), ( Part Type: Water Glass Filter ), ( Filter Shape: Circular ), ( Filter Color: Clear ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Filter Effects: Color Conversion ), ( Mount Fitting: Threaded ), ( Country Of Origin: Germany ), ( Filter Size: 77 Mm ), ( To Fit: Camera )
The Tiffen W77ND21 Water Glass Neutral Density (ND) filter is a premium optical accessory designed for photographers seeking to master the art of long-exposure and slow-shutter photography in the most demanding conditions. Crafted from high-quality, precision-machined glass, this 7-stop ND filter from Tiffen s renowned Water Glass series delivers unparalleled clarity, color fidelity, and minimal distortion, ensuring your images retain their natural integrity while allowing you to achieve creamy, dreamy motion effects in daylight. The 77mm diameter makes it ideal for a wide range of lenses, from standard to telephoto, accommodating photographers who demand versatility without sacrificing image quality. Unlike traditional plastic filters that can introduce unwanted color casts or soften details, the Tiffen W77ND21 is engineered with a multi-layered, anti-reflective coating that maintains sharpness and contrast, even when stacked with other filters. Its robust construction is built to withstand harsh outdoor elements, making it a reliable companion for landscape, architectural, and abstract photographers who shoot in variable lighting conditions. Whether you're capturing silky waterfalls, sweeping cityscapes at dusk, or abstract textures in urban environments, this filter empowers you to control exposure effortlessly even in bright sunlight without relying on flash or underexposing your sensor. The neutral density of 7 stops provides a balanced reduction in light (equivalent to stopping down your aperture by seven f-stops), allowing you to extend shutter speeds from fractions of a second to several seconds, all while preserving the true tones and dynamics of your scene. With Tiffen s commitment to optical excellence, the W77ND21 is not just a tool for creative experimentation but a testament to the precision and innovation that define professional-grade photography accessories.
The Tiffen W77ND21 Water Glass Neutral Density (ND) filter is a popular choice among photographers, particularly those working in landscape, long-exposure, or cinematic photography. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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**Pros:**1. **High-Quality Optics**: Tiffen is a well-respected brand known for producing high-quality glass filters. The W77ND21 is made from precision-molded glass, which minimizes distortion and ensures sharp, clear images. The multi-coating on the glass helps reduce reflections and flare, contributing to better overall image quality.
2. **7-Stop Neutral Density**: The 7-stop ND rating is one of the strongest available in this size (77mm), allowing photographers to achieve very long exposure times even in bright daylight. This is invaluable for creating smooth water effects, silky bokeh, or cinematic motion blur in landscapes, architecture, or abstract photography.
3. **Waterproof and Rugged Design**: The "Water Glass" designation indicates that this filter is designed to be used underwater or in wet conditions. This makes it ideal for photographers who shoot in rivers, lakes, or other aquatic environments. The durable construction also protects it from accidental drops or impacts.
4. **Versatility**: The neutral density of the filter maintains the original color balance of the scene, unlike colored ND filters. This means you won t have to worry about color casts in your images, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of subjects.
5. **Threaded for Easy Attachment**: The 77mm thread size is standard for many lenses, making it compatible with a broad range of equipment. It can be used with step-up or step-down rings if needed, though the 77mm size is already quite common.
6. **Reduces Lens Flare**: The multi-coated glass helps minimize lens flare, which can be particularly useful in bright, backlit conditions where flare might otherwise ruin an exposure.
7. **Professional-Grade Build**: Tiffen filters are known for their durability and precision engineering. The W77ND21 is no exception, with a solid build that can withstand frequent use in demanding environments.
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**Cons:**1. **Expensive**: High-quality ND filters, especially those with a 7-stop rating, are not cheap. The Tiffen W77ND21 is priced on the higher end, which may be a significant investment for photographers on a budget. There are cheaper alternatives, though they may not offer the same optical quality or durability.
2. **Weight**: ND filters, particularly those with high-stop ratings, can be heavier than other types of filters. The W77ND21 is no exception, which may add some bulk to your lens setup. Over time, this extra weight can become noticeable, especially when carrying multiple filters or shooting with heavy lenses.
3. **Potential for Vignetting**: While high-quality, some photographers report slight vignetting (darkening of the corners) when using strong ND filters, especially on wide-angle lenses. This is more common with cheaper filters but can still occur with premium options like the Tiffen W77ND21. Testing with your specific lens is recommended.
4. **Compatibility Issues**: While 77mm is a common size, not all lenses have a native 77mm filter thread. You may need step-up or step-down rings, which can add to the cost and bulk of your setup. Additionally, some ultra-wide-angle lenses may not perform optimally with filters due to their design.
5. **Maintenance**: Because this filter is designed for underwater use, it may require extra care to keep it clean and free of water spots or mineral deposits. Unlike standard filters, it s not always easy to clean thoroughly if it gets dirty while in use.
6. **Limited Use Cases**: While the 7-stop ND is powerful, it may be overkill for some photographers. If you primarily shoot in low-light conditions or don t require extreme long exposures, a lower-stop ND (e.g., 3 or 6 stops) might suffice, saving you money and weight.
7. **Potential for Ghosting or Ghost Images**: Some photographers have reported seeing ghost images or artifacts when using strong ND filters, particularly in high-contrast scenes. This is rare but worth noting, as it could affect the quality of your final images.
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**Conclusion:**The Tiffen W77ND21 Water Glass ND filter is a high-end, versatile tool that excels in scenarios requiring extreme long exposures, such as landscape, architectural, or underwater photography. Its optical quality, durability, and waterproof design make it a reliable choice for professionals and serious enthusiasts. However, its cost, weight, and potential for vignetting or ghosting may not justify the investment for everyone. If you frequently shoot in bright conditions and need the flexibility of a 7-stop ND filter, this is an excellent choice. For photographers who don t require such strong neutral density or are working with a tighter budget, a lower-stop ND or a different brand might be more suitable.
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**Recommendation:** Purchase the Tiffen W77ND21 Water Glass ND filter if:- You are a professional or advanced photographer who regularly works with long exposures in bright daylight.
- You shoot in aquatic environments and need a filter that can handle water without compromising quality.
- You prioritize optical clarity, durability, and versatility over cost.
- You have a lens setup that can accommodate the 77mm size without significant vignetting or compatibility issues.
Consider alternatives if:- You are on a budget and can achieve similar results with a lower-stop ND filter.
- You primarily shoot in low-light conditions or don t require extreme long exposures.
- You are concerned about the weight or bulk of the filter and prefer a lighter option.
- You are unsure about the filter s performance with your specific lenses and want to test cheaper alternatives first.
Ultimately, the Tiffen W77ND21 is a top-tier filter that delivers exceptional performance for the right user. If your photography demands justify the investment, it is a worthwhile purchase. Otherwise, explore other brands or stop ratings to find a balance between quality and cost.
This filter is constructed from Water White glass and made using Color Core technology, a process that involves laminating the substrate between 2 pieces of optical glass, grinding flat to tolerance 1/10,000th an inch, then mounting precision metal rings. Trans Film is specialized in Sales, Service, Rentals of Camera Support Equipment such as Sachet, O'Connor, Vintner, Carton, Miller, Libel, Manfred, Arr, Mitchell, Trade, Anton Bauer, Core, Swot. By slowing your exposure time or increasing aperture, you are able to control depth of field and convey movement more easily. Its 2.1 density creates a darkening of the entire image, allowing you to photograph with wider aperture or slower shutter speed than normally required.
Neutral density filters do not affect the coloration of image and are ideal for pairing with other. Filter does not affect coloration of the image and is ideal for use with other filters. Schneider, Tiffen and more. The 2.1 neutral density filter darkens the image, allowing you to photograph with a longer shutter speed or wider aperture than normally required.
Front filter threads allow for use with other filters. Plastic filter case for storage and transport. Wood en Camera, Small HD. Tiffen Water White Glass ND Filter 77mm, 7-Stop W77ND21: This 77mm is a solid filter with factor of 128x that provides 7-STOP exposure reduction.