The Tiffen Series 9 Solid 1.8 Infrared (IR) Neutral Density Filter has several uses and offers the ability to achieve results that would otherwise be impossible. This filter provides a clearer and purer neutral density than that provided by standard ND filters. The advantage is that it works better with today's high-definition cameras and lenses. Thanks to this improved clarity, stronger grade ND filters can be used whilst still allowing the cinematographer to adjust exposure without affecting colour balance. ND filters appear grey and reduce the amount of light reaching either a digital camera's sensor or the focal plane of a traditional camera. Neutral density filters are used to create unusual special effects such as capturing the "blur" of running water from a waterfall or the swirling effect of city traffic. As they allow the use of slower shutter speeds in full light, it becomes possible to create these special effects that could not normally be captured without the filter. And as they can also help control your depth of field, they allow you to photograph with wider apertures. Ultimately, their value lies in helping to prevent bright and overly washed-out images taken in full light. A 1.8 (6 stops) neutral density filter requires an additional compensation stop compared to the 1.5 variety. If your subject is moving through the scene, it is quite possible that it will not even appear since your shutter speed will be so slow that there may not be time for the recording medium to capture its passage. The extra-white glass, incorporating ColorCore technology, is characterised by high transmission quality. Typically, it will transmit 98-99% of light. It also exhibits anti-glare and anti-reflective qualities that make it useful in a wide range of applications, including the film industry, shop windows and art exhibitions. The glass is virtually flawless and is becoming increasingly prevalent in digital equipment. Reduces infrared leakage above 700 nm This is particularly important as it now allows the use of heavier grades of neutral density filters required for high-definition cameras whilst maintaining complete colour balance Neutral density filters have four main uses - Allowing the use of slow shutter speeds, particularly with high ISOs, to record motion in subjects such as waterfalls, clouds or cars - Decreasing depth of field by allowing the use of wider apertures, which helps separate subjects from their background - Decreasing the effective ISO of high-sensitivity films (above ISO 400) and allowing their use outdoors in bright situations - Allowing cinema and video cameras (which have fixed shutter speeds) to film subjects such as snow, sand or other bright scenes that could cause overexposure Superior quality - Major Hollywood film studios rely on Tiffen filters for their multi-million pound productions. The superior quality and design make Tiffen the overwhelming choice of filmmakers, professional photographers and even NASA - Tiffen has also received an Emmy from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for its excellence in engineering Specifications