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ND Filter Shutter

Convert a shutter speed through any ND filter, by factor or by stops, with a comparison table

1/125, 0.008 and 2 all work

Shutter with the filter
8"
1/125 → 8"
Light loss
10 stops
Shutter without the filter
1/125
Shutter with the filter
8"
10 stops
Common filters
  • ND2 (1 stop)1/601 stops
  • ND4 (2 stops)1/302 stops
  • ND8 (3 stops)1/153 stops
  • ND16 (4 stops)1/84 stops
  • ND32 (5 stops)1/45 stops
  • ND64 (6 stops)1/26 stops
  • ND100 (6.6 stops)1/16.6 stops
  • ND400 (8.6 stops)3.2"8.6 stops
  • ND1000 (10 stops)8"10 stops
  • ND100000 (16.6 stops)13'20"17 stops

Each stop halves the light, so the shutter doubles. ND1000 passes 1/1000 of the light, i.e. 10 stops; for long exposures switch stabilisation off, use a tripod and fire with a timer or cable release.