By technical editor Matt Allard:
Finding a sharp, colour accurate ND (neutral density) filter can be a challenging task. With so many options available on the market, and so many companies claiming that their ND filter is the most neutral, it can be a hard decision as to what to buy. A lot of shooters are not happy with the limitations and image quality that often comes with using a variable ND filter. A non-variable ND filter usually offers a lot better optical performance than that of a variable ND.
San Francisco based Breakthrough Photography are just one of many companies offering a ND solution. They have made the bold claim that their X3 Neutral Density filter is the world’s sharpest ND. They are even backing this up with a 110% guarantee (i’m not sure what the extra 10% is for!).
Most of the neutral density filters on the market exhibit a strong blue or magenta cast. The higher the ND factor the more pronounced the color cast. To achieve the most color neutral ND performance Breakthrough Photography had to develop an alternative manufacturing method to the conventional oven process.
The X3 ND features SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass, which is an ultra clear crown glass. It is produced by melting high purity raw materials and then made using the continuous draw process. According to Breakthrough Photography, this results is excellent transmission in the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectrums, and a high surface quality that accepts coatings exceptionally well.
The X3 ND has been designed as a workhorse ND filter for field work, built to withstand extreme wind, salt water, dust and other abrasive conditions and elements. According to the manafacturer it also incorporates state-of-the-art nanotec® Nano Coatings Technology, which beads water and other elements rather than absorbing and smearing. Breakthrough Photography offers a 25 Year Ironclad Guarantee with US-based phone, email and live chat support.
Newsshooter has not done any independent testing of these filters. The claims of neutrality and sharpness are those of Breakthrough Photography.
The X3 retails between $139 US- $179 US and is available from a 49mm 3 stop up to a 10 stop 82mm.
