Hoya Pro1 Digital Neutral Density 64x 58mm Filter

The 58mm 58mm Pro 1 Digital Neutral Density 64x Filter from Hoya is an ultra thin filter that permits you to shoot and create images that would not ordinarily be possible to capture. This filter effectively reduces your ISO by 1/64 (6 stops).This means that a shot normally taken at 1/500 sec @ f/11 can be shot at f/11 at 1/8th second. Designed with the outdoor shooter in mind, this filter helps reduce the amount of light entering the lens. This translates into the use of wider apertures and, thereby, permits the photographer to have more control over his depth of field. This is especially useful when shooting outdoor portraits when you wish to establish more of a separation between subject and background. The result will be a sharp, clear subject with a soft background. The ultimate value of this filter is its ability to allow you to use high speed ISOs under bright light conditions.

This effect can be used to create even more exciting images such as the "whooshing" effect of a mountain stream or the chaos of city traffic where one car appears to blend into the other. The operative effect is to enhance movement within the shot.

In order to provide the photo industry with a better made filter, Hoya created their multi-coated line of filters. These filters have a minimum of 3-layer coating system (front and back) that minimizes reflections off the filter's glass with the average being about 1-2%. In other words, Hoya states that approximately 98-99% of the light striking the filter will pass through the glass, and depending on the type of filter, into the camera lens and onto the film or digital sensor. During the manufacturing process these layers of anti-reflective coating are bonded to the surface of the glass in a furnace at a temperature of up to 800°F.

The almite filter ring is special manufactured to withstand the effects of corrosion. Hoya prefers to use aluminum filter rings since they believe that aluminum will "give" a bit if your lens accidentally bangs into another object and not, as with brass rings, remain completely rigid and transfer the brunt of the impact to the optic itself. The ring itself is knurled to make it easier to install and remove the filter from your lens - a clever innovation. As an added benefit, the plastic storage case that the filter is packed in has been UV protected. This will help extend the life of the filter.

Hoya optical glass has been around since 1941 and is world recognized for its superiority in the fields of not only photography but advanced optics such as electro-optics, photonics, vision care, health care and crystal products.