# Tiffen Variable ND Filter vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Tiffen Variable ND Filter (Tiffen) and Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) (Freewell) among nd filters. Tiffen Variable ND Filter is the cheaper of the two at $109.

## Side by side

| Spec | Tiffen Variable ND Filter | Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $109 | $499.99 |
| Brand | Tiffen | Freewell |
| Released | — | 2024 |
| Filter type | variable | variable |
| Density range stops | 2 to 8 (ND 0.6 to ND 2.4) | 1 to 9 (two filters: 1-5 and 6-9, hybrid reversible with CPL/ND32-CPL) |
| Common thread sizes (mm) | 52, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 95 | 67, 72, 77, 82 (via included adapter rings) |
| Coating | ColorCore glass construction (no nano/MRC branding stated) | multi-coated German optics (dust/oil/scratch/water resistant) |
| Color cast note | No manufacturer color-neutrality claim published; independent reviews note some warm cast at the high end of rotation | Freewell markets a proprietary 'TRUE COLOR' coating process specifically to minimize the color shift common to other VNDs |
| Front filter thread | — | — |
| Magnetic | No | Yes |
| Glass type | optical glass (Tiffen ColorCore) | optical glass (German optics, brand does not publish substrate name) |

## Key differences

- Density range stops: Tiffen Variable ND Filter 2 to 8 (ND 0.6 to ND 2.4) vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) 1 to 9 (two filters: 1-5 and 6-9, hybrid reversible with CPL/ND32-CPL)
- Common thread sizes (mm): Tiffen Variable ND Filter 52, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, 82, 95 vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) 67, 72, 77, 82 (via included adapter rings)
- Coating: Tiffen Variable ND Filter ColorCore glass construction (no nano/MRC branding stated) vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) multi-coated German optics (dust/oil/scratch/water resistant)
- Color cast note: Tiffen Variable ND Filter No manufacturer color-neutrality claim published; independent reviews note some warm cast at the high end of rotation vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) Freewell markets a proprietary 'TRUE COLOR' coating process specifically to minimize the color shift common to other VNDs
- Magnetic: Tiffen Variable ND Filter No vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) Yes
- Glass type: Tiffen Variable ND Filter optical glass (Tiffen ColorCore) vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) optical glass (German optics, brand does not publish substrate name)

## Sources

- Tiffen Variable ND Filter: https://tiffen.com/products/variable-nd-filter (tiffen.com, verified 2026-08-16)
- Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9): https://freewellgear.com/products/k2-versatile-magnetic-filter-system (freewellgear.com, verified 2026-08-16)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/nd-filters/tiffen-variable-nd-vs-freewell-k2-versatile-magnetic-vnd/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Tiffen Variable ND Filter ($109) vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) ($499.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/nd-filters/tiffen-variable-nd-vs-freewell-k2-versatile-magnetic-vnd/
License: CC BY 4.0.