Tiffen
Tiffen Variable ND Filter
$109Cheaper
Best Nd Filters · head-to-head
Tiffen Variable ND Filter vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Tiffen Variable ND Filter is cheaper at $109. Every spec and price links to its source.
Freewell
Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9)
$499.99
Released 2024
Which is better: the Tiffen Variable ND Filter or Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Tiffen Variable ND Filter is the cheaper at $109.
See Tiffen Variable ND Filter on Amazon See Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) on Amazon
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| 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) |
Sources — Tiffen Variable ND Filter: tiffen.com (verified 2026-08-16). Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9): freewellgear.com (verified 2026-08-16).
What's the difference between the Tiffen Variable ND Filter and Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (6 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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 false vs Freewell K2 Versatile Magnetic Filter System (VND1-5 / VND6-9) true
- 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)