Aurora Aperture PowerXND 2000: The World’s Most Powerful ND Filter
The Southern California-based startup company Aurora Aperture has just announced a new variable neutral density filter called the PowerXND 2000. With a range of 4 to 11 stops, the filter is the world’s most powerful, according to the company.
The filter features a slim profile of just 5.5mm that helps minimize vignetting when used on wide angle lenses. Aurora Aperture says this is 45% thinner than other variable ND filters on the market today.
“ND filters are popular among landscape photographers and videographers for reducing amount of light,” said Aurora CEO Jinfu Chen. “Variable ND filters are useful as they can replace multiple fixed ND filters. However, the variable ND filters in the market today typically have 6+ usable stops, whereas users often demand more stopping power: such as 10 or more stops.”
“Our PowerXND 2000 family of variable ND filters will be able to satisfy this requirement with additional benefits such as superior image quality that rivals fixed ND filters and slim frame profile to prevent vignetting in wide angle lenses.”
Build-wise, the frame uses aerospace grade aluminum that has been treated for protection against corrosion. The lubricant in the filter has an extended temperature range, allowing the filter to have smooth yet dampened rotation in all weather conditions.
The Aurora PowerXND 2000 will be available initially in 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, and 82mm versions with prices starting at $159 and up (depending on filter size). Future filter sizes include 39mm, 40.5mm, 46mm, 52mm, 55mm, 58mm, 62mm, and 95mm. Aurora Aperture is planning to launch the filters through a Kickstarter campaign later this month, and shipments to the general public will begin later in Summer 2016.
