NiSi Swift VND System Introduced – Mix and Match Filters as Needed

Lens Filters

by Olaf von VossSeptember 26^th, 2022

If you’re a filmmaker on the go, you need to get organized. When it comes to filters, NiSi has you covered! With the introduction of the NiSi Swift VND system, the company offers you a nifty system of filters that you can combine as needed. From the “classic” variable ND filter (1-5 stops) plus a fixed 4-stop ND filter to a 1/4 Black Mist filter, a UV IR cut one and an adapter ring if you are using only the Black Mist filter.

The NiSi VND (variable ND filter) is already available for a while now. The other filters of the Swift system, so the 4-stop ND filter and the 1/4 Black Mist Filter, are new to the family.

Whenever you’re on the go and don’t have time to swap fixed ND filters all the time, a VND filter comes in pretty handy, especially if you’re using a DSLR lens with no dedicated (and de-clicked) iris ring.

The NiSi Swift VND System expands on the existing 1-5 stop VND filter and enables you to stack other filters in front of it, which results in a streamlined workflow.

NiSi Swift VND System

When you add the new 4-stop ND filter, the basic VND filter is “upgraded” from a 1 to 5-stop VND filter to a 5 to 9-stop VND filter. For this reason, the 4-stop filter has the markings 5-9 on its rim. The host VND filter offers hard stops and an optional rotary lever for ease of operation.

From there, you can add more filters, such as the new 1/4 Black Mist filter. Unfortunately, this filter is currently only available in 1/4 strength, hopefully NiSi will add other strengths (and other types of diffusion) over time.

If you’re shooting in low light, you can use the included adapter ring, which allows you to attach the Black Mist filter directly to your lens without using the VND host filter.

The cool thing about the system is that you simply press the filters on top of each other instead of screwing them on and off. Each filter is coated with a waterproof and anti-reflective nano-coating to maintain its quality for years to come.

Stacking all these filters will eventually cause vignetting, but according to NiSi, that shouldn’t be a problem as long as you don’t go below 20mm. If you only use the basic VND plus one other filter, you’re good to go up to 18mm.

Pricing and availability

There are three kits available, with the most complete one (Swift VND Mist Kit) contains everything there is: A 82mm 1-5 stops VND filter, the 4-stops ND, the 1/4 Black Mist filter, an adapter ring, a lens cap and a pouch for storing all these filters. This kit sells for $409.

If you already have the VND, you can get another kit (Swift Add on Kit) which just contains the 4-stop ND filter, the 1/4 Black Mist one, the adapter ring, a lens cap and the pouch. This kit sells for $215.

The third kit (Swift VND Kit) consists of the VND filter, the add-on 4-stop ND filter, a lens cap and the pouch, and it sells for $309.

Link: NiSi website

What do you think? Would this filter system be helpful for your projects? Share your experiences in the comments below!