Hmm, I’ve had a different experience than the “just get a nicer VND” route… for run-n-gun I actually think a **hybrid setup** beats one fancy VND most of the time (esp if you hate color shifts).

- **Option A: Fixed NDs (cleanest image)**
- Pros: basically no X pattern ever, more consistent color, repeatable exposure.
- Cons: slower to swap.
- Good value picks: Tiffen IRND 4x 0.6 2-Stop 82mm + Tiffen IRND 4x 1.2 4-Stop 82mm (usually ~$120–$180 each depending on size). If you wanna spend more, Breakthrough Photography X4 ND 6-Stop 82mm is pricy (~$200ish) but pretty bulletproof.

- **Option B: Variable ND (fastest, but pick the “right kind”)**
- Pros: speed, great for bouncing shade/sun.
- Cons: color cast + X risk at the heavy end, wide lenses make it worse.
- I’d look at H&Y Revoring Variable ND3-1000 with CPL 67-82mm (convenient, but idk… it’s a bit chunky) or NiSi True Color Variable ND 1-5 Stop 82mm (more controlled cast, usually ~$150–$220).

- **Option C (my fave): 2-range approach**
- One “light” VND (1–5 stops) + one fixed 6-stop for harsh noon sun. That avoids living in the X-zone all day.

Strength-wise: 2–4 stops for bright shade / golden hour, and 6 stops for midday at f/2.8-ish, ISO base. Step-up to 82mm and you’re set. what’s your widest lens mm? that kinda decides how risky VND is tho

Ok so… been there. In my experience cheap VNDs always go green/magenta and the X shows up once you push past ~5–6 stops.

- Budget VND that actually behaves: K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND Filter 67mm (1-5 Stops) (~$40) or K&F Concept Nano-X Variable ND Filter 72mm (1-5 Stops) (~$45). Keep it in the “sweet spot” and you’re good.
- If you want cleaner IQ: fixed set like K&F Concept Nano-X ND Filter 82mm ND8 (3-Stop) + K&F Concept Nano-X ND Filter 82mm ND64 (6-Stop) (~$25–$35 each) + step-up rings.

ND64 handles full sun at 1/50 a lot of the time; add ND8 for shade-ish. cheers

Just sharing my experience: i saw this earlier but yeah… I started with a cheap VND on my Sony and got the same magenta/green swing + the stupid X once I hit the heavy end, especially on wider stuff. I went safety-first (reliable + repeatable) and ended up standardizing with an 82mm step-up ring set, so I wasn’t buying duplicates for 67/72.

What actually fixed it for me (without going broke):
- Tiffen IRND 0.9 4x5.65 3-Stop Neutral Density Filter used + a cheap matte box (more hassle, but ZERO weirdness). I paid like ~$90 used.
- Hoya ProND 64 82mm 6-Stop Neutral Density Filter (~$60-80) for sunny days.
- Hoya ProND 8 82mm 3-Stop Neutral Density Filter (~$40-60) for shade/cloud.

Lesson learned: 2 fixed NDs cost less long-term than cycling thru “almost ok” VNDs, and you dont risk ruining takes with color shifts

Honestly, after shooting video on Sony bodies for a decade, I’ve realized the "X" pattern is only half the battle. The real killer is IR pollution. Sony sensors are incredibly sensitive to infrared light, and when you block the visible spectrum with heavy NDs, those IR rays still get through and turn your shadows a muddy purple or magenta.

A few long-term cautions if you're standardizing your kit:

- **Avoid aluminum step-up rings.** They’re cheap, but they tend to "gall" or cold-weld to your lens threads in the field. Stick to brass rings; they’re more durable and won't get stuck on your 72mm G Master at sunset.
- **Watch the polarization effect.** Remember that any VND is essentially two polarizers stacked. If you’re shooting interviews, it can kill the natural skin highlights and make subjects look a bit "flat" or waxy.
- **Diffraction and Softness.** If you’re shooting 4K, low-quality glass will noticeably soften your image. I mean, don't spend $2,000 on a lens just to put a cheap piece of glass in front of it!!!

Tbh, for run-and-gun, just be careful with light leakage. Some filter housings aren't perfectly sealed, which causes weird flickering or flares when the sun hits the side of the filter stack. If you go fixed, make sure they are specifically rated as IRND to keep those Sony colors accurate.

bump

+1

Quick question—what’s your usual aperture/ISO outside (like f/2.8 vs f/8), and are you on a wide lens where the X shows up faster?? Ngl for run-n-gun I’d go 82mm step-up + a 2-range VND: PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND II 2-5 Stop 82mm + PolarPro Peter McKinnon Variable ND II 6-9 Stop 82mm (pricey but CLEAN). Budget-but-solid fixed set: Hoya PROND ND8 82mm + Hoya PROND ND64 82mm. Cheers!