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Head-to-head · Best ND Filter Kits

Cokin Nuances Extreme ND Smart Kit vs Hoya Variable Density II

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Cokin Nuances Extreme ND Smart Kit comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Landscape photographers who want guaranteed-neutral fixed-stop NDs and grads in one system — read the strengths below before deciding.

Cokin Nuances Extreme ND Smart Kit
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best ND Filter Kits
Cokin Nuances Extreme ND Smart Kit
3 sourcesall derived$399.99as of Sep 6

Among fixed-filter ND kits the Cokin Nuances Extreme ND Smart Kit leads: a square 100mm system that bundles solid and graduated NDs in tempered, drop-resistant glass. Digital Camera World gave the Nuances Extreme ND1024 a full 5 stars for its neutrality, Amateur Photographer concluded that 'Cokin has made a very strong case for itself with its new NX-Series holder and kits,' and PetaPixel rated Cokin's Nuances Extreme its best affordable ND system.

Strengths
  • — True fixed-stop kit with discrete, guaranteed-neutral densities
  • — Tempered mineral glass 4x stronger than the previous series
  • — Exceptional color neutrality with no shift between densities
Watch-outs
  • — Requires a holder and adapter rings, adding cost and bulk
  • — Square system is slower to deploy than a screw-in variable ND
  • — Total system cost adds up versus a single variable filter
$399.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Hoya Variable Density II
Ranked #4 in Best ND Filter Kits
Hoya Variable Density II
3 sources2 derived$167.49as of Sep 6

One ND3-ND400 (1.5-9 stop) variable filter replaces a whole bag of fixed ones, which is why the Hoya Variable Density II is the best all-round ND filter kit-in-one. Digital Camera World made it its favorite variable ND overall, praising 'negligible impact on sharpness, contrast and color rendition,' and a multi-filter comparison put the Hoya first for least color shift. The catch is the usual variable-ND 'X' pattern at maximum.

Strengths
  • — Generous ND3-ND400 range covers 1.5 to 9 stops in one filter
  • — Negligible impact on sharpness, contrast and color through the range
  • — Oversized front element reduces vignetting on wide lenses
Watch-outs
  • — Cross-polarization 'X' pattern appears at the maximum setting
  • — Slight blue cast at the very top of the range (pull back a stop)
  • — Variable ND, so not a true fixed-stop set for critical long exposures
$167.49 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Cokin Nuances Extreme ND Smart Kit

The Cokin Nuances Extreme is the only fixed-stop kit here, delivering guaranteed-neutral discrete densities where the Hoya Variable Density II, NiSi True Color ND-Vario, PolarPro VND and K&F Nano-X are all continuous variable filters; its square system trades quick deployment for ultimate neutrality.

Hoya Variable Density II

The Hoya Variable Density II covers a wider range (1.5-9 stops) than the NiSi True Color ND-Vario (1-5 stops) or PolarPro VND (2-5 stops), and unlike the fixed Cokin Nuances Extreme kit it does it all in a single screw-in filter rather than a set.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCokin Nuances Extreme ND Smart KitHoya Variable Density II
TypeFixed ND kit (square 100mm)Variable ND (screw-in)
IncludesND1024 (10-stop) + Soft Grad 8 + Reverse Grad 4—
Stops10-stop solid + 3-stop & 2-stop grads—
MaterialTempered mineral glass (4x stronger)Aluminum Optical Glass
SystemL (Z-Pro) 100mm holder—
CoatingUniform-density anti-reflectionMulti-coated
Thread SizesHolder + adapter rings52-82mm options
Dimensions3.94"L x 3.94"W3.03"L x 3.03"W
Range—ND3-ND400 (1.5-9 stops)
Glass—Multi-coated optical glass
Frame—Slim, oversized front element
Control—Screw-in knob
← See the full ranking of best nd filter kits