How to Use NiSi 150x150mm ND Filters for Long Exposures
By NiSi Filters Australia | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn to set up and shoot long exposures with NiSi 150x150mm ND filters. Step-by-step guide for 6-stop, 10-stop, and 15-stop filters with practical tips.
Quick answer
Use NiSi 150x150mm ND filters in the NiSi 150mm holder system. Choose your stop (6, 10, or 15) based on desired shutter speed, then follow the step-by-step setup for sharp, color-neutral long exposures.
Choosing the right stop for your scene
The NiSi 150x150mm ND filters come in three densities: ND64 (6 stops), ND1000 (10 stops), and ND32000 (15 stops). Each serves a different purpose. For moving water or clouds with moderate light, a 6-stop filter gives you shutter speeds of a few seconds. For daytime seas or busy streets, a 10-stop filter pushes exposures to 30 seconds or more. The 15-stop filter is best for very bright conditions or when you want minutes-long exposures to completely smooth water or erase people from a scene.
A common mistake is choosing too strong a filter for a dim scene, which forces impractically long exposures. Start with the ND64 (6-stop) for general use and only step up to the ND1000 or ND32000 when you need extreme lengths.
Handling color neutrality and IR
All three NiSi 150x150mm ND filters offer true-to-life color with no color cast. This is a significant advantage over older ND filters that required heavy post-processing to correct blue or magenta shifts. The Nano IR coating also reduces infrared contamination, which can cause unwanted color shifts in long exposures, especially with digital sensors sensitive to IR light.
Because these filters are designed for the NiSi 150mm system, they fit without vignetting on ultra-wide lenses. The high-definition nano coating on both sides repels water and oil, making cleaning easier and reducing the chance of spots in your final image.
Step-by-step setup for long exposures
- 1. Mount the filter holder and lens adapter: Attach the NiSi 150mm holder to your lens using the appropriate adapter ring. Ensure the holder is level and secure. A common mistake is leaving the holder loose, which can cause light leaks or vignetting. Check that the holder sits flush against the lens adapter before inserting any filter.
- 2. Compose and focus before adding the ND filter: Frame your shot and lock focus in manual mode. ND filters darken the viewfinder, making autofocus unreliable. A common mistake is forgetting to switch to manual focus, resulting in soft images when the camera tries to refocus through the dark filter. Use live view or focus peaking to confirm sharpness before sliding in the filter.
- 3. Set your base exposure without the filter: Take a test shot with the filter removed. Note the shutter speed at your desired aperture and ISO. For example, if the correct exposure is 1/125 sec at f/8, ISO 100, write it down. A common mistake is forgetting to switch to manual exposure mode, which causes the camera to adjust settings when the filter is added. Keep the camera in full manual mode (M) to prevent automatic compensation.
- 4. Insert the NiSi 150x150mm ND filter: Slide the filter into the holder slots. Use the slot closest to the lens to minimize potential reflections. A common mistake is inserting the filter at an angle, which can cause uneven pressure and potential damage. Gently push the filter until it clicks into place; do not force it.
- 5. Calculate and set the new shutter speed: Multiply your base shutter speed by the filter's stop factor: 2^6 (64) for ND64, 2^10 (1024) for ND1000, or 2^15 (32768) for ND32000. For example, 1/125 sec × 1024 = 8.2 seconds for the ND1000. Use a shutter speed calculator app for quick results. A common mistake is forgetting to account for reciprocity failure – with long exposures, double-check the histogram and adjust if needed. Enable long exposure noise reduction in camera if the shutter speed exceeds 30 seconds.
- 6. Use a remote release or self-timer to avoid camera shake: Trigger the shutter with a remote cable, wireless remote, or the camera's self-timer (2-second delay). A common mistake is pressing the shutter button manually, which introduces vibration that blurs long exposures. Lock up the mirror (if using a DSLR) to reduce internal vibration.
- 7. Review and adjust: Check the histogram on the LCD. If the image is too dark, increase exposure time; if too bright, decrease it. Pay attention to color – the NiSi filters are neutral, but extreme long exposures may still need a slight white balance tweak in post. A common mistake is leaving the filter on when reviewing the shot, making it hard to judge exposure accurately. Remove the filter briefly to compare the live view brightness with your test shot.
Product details
- Nisi 150x150mm Super Stopper Nano IR Neutral Density filter – ND32000 (4.5) – 15 Stop: Provides a 15-stop light reduction with true-to-life color and no color cast. Use the ND32000 for ultra-long daytime exposures (several minutes) without needing heavy color correction in post.
Nisi 150x150mm Super Stopper Nano IR Neutral Density filter – ND32000 (4.5) – 15 Stop - Nisi 150x150mm Nano IR Neutral Density filter – ND1000 (3.0) – 10 Stop: Provides a 10-stop light reduction with true-to-life color and no color cast. The ND1000 is the most versatile option for smooth water and clouds in bright daylight, giving 30-second to 2-minute exposures.
Nisi 150x150mm Nano IR Neutral Density filter – ND1000 (3.0) – 10 Stop - Nisi 150x150mm Nano IR Neutral Density filter – ND64 (1.8) – 6 Stop: Provides a 6-stop light reduction with true-to-life color and no color cast. The ND64 is ideal for overcast days or when you want a modest shutter speed of 1-5 seconds to blur motion slightly.
