NiSi 150mm Explorer Collection Setup Guide
By NiSi Filters Australia | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and use the NiSi 150mm Explorer Collection square filter system for landscape photography, including graduated ND and neutral density filters.
Quick answer
Mount the NiSi 150mm holder on your lens, then slide in graduated ND or neutral density filters from the Explorer Collection for balanced exposures and long exposures without vignetting.
Why the 150mm Explorer Collection suits wide-angle lenses
The NiSi 150mm system uses larger filter slots to avoid vignetting on ultra-wide lenses, especially those with bulbous front elements. The Explorer Collection's hardened glass filters resist accidental damage during outdoor shoots, making them practical for adventure photographers.
Graduated ND filters like the Reverse GND4 (0.6) handle harsh horizon light, while the Medium GND8 (0.9) works when buildings or mountains break the skyline. For long exposures, the ND1000 (3.0) reduces light by 10 stops, turning moving water into mist.
Step-by-step setup
- Attach the filter holder to your lens: Screw the NiSi 150mm adapter ring onto your lens thread, then click the holder onto the ring. Ensure the holder is level by checking the bubble level indicator. Common mistake: over-tightening the adapter ring can cause it to stick. Hand-tighten only.
- Insert a graduated ND filter for balanced exposure: Slide the Reverse GND4 (0.6) or Medium GND8 (0.9) into the holder slot closest to the lens. Adjust the vertical position so the dark area covers the sky and the clear area covers the foreground. Checkpoint: watch for color cast. The Explorer Collection's Nano IR coating maintains true-to-life color, but always review your histogram.
- Add a neutral density filter for long exposures: For motion blur effects, slide the ND1000 (3.0) into the outer slot. Use a remote shutter release and set your camera to manual mode. Calculate exposure time using the 10-stop reduction rule (e.g., 1/30 sec becomes 30 seconds). Common mistake: forgetting to remove the GND filter before adding the ND can cause uneven exposure. Use only one filter type unless you need both effects.
- Check for vignetting and sharpness: Take a test shot at your widest focal length. The 150mm system is designed to avoid vignetting, but verify at 14-16mm. If you see dark corners, ensure the holder is fully seated and no filter is tilted. Checkpoint: always shoot at f/8 to f/11 for optimal sharpness with filters.
Filters in this guide
- NiSi Explorer Collection 150x170mm Nano IR Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter – GND4 (0.6) – 2 Stop: Hardened glass filter with Nano IR coating, water and oil repellent, compatible with NiSi 150mm system. The reverse gradient design places the darkest density at the horizon, ideal for sunrise and sunset when the sun sits near the horizon.
NiSi Explorer Collection 150x170mm Nano IR Reverse Graduated Neutral Density Filter – GND4 (0.6) – 2 Stop - NiSi Explorer Collection 150x170mm Nano IR Medium Graduated Neutral Density Filter – GND8 (0.9) – 3 Stop: Medium graduated ND filter with 3-stop reduction, hardened glass, true-to-life color, and Nano coating. Use this when foreground elements like trees or rocks extend above the horizon, as the medium transition blends naturally with uneven skylines.
NiSi Explorer Collection 150x170mm Nano IR Medium Graduated Neutral Density Filter – GND8 (0.9) – 3 Stop - NiSi Explorer Collection 150x150mm Nano IR Neutral Density filter – ND1000 (3.0) – 10 Stop: 10-stop neutral density filter, hardened glass, no vignetting, water and oil repellent coating. A 10-stop ND is essential for daytime long exposures, allowing shutter speeds of several seconds even in bright sunlight.
