NiSi ND32000 15 Stop Filter: Long Exposure Settings Guide

By NiSi Filters Australia | Published: 2026-10-26

Category: How-to Guides

Learn the correct settings and techniques for using the NiSi ND32000 15 stop filter to capture stunning long exposures in daylight without blown highlights or color casts.

Quick answer

Use the NiSi ND32000 15 stop filter in aperture priority or manual mode with a starting ISO of 100 and a shutter speed around 30 seconds at f/8 in bright daylight, then adjust based on your scene and desired effect.

Why 15 stops changes your approach

A 15 stop ND filter cuts light by a factor of 32,000, turning a 1/125 second exposure into roughly 4 minutes. That extreme density means your camera's metering and autofocus will struggle, so you need to compose and focus before attaching the filter. The NiSi Nano IR coating helps suppress the infrared light that can cause a warm color cast, but you should still set a custom white balance or shoot raw for flexibility.

Choosing the right filter size

The NiSi ND32000 is available in 67mm, 72mm, and 95mm thread sizes. The 95mm version fits larger diameter lenses common on wide-angle and telephoto glass, while the 67mm and 72mm options cover most standard zoom and prime lenses. Using step-up rings lets you mount a larger filter on a smaller lens thread, which can reduce vignetting on ultra-wide lenses.

Step-by-step settings for daytime long exposures

Compose and focus without the filter: Set your camera on a sturdy tripod. Frame your scene, then switch to manual focus and lock focus on your subject. Turn off autofocus so the camera does not hunt when the filter is on. If you forget to lock focus, the camera will fail to find focus through the dark filter and you will get a blurry shot.
Set your base exposure without the filter: In aperture priority or manual mode, choose your desired aperture (f/8 to f/11 is a good starting point) and ISO 100. Note the shutter speed the camera meters. For example, if it reads 1/125 second at f/8, write that down. Do not rely on your camera's meter after attaching the filter — it will be too dark to give a reliable reading.
Attach the NiSi ND32000 filter and calculate the new shutter speed: Screw the filter on gently. Multiply your base shutter speed by 32,000 (15 stops). Using the example above: 1/125 second × 32,000 = 256 seconds (about 4 minutes 16 seconds). Use a long exposure calculator app or chart to simplify this step. A common mistake is to forget that 15 stops is a factor of 32,000, not 15×. Always use a calculator or app to avoid grossly underexposed images.
Set shutter speed and shoot in manual mode: Switch to manual (M) mode, dial in your calculated shutter speed (e.g., 4 minutes 16 seconds), aperture, and ISO 100. Use a remote shutter release or the camera's self-timer to avoid shake. Enable long exposure noise reduction if you have time, or plan to remove noise in post. If your camera does not have a bulb mode that accepts times over 30 seconds, use an external intervalometer to trigger the shutter for longer exposures.
Check the histogram and adjust white balance: After the exposure, review the histogram. It should be centered without clipping highlights or shadows. If the image looks too warm, set a custom white balance in the field or shoot raw so you can correct it in post. The NiSi Nano IR coating minimizes color cast, but some adjustment may still be needed. Do not judge the image solely by the rear LCD — it may look too bright or too dark. The histogram is your true exposure guide.

Product facts

NiSi 95mm Nano IR Neutral Density Filter ND32000 (4.5) 15 Stop: The NiSi 95mm Nano IR Neutral Density Filter ND32000 (4.5) 15 Stop uses an ultra-thin frame design to prevent vignetting on wide-angle lenses. This lets you use the filter on lenses as wide as 16mm on full frame without dark corners creeping into your frame.
NiSi 95mm Nano IR Neutral Density Filter ND32000 (4.5) 15 Stop