NiSi Square Explorer 150x170mm Medium IRGND8 3Stop

NiSi Square Explorer 150x170mm Medium IRGND8 3Stop – Durable B270 tempered glass with medium-fast transition

The NiSi Square Explorer 150x170mm Medium IRGND8 (0.9) is a graduated neutral density (GND) filter that reduces light by 3 stops. It uses hardened B270 tempered glass for increased durability and features coatings to resist infrared contamination and to repel dirt, water and oil. The filter works to balance brightness between sky and landscape, while preserving image coloration.

Key features

• 3-stop light reduction: The filter reduces light by 3 stops (GND8 / 0.9) to help even out exposure differences between sky and foreground.
• Medium-fast transition: The graduation has a medium-fast edge, which suits scenes where the horizon is partially interrupted by hills, trees or other elements.
• B270 tempered glass: The Explorer series uses special B270 tempered glass that NiSi states is twice as durable as typical glass filters, making it better suited for active use.
• IR and Nano coatings: The filter includes an IR coating and NiSi’s dirt-, water- and oil-repellent Nano coating, and it does not affect the coloration of the image.
• Design: The upper half of the filter is dark gray and reduces light, while the lower half remains clear.
• Compatibility: The 150x170mm Explorer filters fit the NiSi 150mm filter system.

Why use this GND filter?

Use this filter when you need to balance a bright sky against a darker landscape. By reducing the upper part of the frame by 3 stops, the filter increases color saturation and helps reveal cloud detail. Moreover, because the transition is medium-fast, it works well when the horizon includes hills, trees or other breaking elements. For example, it is suitable for shooting sunrise or sunset over the sea as well as inland scenes with uneven horizons.

Durability and handling

NiSi Explorer filters undergo a tempering and hardening process to make them less prone to accidental damage, which makes them a good choice for outdoor and adventure photographers. However, this treatment does not make the glass unbreakable. Over time, the hardening effect may decline, so handle the filter with care and store it safely when not in use.

FAQ

Question: What does the "medium-fast" transition mean for my shots?
Answer: A medium-fast transition places the graduated edge between hard and soft. Therefore, it works well when the horizon is interrupted by elements like hills or trees, giving a natural balance without a harsh line across the sky.

Question: Will this filter change the color of my images?
Answer: No. The NiSi Explorer GND is designed not to affect image coloration, so it preserves the original color balance while reducing light.

Question: Is the filter suitable for outdoor and adventure use?
Answer: Yes. The Explorer series uses B270 tempered, hardened glass that NiSi states is twice as durable as typical glass filters. Additionally, the Nano coating repels dirt, water and oil, making it practical for active photographers. However, the filter is not unbreakable and should still be handled with care.

Question: Which filter holder or system do I need?
Answer: The 150x170mm Explorer filters are compatible with the NiSi 150mm filter system, so use a holder designed for that system for correct mounting and stability.