A Polarizer for $4 to $10? NiSi's VND/PL Costs Almost the Same as Its VND Alone
NiSi's True Color VND/PL adds a polarizer to a variable ND for $4 to $10 more than the VND alone. Here is the price by size and what the combo does and doesn't tell you.
NiSi's True Color VND/PL puts a variable ND and a polarizer in one filter, and the polarizer adds only a few dollars to the price. At NiSi USA's list prices, it costs $4 to $10 more than NiSi's VND-only filter in the same size.
NiSi introduced the filter in early September, and ProVideo Coalition covered it on October 5. Shooters who already own a VND should check the numbers before buying a polarizer separately.
What the Polarizer Adds to the Price
NiSi USA lists the VND/PL from $165 at 49 mm to $285 at 95 mm. The VND-only True Color filter lists from $159 to $279 across the same sizes. The gap is $4 at 72, 77, 82, and 86 mm. It is $6 at 49 and 95 mm, and $10 from 52 through 67 mm.
A separate polarizer costs far more. NiSi USA lists its True Color Pro Nano CPL at $119 for 72 mm, $129 for 77 mm, and $139 for 82 mm. Adding a CPL to the VND runs $324 at 72 mm, $354 at 77 mm, and $384 at 82 mm. The combined filter lists at $209, $229, and $249.
NiSi USA is also taking 15% off everything through October 8. The discount applies to both filters, so the gap shrinks slightly during the sale.
What the Filter Does
NiSi says the two controls are independent. You set the ND from 1 to 5 stops, then rotate the polarizer without moving the exposure. The ND range is density 0.3 to 1.5, with no X pattern within the range.
NiSi's own FAQ adds one caution. It says to avoid adjusting the polarizer at the highest densities, around 4 to 5 stops, and to set the polarizer first. NiSi says doing both at once there can push colors further than you want.
True Color is NiSi's claim of neutral color across the range, with no magenta tint or warm cast. NiSi also says the slim frame avoids vignetting on full-frame lenses as wide as 15 mm. Neither claim has independent testing behind it yet.
Competitive Context
NiSi already sells a magnetic version of this idea. The JetMag Pro True Color VND has built-in polarization control, and B&H lists the 82 mm at $249. It needs a separate adapter ring, while the new filter threads on directly.
NiSi's SWIFT system takes a push-on polarizer in front of its VND. The 77 mm SWIFT CPL lists at $125 on NiSi USA, so the stacked route still costs roughly $350. The VND/PL is SWIFT compatible too, so you can add mist or diffusion in front of it.
The Signal in the Noise
On price, the combo is the better buy if you would otherwise buy a polarizer. The premium is $4 to $10, against $119 to $139 for a separate CPL. If you never use a polarizer, the extra glass is a small cost for a control you may never turn.
The limits are in the range. NiSi does not state the polarizer's own light loss, and a 5-stop ceiling can run short in full sun. For reference, B&H lists NiSi's 4 x 5.65 cinema polarizer at +1 to 1.5 stops.
Availability is unclear. NiSi USA lists pre-order and backorder status, and ProVideo Coalition says the filter arrives in October. No B&H listing turned up for the VND/PL when this was written.
Would you swap your VND and CPL for one combined filter, or keep them separate?
Specs & Pricing
- List price by size at NiSi USA, with the VND-only price in parentheses:
- 49 mm: $165 ($159)
- 52 mm: $175 ($165)
- 55 mm: $175 ($165)
- 58 mm: $179 ($169)
- 62 mm: $189 ($179)
- 67 mm: $199 ($189)
- 72 mm: $209 ($205)
- 77 mm: $229 ($225)
- 82 mm: $249 ($245)
- 86 mm: $259 ($255)
- 95 mm: $285 ($279)
- Separate True Color Pro Nano CPL: $119 (72 mm), $129 (77 mm), $139 (82 mm)
- Sale: 15% off at NiSi USA through October 8
- ND range: 1 to 5 stops, density 0.3 to 1.5
- Polarizer: adjusted independently of the ND, light loss not stated
- Frame: aluminum alloy, no vignetting on full-frame lenses to 15 mm, per NiSi
- Coating: nano coating on all four surfaces
- Compatibility: NiSi SWIFT system
- In the box: filter and metal lens cap
- Exact pricing is available on NiSi's website.
