Are ND Filters Still Relevant in 2025? The Kenko Advantage in a Mirrorless World

Photography gear has changed fast. Mirrorless cameras now dominate the market with smart features, powerful sensors, and built-in tools that help photographers shoot in almost any light. But does that mean traditional lens accessories like ND filters are no longer needed?

The answer is clear: ND filters are still essential — and in many cases, more valuable than ever. Here’s why ND filters continue to matter in 2025, especially when paired with the latest mirrorless systems, and how Kenko ND filters give photographers more control over their creative vision.

What ND Filters Actually Do

ND (Neutral Density) filters are darkened pieces of glass or resin placed in front of the camera lens. Their job is simple: reduce the amount of light entering the lens without changing the colors in your shot.

Why is that useful? Because it allows you to:

• Use slower shutter speeds in bright conditions (great for motion blur or long exposures)
• Open up your aperture even in daylight (ideal for shallow depth of field)
• Avoid overexposure when using cinematic frame rates for video

Built-in camera settings can’t fully replicate these effects. An ND filter changes what your sensor sees before the data ever reaches it — that makes a big difference.

Why Photographers Still Use ND Filters with Mirrorless Cameras

Mirrorless cameras have impressive features: dynamic range, advanced ISO control, electronic shutters, and even digital exposure simulation. But none of those eliminate the need for ND filters. Here's why:

1. Electronic ND or Auto-ISO Can't Replace Glass

Some high-end mirrorless models offer electronic ND filters. But these are limited in density range, often step-based, and not as consistent as optical ND filters. Also, they’re usually available only on expensive cinema-focused bodies.

Kenko’s ND filters give precise control over light reduction — from subtle ND2 to heavy ND1000 — across any camera system.

2. True Motion Blur Needs Glass in Front of the Lens

Capturing a smooth waterfall, streaking traffic lights, or misty waves requires shutter speeds of several seconds — even minutes. Mirrorless settings can’t hold back sunlight. You need a real filter to block that much light.

3. Better Bokeh in Harsh Light

Bright sunlight often forces you to stop down your aperture, flattening the background. ND filters help keep the aperture wide open for pleasing blur, even at noon.

4. Video Shooting Still Demands ND Filters

To maintain natural motion in video, most cinematographers use shutter speeds around 1/50 or 1/60. In bright conditions, this leads to overexposure — unless you use an ND filter. Kenko’s ND filters remain an essential part of many professional video kits.

Where ND Filters Fit into a Modern Photography Kit

Even with high ISO performance, digital sensors struggle with highlights. Using an ND filter allows you to shoot at optimal settings without blowing out bright areas.

ND filters are also:

• Lightweight and portable
• Compatible with any brand or mount
• Affordable compared to upgrading a lens or camera body

Many photographers carry a 3-filter kit:

• ND8 (for portraits in daylight)
• ND64 (for softening motion like clouds or fountains)
• ND1000 (for extreme long exposures or creative landscapes)

What Makes Kenko ND Filters a Strong Choice

Kenko Tokina has been refining optical glass for decades. Here’s why Kenko ND filters continue to be trusted by professionals and enthusiasts alike:

• Accurate Light Reduction: Each stop of ND is precisely calibrated to maintain exposure consistency
• Color-Neutral Coating: No color cast, even in stacked filters
• Multi-Coated Optics: Resist flare and reflections, especially useful with modern high-resolution sensors
• Available in Multiple Sizes: From compact primes to wide zooms, Kenko fits your lens

Whether you're using Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, or Panasonic mirrorless bodies, Kenko ND filters slot right in — with thread sizes from 49mm to 82mm.

When to Use an ND Filter in 2025

Here are a few real-life situations where an ND filter still makes a noticeable difference:

Scene

• Beach at noon
• Street portrait in sun
• Shooting waterfalls
• Filming with drone

Problem Without ND

• Overexposed highlights
• Flat bokeh
• Fast shutter freezes motion
• Harsh light ruins dynamic range

Solution with ND

• Use ND64 to balance
• ND8 for soft background
• ND1000 for smooth flow
• ND16 keeps exposure clean

These examples show that ND filters are far from outdated. They offer effects that can't be matched by digital tricks alone.

Conclusion: ND Filters Still Matter — And Kenko Keeps Them Relevant

As cameras evolve, the fundamentals of photography stay the same. Light control remains one of the most important tools in a photographer’s kit. ND filters — especially those made with high-quality optical glass like Kenko’s — give you that control.

Mirrorless cameras might be smart, but smart doesn’t mean complete. Kenko ND filters aren’t going anywhere — and if you care about long exposures, natural video motion, and creative control, they’re just as useful in 2025 as they were ten years ago.

Original Source: https://techuggy.com/are-nd-filters-still-relevant-in-2025-the-kenko-advantage-in-a-mirrorless-world/