No more stacking filters, introducing the convenience of multi-use filters for your camera
If you have ever stood under the bright South African sun with your camera, trying to capture the perfect landscape but ending up with washed-out skies or harsh reflections, you know how tricky light can be. Controlling exposure and reflections is one of the biggest challenges photographers face. Whether you are shooting long-exposure landscapes, travel portraits, or cinematic video, learning to manage light properly can completely change the quality of your images. Two tools help enormously with this: the ND filter and the CPL filter. And now, there is a way to use both without the hassle of switching filters or carrying extra gear. The Neewer NW Series S Variable ND & CPL Filter is a compact 2-in-1 design that simplifies your setup while giving you greater creative control.
What Is an ND Filter?
An ND filter, or Neutral Density filter, is essentially a set of sunglasses for your lens. It reduces the amount of light entering your camera without changing the colours of your scene. By cutting the light, the ND filter gives you the freedom to use slower shutter speeds or wider apertures in bright conditions without overexposing your image.
Why It Matters
When you shoot in harsh sunlight, your camera’s settings can only compensate so much. An ND filter lets you keep your creative vision intact. You can slow your shutter speed for motion blur, open your aperture for shallow depth of field, or shoot video at a consistent frame rate without losing exposure control.
Here are a few key ways photographers use an ND filter:
- Long exposures during the day to capture smooth water, soft clouds, or motion effects
- Outdoor portraits with wide apertures for beautiful background blur
- Balanced exposure in video for cinematic motion
In short, the ND filter helps you keep your images balanced and your creativity unrestricted.
What Is a CPL Filter?
A Circular Polarising (CPL) filter works differently. Instead of reducing light evenly, it selectively removes glare and reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass, or foliage. This helps you capture richer colours, deeper skies, and more realistic contrast straight out of camera.
By rotating the CPL filter, you can control how much reflection you want to remove. It is especially useful for:
- Landscapes with bright skies or reflective water
- Travel and street scenes with windows or glass
- Product photography where unwanted glare hides detail
A CPL filter makes colours pop without artificial editing. It enhances natural tones and contrast, giving your photos a polished, professional look.
Why Carry Both Filters When You Can Have One?
Photographers often juggle both an ND filter and a CPL filter, but stacking them adds bulk and can cause vignetting or image softness. The Neewer NW Series S Variable ND & CPL Filter combines both tools into a single, slim, high-quality unit. It saves space, reduces setup time, and eliminates the risk of missing a fleeting moment while changing filters.
The 2-in-1 design allows you to manage exposure and reflections at the same time, making it ideal for anyone who wants a simpler workflow and a lighter camera bag.
Explore the range of ND filters on CameraStuff.
The Neewer NW Series S Variable ND & CPL Filter
The Neewer NW Series S is designed for photographers and videographers who want performance and efficiency. Built from multi-coated HD optical glass and housed in a precision aluminium alloy frame, it delivers clarity and durability in a compact package.
Key Features
- Combines a variable ND filter (ND3–ND64) and a CPL filter into one
- Offers 1.5 to 6 stops of light reduction for precise exposure control
- Reduces glare and enhances saturation for vivid colour
- Made with high-definition multi-coated optical glass for accurate colour reproduction
- Features a slim, CNC-machined aluminium frame that prevents vignetting
- Includes an integrated hand knob for smooth one-handed adjustment
- Coated to resist dust, fingerprints, and scratches
See the Neewer NW Series S Filter on CameraStuff.
How It Works
The filter’s design is smart and intuitive. The ND filter portion adjusts the light entering your lens by simply rotating the knob. You can reduce brightness by up to six stops, perfect for controlling exposure in bright light. Meanwhile, the CPL component manages reflections and glare. With both combined, you can fine-tune light and colour in a single motion.
It feels natural to use. You rotate the knob until your exposure looks right, then adjust the filter to remove unwanted reflections. The process takes seconds and keeps your hands off the glass, meaning fewer smudges and faster results.
Real-World Use Cases
The Neewer 2-in-1 filter is not just a technical accessory; it is a creative companion. Here is how different photographers can benefit from it:
Landscape Photographers
From the Drakensberg mountains to the Cape coast, South Africa’s scenery demands strong light control. The ND filter allows you to shoot long exposures that turn moving water into smooth, silky textures while the CPL element cuts through glare on wet rocks and surfaces. The result is a crisp, colour-rich image that captures the depth and mood of the landscape.
Travel Photographers
Every gram of weight counts when you travel. Having a 2-in-1 filter means you carry one tool instead of two, saving space while keeping professional flexibility. The ND filter helps you balance exposure in changing light, and the CPL filter ensures your images look clean and natural without reflective distractions.
Portrait Photographers
Outdoor portraits often struggle with bright, uneven light. The ND filter allows you to shoot with a wide aperture for that soft, dreamy bokeh while the CPL filter removes unwanted shine on skin or reflective surfaces nearby. It is a subtle yet powerful combination for creating flattering, natural-looking portraits.
Videographers and Content Creators
For video, exposure consistency is everything. A variable ND filter lets you maintain cinematic shutter speeds and control brightness on the fly. The CPL function adds saturation and contrast, so your footage looks polished before you even start editing. This combination gives videographers more creative freedom and smoother post-production workflows.
Common Challenges This Filter Solves
Overexposed Images in Bright Light
Even at ISO 100 and high shutter speeds, harsh sunlight can blow out highlights. The adjustable ND filter solves this by reducing light precisely, allowing perfect exposure without changing your creative settings.
Distracting Reflections
Glass, water, and shiny surfaces can introduce glare that hides colour and detail. The CPL function removes those reflections, revealing true tones and cleaner images.
Missed Moments While Changing Filters
When light changes suddenly, every second matters. The Neewer 2-in-1 filter keeps you ready for the next shot without having to detach, stack, or swap filters.
Dos and Don’ts for the Neewer NW Series S
Do
✓ Check your lens thread size (look for the “⌀” symbol) before ordering
✓ Keep the filter covered with a lens cap when not in use
✓ Store it in its included case to avoid scratches or dust buildup
Don’t
✗ Use a lens hood, as the adjustment knob prevents a proper fit
✗ Rotate the filter past the ND stop markings, as this can cause dark X-patterns or uneven exposure
✗ Use harsh cleaners; a soft microfiber cloth is ideal for maintenance
Simplify Your Gear and Focus on Creativity
Many photographers chase new lenses or camera upgrades, but sometimes the most meaningful improvements come from the smaller tools. A good ND filter can change how you shoot. It allows you to work in challenging light, experiment with exposure, and capture effects that are impossible without it. The Neewer 2-in-1 ND and CPL Filter builds on that foundation by giving you even more flexibility in a single piece of gear.
By combining two essential tools, it simplifies your setup and lightens your load. You can travel lighter, shoot faster, and focus on composition rather than constantly adjusting equipment.
Why Buy from CameraStuff
CameraStuff is trusted by South African photographers who care about quality gear and honest advice. Whether you are just starting out or working professionally, our team understands real-world shooting conditions in local environments. We stock a wide variety of ND filters, CPL filters, and hybrid designs like the Neewer NW Series S. You can count on fast local delivery, great support, and reliable after-sales service.
Browse the complete collection of ND filters and accessories.
Final Thoughts
Great photography depends on understanding and controlling light. The Neewer 2-in-1 ND filter and CPL filter helps you master both brightness and reflection with ease. It is compact, precise, and ready for any environment, whether you are exploring the bush, capturing seascapes, or shooting content in the city.
If you are ready to simplify your gear and capture more dynamic, balanced images, visit CameraStuff to learn more or pick up your Neewer filter today. When you use it out in the field, share your shots and tag us online — we love seeing what our community creates.
Learn more about Neewer’s products at www.neewer.com.
