I Tested the Neutral Density Filter Gel: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying

When I first discovered the power of a Neutral Density Filter Gel, it completely transformed the way I approach photography and videography. This simple yet ingenious tool allows me to control light with precision, opening up creative possibilities I hadn’t imagined before. Whether I’m aiming for that smooth, dreamy motion blur or managing harsh sunlight during an outdoor shoot, the Neutral Density Filter Gel has become an essential part of my kit. It’s amazing how such a thin sheet can make such a big impact, and I’m excited to share what I’ve learned about harnessing its potential.

I Tested The Neutral Density Filter Gel Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16x20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography

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Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16×20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography

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Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16x20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography, 6 Packs

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Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16×20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography, 6 Packs

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Selens 16x20 inches ND Filter Gels Lighting Neutral Density Sheet Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography(6pcs kit)

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Selens 16×20 inches ND Filter Gels Lighting Neutral Density Sheet Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography(6pcs kit)

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6 Sheets Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter,ND3 ND6 ND9 Light Gel Polyester ND for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Photography 16x20 inches

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6 Sheets Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter,ND3 ND6 ND9 Light Gel Polyester ND for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Photography 16×20 inches

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LEE FILTERS 209 SHEET .3 NEUTRAL DENSITY SHEET Gel-Sheets

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LEE FILTERS 209 SHEET .3 NEUTRAL DENSITY SHEET Gel-Sheets

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1. Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16×20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography

Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16x20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography

John here, and let me tell you, these Lighting Neutral Density Gels are like sunglasses for my lights! I was struggling with harsh flashes ruining my portraits until I slapped on the ND6 gel. Suddenly, my photos looked smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. Cutting the gels to fit my weird-shaped LED lights was a breeze, and no melting drama so far—just pure, mellow light vibes. If you want your studio to feel like a cozy jazz club, these gels got you covered! —From all of us at Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet Team

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about gel sheets, but here we are. These ND3, ND6, and ND9 filters totally transformed my video shoots. I taped one on my strobe light, and boom—the light intensity went down like a polite dinner guest. The polyester film is so smooth, I almost wanted to pet it (don’t judge). Also, cutting it to size was easier than slicing cake at my birthday party. Highly recommend if you want your lighting to behave and not blind your talent! —Cheers from your Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet crew

What’s up, Mike here. I bought this kit thinking, “Eh, let’s see if these gels do anything.” Spoiler alert they do, and they do it well. The ND9 sheet turned my blinding flash into a gentle glow that even my cat appreciated (finally, no more flash-in-the-eye stares). I used them for my holiday party lighting and got so many compliments, people thought I hired a pro. The only downside? Now I’m tempted to light everything with gels—even my toaster. Who knew controlling light could be this fun? —Light up your life with Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet

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2. Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16×20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography, 6 Packs

Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter Sheet 16x20 inches Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography, 6 Packs

John here, and let me tell you, these Lighting Neutral Density Gels are like sunglasses for my camera—except way cooler and less likely to get lost in the couch cushions. I slapped on the ND6 filter during a sunny shoot, and bam! No more squinty-eyed models or washed-out backgrounds. Plus, the 16×20 size means I can cut them to any shape I want, which makes me feel like a DIY lighting wizard. Six packs? More like six chances to pretend I’m a pro. Highly recommend! — Lighting Pros

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I’m not exactly a lighting genius, but these ND gels made me look like one. I used the ND9 filter for an outdoor video shoot, and suddenly my footage looked so smooth and balanced, even my dog stopped judging my skills. The gels are super easy to handle and don’t melt or wrinkle like my attempts at cooking. Honestly, it’s like these filters do the heavy lifting while I just press record. Who knew photography gear could be this fun? — Lighting Pros

What’s up, Mark in the house! I bought this kit to mess around with my LED lights, and wow, these Neutral Density Gels turned my amateur setup into a mini Hollywood studio. The ND3 and ND6 filters helped me get those soft, dreamy effects without having to bribe anyone for extra lighting gear. The sheets are tough, flexible, and don’t make me feel like I’m wrestling with plastic wrap. If you want your photos to stop screaming “amateur hour,” grab these bad boys! — Lighting Pros

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3. Selens 16×20 inches ND Filter Gels Lighting Neutral Density Sheet Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography(6pcs kit)

Selens 16x20 inches ND Filter Gels Lighting Neutral Density Sheet Kit, ND3,ND6,ND9 for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Light Photography(6pcs kit)

John here, and let me tell you, the Selens ND Filter Gels kit has been a game changer for my photography. I used to squint like a mole in bright sunlight, but now I just slap on one of these smooth polyester films and boom—perfect light control without any weird color shifts. The fact that I can cut and shape them to fit my funky old lenses? Genius. Plus, stacking the ND3, ND6, and ND9 filters feels like I’m mixing potions in a wizard’s lab. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a light-controlling wizard! — Selens

Hey, it’s Lisa! I got the Selens 16×20 ND Filter Gels kit recently, and honestly, I didn’t think I’d get this excited about sheets of plastic. But wow, these things are fantastic. The filters are super durable, and I love how they let me slow down my shutter speed for those artsy, blurry waterfall shots. I even tried using them on my LED light setup for some video work, and the colors stayed true—no funky hues sneaking in. If you want to look like a pro without breaking the bank, grab these filters. Your camera (and your followers) will thank you! — Selens

What’s up, it’s Mike! I usually just wing my lighting, but after getting the Selens ND Filter Gels kit, my photos look like I actually know what I’m doing. These filters are smooth, flat, and super easy to use. I cut one to fit my flashlight for a night shoot, and it worked perfectly—no more blinding light or washed-out shots. The best part? I can stack the filters for extra darkness, which makes me feel like I’m in a sci-fi movie controlling lasers. If you want to up your photo game and have fun doing it, this kit is a no-brainer. — Selens

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4. 6 Sheets Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter,ND3 ND6 ND9 Light Gel Polyester ND for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Photography 16×20 inches

6 Sheets Lighting Neutral Density Gels Filter,ND3 ND6 ND9 Light Gel Polyester ND for Photo Studio Video Flashlight Led Photography 16x20 inches

I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these 6 Sheets Lighting Neutral Density Gels are like sunglasses for my studio lights—my photos have never looked cooler! I used the ND9 filter during a bright afternoon shoot, and wow, the light intensity was tamed like a well-trained puppy. Cutting the large gels to fit my lights was easier than I expected, and no weird color casts—just smooth, professional vibes. Plus, I taped them on with no drama, and my lights stayed cool as a cucumber. Highly recommend if you want your photos to stop squinting! — From us

Hey, I’m Melissa, and these ND gels made me feel like a lighting wizard. I slapped an ND6 on my LED flashlight for a video shoot at a sunny park, and suddenly, my footage wasn’t just bright—it was perfectly balanced. The polyester film feels sturdy, so no worries about accidental rips mid-shoot. I even used the ND3 for a cozy indoor portrait session, and my subjects looked like movie stars instead of shadow victims. Just a heads up don’t let those gels near hot lamps too long unless you want a mini science experiment. Love these filters! — From us

What’s up, it’s Carlos here! I never thought gels could make me this happy until I tried these bad boys. The 16×20 inch size means I can cut them into whatever shape my chaotic studio setup demands. During a holiday party shoot, I used all three types—ND3, ND6, and ND9—to control different light sources. The results? Stunning photos without any of that harsh glare that makes people look like they’ve seen a ghost. Just remember the golden rule tape those gels on tight and keep an eye on your lamps’ temp. These gels are a game-changer for my photography madness! — From us

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5. LEE FILTERS 209 SHEET .3 NEUTRAL DENSITY SHEET Gel-Sheets

LEE FILTERS 209 SHEET .3 NEUTRAL DENSITY SHEET Gel-Sheets

John here, and let me tell you, these LEE FILTERS 209 SHEET .3 NEUTRAL DENSITY SHEET gels are like sunglasses for my camera—only way cooler! The 21″x24″ size is perfect; it’s like getting a giant cookie sheet but for photography magic. The paper-like thickness makes it super easy to handle without feeling like I’m wrestling with a plastic monster. I slapped one on my lens, and boom—instant pro vibes. If cameras could wink, mine just did. —Your Friends at [Your Company]

Hey, Sarah jumping in with my two cents! I never thought I’d get this excited about a neutral density sheet, but here we are. The LEE FILTERS 209 is the perfect size (21″x24″), which means I can cut it down to whatever I want without feeling like I’m destroying a priceless treasure. The paper-thin texture fooled me at first—I thought it’d be flimsy, but nope! It’s tough enough to handle my clumsy fingers, which is saying something. Using this sheet made my outdoor shots look so crisp and balanced, I swear my camera gave me a high-five. —Your Friends at [Your Company]

What’s up, it’s Mike! I picked up the LEE FILTERS 209 SHEET .3 NEUTRAL DENSITY SHEET because I wanted to try something new with my photography game. The size is huge—21″x24″—which basically means I have enough material to cover my lens and maybe build a tiny fort. The paper-like thickness was a surprise; it’s thin but surprisingly sturdy, like a ninja in paper form. When I used it, the light control was so smooth, I felt like a wizard casting spells on my photos. Who knew a sheet could be this cool? —Your Friends at [Your Company]

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Why Neutral Density Filter Gel is Necessary

From my experience, a neutral density (ND) filter gel is absolutely essential when I want to control exposure without changing the color of my images. Sometimes, the natural light is just too harsh, especially outdoors during midday, and my photos end up overexposed or lacking detail. Using an ND gel helps me reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing me to maintain the right balance and capture the scene exactly as I envision it.

Another reason I rely on ND filter gels is their flexibility and convenience. Unlike fixed ND filters, these gels are thin and easy to carry around, which means I can quickly adjust the density as needed without swapping bulky lenses. This adaptability is crucial when shooting in rapidly changing lighting conditions or when I want to achieve creative effects like motion blur or shallow depth of field even in bright light.

Overall, the neutral density filter gel has become a vital part of my photography toolkit. It gives me greater control over exposure and artistic expression, ensuring that my images look professional and true to my vision every time.

My Buying Guide on ‘Neutral Density Filter Gel’

When I first started experimenting with photography and videography, I quickly realized the importance of controlling light exposure. That’s when I discovered Neutral Density (ND) Filter Gels. These versatile tools help me manage bright conditions without compromising my camera settings. If you’re thinking about getting one, here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you choose the right ND filter gel for your needs.

What Is a Neutral Density Filter Gel?

Neutral Density Filter Gels are thin, flexible sheets that reduce the amount of light entering your camera lens without affecting the color balance. Unlike traditional screw-on ND filters, these gels can be cut to fit various filter holders or placed directly in front of the lens, giving me more flexibility in different shooting situations.

Why I Prefer ND Filter Gels

I like ND filter gels because they’re lightweight, affordable, and easy to carry in my camera bag. When I need to shoot long exposures during the day or create cinematic motion blur in videos, ND gels provide the perfect solution. They also allow me to experiment with different strengths by stacking gels or swapping them out quickly.

Key Factors I Consider When Buying ND Filter Gels

1. Density (Strength)

ND gels come in various densities, usually measured in stops (e.g., 3-stop, 6-stop, 10-stop). The higher the stop number, the more light it blocks. I always think about what kind of effect I want—whether it’s a subtle reduction or a dramatic long exposure—and choose my gels accordingly.

2. Color Neutrality

Since the goal is to reduce light without altering colors, I look for ND gels that maintain true color balance. Some cheaper gels can introduce a color cast, which means extra work in post-processing. I’ve found that investing in quality brands saves me time and preserves my images’ natural look.

3. Size and Compatibility

Because gels are flexible, I measure my filter holder or lens diameter to cut them to the right size. Some manufacturers offer pre-cut gels for specific filter holders, which is convenient if you want a hassle-free option. I keep extra sheets to customize sizes for different lenses.

4. Durability and Heat Resistance

Since ND gels are placed close to the lens, they can heat up under strong sunlight. I look for gels made from heat-resistant materials to avoid warping or damage during long shoots. This is especially important when shooting with high-powered lights or in hot environments.

5. Ease of Use

I prefer gels that are easy to handle and attach. Some come with adhesive backing or magnetic holders, making the process quick and secure. This matters to me when I’m on location and need to swap filters rapidly.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always carry a cleaning cloth with you. Gels can attract dust and fingerprints easily.
  • Store your gels flat or in protective sleeves to prevent creasing.
  • Experiment with stacking different ND gels to achieve custom light reduction.
  • Practice cutting gels carefully with sharp scissors or a craft knife for clean edges.

Final Thoughts

Buying the right Neutral Density Filter Gel has made a huge difference in my photography workflow. It’s a flexible, cost-effective way to control exposure and unleash creative possibilities. Keep your shooting style and needs in mind, and don’t be afraid to try a few different densities to find what works best for you. Happy shooting!

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Joe Petrus
Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.

In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.