Moment CineBloom Variable ND Filter (67mm) — Many birders and nature filmmakers don’t realize what they’re missing in their footage until they add this simple yet powerful filter to their kit.
Most of the time, I’m out in nature with just my binoculars around my neck, a backpack with the essentials, and a reliable photo or video setup. I’m not carrying a full production kit or big tripods. Like many birders and nature enthusiasts, I like to move light, be quick, and stay ready for whatever shows up—whether it’s a marsh harrier circling overhead or a warbler popping out of the undergrowth.
But what I’ve realized—especially over the past couple of seasons—is that I’ve been missing the best video moments, not because I wasn’t there, but because the lighting wasn’t right, or my camera settings couldn’t keep up with the scene.
How many times have you found yourself with the perfect moment right in front of you but you’re overexposed, the sun is too harsh, or the footage looks sterile and flat? I’ve had plenty of those frustrating moments.
That’s what led me to review the Moment CineBloom Variable ND Filter (67mm). It’s not bulky. It doesn’t complicate my setup. And honestly, it feels like adding a creative layer to my outdoor kit—right up there with a good lens or sturdy monopod.
The Magic of Soft Light and Controlled Exposure in the Field
The outdoors doesn’t wait for you to get your settings just right. You walk into a clearing and suddenly you’re dealing with strong backlight, reflections off the water, or the kind of sun flare that ruins everything.
That’s where this filter really earns its place in your gear.
It gives you the ability to instantly dial down brightness when filming video in bright sunlight, without changing aperture or ISO—especially useful if you are trying to maintain that cinematic shallow depth-of-field. But beyond that, it gives you footage a gentle, filmic glow that makes the colors of feathers pop and the background light just melt.
It’s hard to describe until you see it, but the difference is clear: with the filter, even midday video takes on a natural softness. Without it, everything feels a bit too sharp, too digital, too ordinary.
A Tool That Stays Out of the Way (Until You Need It)
One thing you will really appreciate is that the CineBloom VND doesn’t slow you down. You can leave it on the lens during a full morning walk, adjusting the density ring as needed. It’s fast, intuitive, and works even if you’re walking with binoculars in one hand and the camera swinging from your shoulder.
In those moments when a bird appears suddenly—say, a shrike on a nearby post—you don’t need to dig through your bag or swap filters. A quick twist of the ND ring, and you’re ready to roll. That kind of flexibility matters when you only get a few seconds to capture the action.
And unlike many other filters, this one doesn’t mess with color balance, and you will never have issues with cross-patterning or vignetting. It just works.
The Bloom Effect: Subtle, Dreamy, Cinematic
One of the standout features of this filter is its built-in diffusion. The CineBloom effect lifts contrast ever so slightly and blooms the highlights—without affecting the overall sharpness or introducing haze.
This might sound like a small touch, but in practice, it makes a huge difference when filming nature scenes. Harsh light reflections on leaves or water become softened and more pleasing. Birds lit from behind look more ethereal and dimensional. Bright skies no longer overpower the darker parts of your frame.
Instead of heavily editing in post to achieve this look, you get it naturally, in-camera, without sacrificing quality or control.
Variable ND (2–5 Stops): Perfect Exposure in the Wild
Let’s talk about the neutral density part of this filter.
The 2–5 stop range is ideal for outdoor videography. When you’re shooting video in bright conditions, especially at wide apertures (like f/2.8 or f/4 to blur the background), you must reduce the amount of light hitting the sensor. Otherwise, you’ll end up with blown-out highlights and overly sharp, clinical footage.
With this VND, you simply rotate the front element to adjust the density in real time—no need to carry multiple fixed ND filters or waste time screwing on and off accessories. This kind of on-the-fly exposure control is priceless when a bird suddenly enters the frame or the light shifts through cloud cover.
And unlike cheaper ND filters, the CineBloom VND maintains neutral color and shows no X-pattern artifacts—those annoying cross-shaped shadows that plague low-quality filters. What you get is pure, clean, accurate exposure control.
Built to Last: Lightweight, Durable, Field-Ready
In the field, durability matters. Between humidity, dust, mud, and rapid gear changes, your filter needs to handle wear and tear like the rest of your equipment.
Moment designed this filter using aircraft-grade metal and precision-machined threads. It mounts smoothly, doesn’t rattle, and won’t bind or seize up in wet or cold conditions. The etched markings on the outer ring also help you fine-tune exposure levels even when wearing gloves—a small but thoughtful detail.
And at only a few ounces, it won’t weigh down your pack, making it perfect for mobile nature and wildlife shooters.
Best for: Outdoor Creators, Filmmakers, and Birders with a Creative Eye
This isn’t just a filter for professionals. It’s a great tool for anyone who loves shooting video in nature and wants their content to look more cinematic—without relying on post-production magic.
You’ll love it if you:
- Film birds and wildlife with mirrorless or DSLR cameras
- Want to achieve cinematic softness and artistic glow in your outdoor footage
- Need precise light control when filming in bright sunlight or reflective environments
- Prefer to capture stunning looks in-camera instead of using hours of editing
- Are building a travel-friendly birding or nature filmmaking kit
Whether you’re shooting nature documentaries, cinematic vlogs, wildlife YouTube shorts, or just compiling gorgeous reels from your birding adventures—this filter gives you an edge.
Is the Moment CineBloom VND Filter Compatible with All Lenses?
The 67mm version hits a sweet spot for most mid-size mirrorless and DSLR lenses used by outdoor creators. Whether you shoot with a Sony Alpha, Canon EOS R, Fujifilm X-series, or a Panasonic Lumix, this size will likely fit directly or via step-up rings. For many nature-focused videographers, 67mm also pairs well with lightweight zooms like a 24-70mm, 70-300mm, or even a macro prime for those beautiful insect and flower close-ups.
The filter itself is thin and low-profile, made with aircraft-grade aluminum that resists wear and keeps your setup portable. It won’t add bulk to your kit, which is crucial if you’re hiking through remote trails or changing locations frequently.
While the 67mm size covers many standard zoom and prime lenses—especially in the 24-70mm and 70-300mm range—not all lenses share this thread diameter. If your lens has a smaller or larger filter thread, you can still use the CineBloom VND filter with the help of step-up or step-down rings. These adapter rings allow you to fit a 67mm filter onto lenses with different thread sizes, though keep in mind that stacking rings may increase the chance of vignetting on wide-angle lenses.
In short, the filter is compatible with a broad selection of lenses either directly or with simple adapters, making it a versatile addition to most birders’ and nature videographers’ gear. Just be sure to verify your lens thread size before ordering to avoid any surprises.
Recommended Telephoto Lenses with 67mm Filter Thread
- Sony FE 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G OSS
Versatile telephoto zoom with good reach, image stabilization, and a 67mm filter thread—perfect for capturing distant birds in the wild. - Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports (Sony E-mount, some versions 67mm)
A fast, sharp telephoto zoom favored by wildlife shooters; some versions feature a 67mm filter size (double-check model specifics). - Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VXD (Sony E-mount)
Lightweight, fast telephoto zoom with excellent optics and 67mm filter thread—ideal for bird photography and video. - Sony FE 90mm f/2.8 Macro G OSS
Though a macro lens, its 90mm focal length and 67mm filter thread make it great for close wildlife and bird detail shots. - Fujifilm XF 50-140mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR (APS-C, 67mm filter)
Sharp telephoto zoom with fast aperture and weather resistance, perfect for wildlife on Fujifilm X-series cameras.
Why These Lenses Are a Good Match
- Direct Filter Compatibility: No need for adapter rings; just screw on the filter and you’re ready to shoot.
- Telephoto Reach: Ideal focal lengths for birding and wildlife, giving you close views without disturbing your subjects.
- Image Quality & Stabilization: Many come with optical stabilization and sharp optics, crucial for handheld nature video.
- Portability: These lenses balance size and weight well, so they won’t weigh you down on long hikes.
Technical Specs
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Filter Type | Variable ND + Diffusion |
| Size | 67mm |
| ND Range | 2 to 5 stops |
| Diffusion Strength | CineBloom soft glow (approx. 10%) |
| Construction | Aircraft-grade aluminum |
| Glass | Premium optical glass |
| Threading | Front & rear (stackable) |
| Weight | ~2.5 oz (70g) |
| Compatibility | DSLR/Mirrorless lenses (67mm thread) |
| Included | Protective case + microfiber cloth |
Is It Worth It?
If you’ve made it this far, I’ll just say this: yes, it’s worth it—especially now that it’s 10% off. Good filters can last you for years, and this one adds value every time I go out. I wouldn’t recommend it if I didn’t feel it made a real, visual difference.
Right now, the 67mm CineBloom VND is on sale for a limited time, and if it fits your lens (or even with a step-up ring), it’s a smart addition to any birding video kit.
Final Thoughts
Being out in nature is unpredictable, which is part of the thrill. You never know what you’ll see. But when it comes to capturing those fleeting moments—especially in motion—it helps to have tools that keep up with the experience.
The Moment CineBloom VND Filter does exactly that. It adds control without complication, mood without post-processing, and lets you capture the wild beauty of nature the way you actually experience it.
For me, it’s become something I wouldn’t want to leave behind. If you love birding and storytelling as much as I do, give this one a try.
👉 Check out the CineBloom VND 67mm Filter – now 10% off »
Q&A: CineBloom Variable ND Filter
Is the CineBloom Variable ND Filter only for professionals?
Absolutely not. While it delivers professional-level results, it’s easy to use and perfect for hobbyists, birders, and anyone who wants better-looking footage straight out of the camera. If you enjoy capturing nature and want your videos to feel more cinematic, this filter is a great tool to have.
Can I use the 67mm CineBloom VND with my telephoto lens?
Yes—if your lens has a 67mm filter thread. Many mid-range telephoto lenses are directly compatible. If your lens has a different thread size, you can simply use a step-up ring to attach the 67mm filter.
Does the CineBloom effect reduce sharpness?
No, it preserves detail while adding a soft bloom to highlights. This is part of its appeal—it gently lifts contrast and makes highlights glow without turning the whole image soft or blurry. Feathers, eyes, and textures still stay crisp.
What’s the benefit of using this filter for birding videos?
The Variable ND allows you to film in bright conditions while keeping a wide aperture for smooth background blur. The CineBloom glow adds emotion and mood to your footage—making it look more like a nature documentary than a basic clip.
Will it work for still photography too?
Yes, but it’s mainly optimized for video. You can use it for stills if you’re after a dreamy, soft-light effect. For everyday photography, a regular ND or CPL might be more appropriate, but for video storytelling, this filter shines.
What cameras and brands is it compatible with?
The filter is compatible with any camera that accepts a 67mm filter thread. This includes Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, Panasonic, and Sigma lenses. With step-up rings, you can also use it on lenses with smaller threads.
Does it cause any color shift or X-pattern?
No. One of the advantages of Moment’s design is excellent optical quality. The filter maintains neutral colors and avoids the dreaded “X-pattern” distortion that cheaper variable ND filters often suffer from.