NEEWER Variable ND Filter for DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro & Action 4 — ND64-256 (6–8 Stops), Screw-On Multi-Coated Glass

If you shoot action footage in bright conditions, a variable ND filter is one of those upgrades that feels a bit boring… until you try it. The NEEWER Variable ND64-256 is designed to reduce light in a controlled way, which helps you keep shutter behaviour more consistent and can make motion blur look smoother when you’re filming fast-moving scenes.

That said, it’s not a magic fix for every scenario. It’s a screw-on lens filter approach with coatings and a slim aluminium frame, so it’s very much about improving exposure and image behaviour, while accepting a couple of real limitations around weather sealing.

The essentials

This is a variable neutral density (ND) filter for DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and Action 4. The ND64-256 range is stated as 6–8 stops, meaning it’s intended for adjusting how much light reaches the sensor as conditions change. In practice, that’s useful when you’re switching between sun and shade, or when you’re trying to keep your footage looking less “blown out” while still maintaining a consistent cinematic feel.

There’s also a practical reason to choose a variable ND over a fixed set: you rotate the outer frame to the marked levels to dial in exposure reduction on the go.

What you’ll notice in use

The biggest day-to-day benefit is exposure control while filming action. When you’re out surfing, kayaking, skiing, mountain biking, skateboarding, hiking, or even skydiving, the light doesn’t stay still. This filter’s variable design is meant to help you respond quickly without having to swap filters.

A simple real-world example: imagine you’re walking from a shaded trail onto bright open ground with the camera mounted on a helmet or chest. With no ND, you may need to accept harsher highlights or faster shutter compromises. With a variable ND, you can rotate to a stronger reduction as you hit the brighter area, then back off slightly when you’re in mixed light.

Worth noting that it’s intended to support dynamic motion blur. If your priority is reducing the amount of light so motion blur looks more intentional, this is the kind of filter that fits that goal.

Where it shines

• Adjustable ND range (6–8 stops) for changing lighting environments, rather than only one fixed reduction.
• Rotate-to-mark exposure fine-tuning, so you’re not guessing where you are on the scale.
• HD optical glass with multiple protective coatings to help maintain sharpness and reduce issues like chromatic aberration or optical distortion (as described).
• Slim, lightweight aluminium alloy frame with a matte finish, aimed at avoiding unwanted vignetting and lens flare.
• Screw-on setup designed to be quick: remove the original lens first, then screw the filter on.

Things to consider before buying

This is where the “it depends” part matters. The listing is clear that the filter is not weather sealed and not for underwater use, and the reason given is that water can enter and degrade image quality.

So if you’re frequently shooting in rain, spray, or wet conditions where you can’t reliably keep water away from the lens area, you may want to think twice. It’s still relevant for sports with splashes, but you’ll need to be more careful with how exposed the lens is.

Also, because it’s a variable ND, you’re trading convenience and flexibility for the kind of behaviour you’d expect from a purpose-built ND kit. If you’re chasing the most consistent look across long sessions, a broader system of fixed reductions sometimes makes workflow simpler—but that’s only worth it if you already know you need it.

Technical overview

• Type: Variable neutral density (ND) lens filter
• Compatibility: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro and Action 4
• ND range: ND64-256
• Light reduction range: 6–8 stops
• Mounting: Screw-on (remove original lens first, then screw filter on)
• Glass: HD optical glass, multi-coated (as described)

Should you buy it?

It makes sense if you shoot DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro or Action 4 in changing daylight and you want smoother exposure control without swapping filters every time the light shifts. It’s a solid pick for typical action and outdoors content where you move between sun, shade, and mixed conditions, and you like the idea of dialing reduction via the rotating frame.

You may want to skip it if you routinely film underwater or in situations where the lens can’t be kept protected from water—because this filter is not presented as weather sealed and is not for underwater use. It might not be a great match if you prioritise guaranteed performance in harsh wet environments over flexible exposure adjustment.

Mini FAQ

Is this filter suitable for underwater filming?

No. The listing explicitly states it is not for underwater use.

How do you adjust the exposure reduction?

You rotate the outer frame to the marked levels to dial in the ND effect.

What’s the stated light reduction range?

The ND64-256 variable filter is described as offering 6–8 stops of adjustable light reduction.

Does it screw on directly?

Yes, the guidance is to remove the original lens first, then screw the filter on.

What’s the main limitation to keep in mind?

It is not weather sealed, and water entering the filter area can degrade image quality.