Breakthrough Filters 2 Stop Soft Filter 100x150mm GND - Natural

In this review the Breakthrough Filters 2 Stop Soft Filter 100x150mm GND earns its place for landscape and architectural photographers who need smooth exposure transitions without colour cast. The bottom line: its tempered construction and extensive coatings deliver reliably neutral graduated density with very high light transmission, making it ideal when subtle sky control and maximum sharpness matter. This review covers build, optical neutrality, handling and who will benefit most from this specific 2 stop soft graduated neutral density filter.

Key Features

• Tempered glass construction: The original tempered GND design provides durable protection and resistance to scratches compared with untreated glass.
• Optical neutrality: Marketed as the world s sharpest and most colour neutral GND, it preserves natural tones when balancing bright skies and darker foregrounds.
• 16 MRC protective layers: A multi-layer coating adds structural hardness and reduces lens flaring for cleaner highlights and contrast.
• High light transmission: With 99.4% light transmission the filter retains image brightness and contrast while applying the intended 2-stop reduction smoothly.
• Nanotec coatings: Coatings repel dirt and moisture, making cleaning in the field quicker and helping maintain consistent performance.
• Protective case and warranty: Each filter ships in a colour coded diamond case and is backed by a 25 year manufacturer warranty for long-term peace of mind.

Who It's For

Photographers who shoot landscapes, coastal scenes, or urban skylines and want a subtle graduated exposure correction will appreciate this 2 stop soft GND. The soft transition is suited to scenes with gently sloping horizons or when a gradual darkening is needed without a hard line.

This filter is less appropriate for photographers who rarely encounter high dynamic range scenes or who prefer hard-edge GNDs for distinct horizon separation. Casual photographers who do not require top-tier neutral colour performance may find simpler filters more cost effective.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very neutral colour rendering that preserves scene tones during exposure blending.
• Durable 16 MRC layered surface provides extra hardness and helps cut flaring in backlit situations.
• High light transmission keeps image contrast and detail while applying a controlled 2-stop reduction.
• Long 25 year warranty and dedicated protective case for safe storage and long-term use.

Cons

• Premium construction and features come at a higher price point than basic filters, which may be unnecessary for casual users.
• Soft transition GNDs are not optimal for scenes with very distinct horizons where a hard edge would be preferred.

Specifications

Product type	2 Stop Soft Graduated Neutral Density (GND)
Size	100 x 150 mm
Light transmission	99.4% reported
Coatings	16 MRC layers and Nanotec coatings
Construction	Tempered glass
Case	Individual colour coded protective diamond case
Warranty	25 year manufacturer warranty

Our Verdict

For serious landscape and architectural photographers seeking a high-quality, colour neutral 2 stop soft GND, this filter represents solid value because it combines tempered glass, extensive coatings and a long warranty to protect image quality over years of use. Choose it for smooth, natural transitions and robust field durability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this filter change colours in my photos?
Answer. The design emphasises colour neutrality and the manufacturer states it is the world s most colour neutral GND, so colour shifts should be minimal when used correctly.

Is the filter easy to clean in wet or sandy conditions?
Answer. Nanotec coatings repel dirt and moisture, which makes wiping off water spots and grit easier than uncoated glass, but care is still advised in harsh conditions.

Does the soft transition work for all horizon types?
Answer. The soft transition is best for gently sloping horizons and complex scenes; for sharp, flat horizons a hard-edge GND is a better choice.