Benro NE1 Electronic ND Filter Kit Teased – Adjustable Range Without Mechanical Rotation

Lens Filters

by Jakub HanDecember 17^th, 2025

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Benro NE1 is an upcoming electronic ND filter system designed for photography and video. Offering an adjustable exposure range of approximately ND3 to ND64 without mechanical rotation, it supports either manual or automatic operation. With a Bluetooth remote controller for wireless control, the system uses Corning optical glass with multi-layer nano coatings and a spring-loaded holder compatible with lenses with 67–82 mm filter threads.

The Chinese camera accessories manufacturer Benro, mostly known for tripods, has recently teased a new electronic ND filter system that mounts in front of a lens. It reminds me a bit of the Panavision LCND (liquid-crystal neutral density) filter or the LC-Tech product from IBC 2023. Benro did not publish much information yet, but let’s take a look at what we know so far.

Benro NE1 Electronic ND Filter Kit

Benro has announced the NE1 Electronic ND Filter Kit on its official pre-launch page, outlining an electronically controlled approach to neutral density filtration for both photography and video. Instead of relying on fixed ND strengths or mechanically variable filter rotation, the NE1 allows users to adjust light reduction electronically, without physically rotating the filter ring or swapping filters.

Benro states that the adjustable range spans approximately ND3 to ND64, covering common exposure needs for outdoor video, long-exposure photography, and wide-aperture shooting in bright conditions.

The NE1 uses a spring-loaded holder design that supports lenses with filter thread diameters ranging from 67mm to 82mm. This approach suggests a single filter system can be used across multiple lenses without step-up rings.

According to Benro, the NE1 filter element is made of Corning optical glass and treated with multi-layer nano coatings. These coatings are described as intended to preserve color accuracy and reduce flare or ghosting, which are common concerns with variable ND solutions.

Bluetooth controller for automatic or manual control

The NE1 supports both manual control and an automatic exposure mode. In automatic mode, the system uses an integrated light sensor to adjust ND density in response to changing ambient light. This feature is presented as particularly relevant for scenarios where light levels change continuously, such as time-lapse sequences or moving between indoor and outdoor environments. Manual mode allows users to set a fixed ND value, aligning with workflows that require consistent exposure.

Benro includes a Bluetooth controller with the NE1 kit that enables remote adjustment of ND levels and can be mounted to a camera hot shoe or used handheld. For video shooters, this may reduce the need to interact directly with the lens during recording, while photographers working on tripods or rigs may benefit from easier access when the filter is mounted in less accessible positions.

Price and availability

At the time of writing, Benro has not announced pricing or a confirmed release date for the NE1 Electronic ND Filter Kit. The company is accepting sign-ups on its website for launch notifications and additional updates.

Which ND filter system do you use with your mirrorless camera? What do you think about the teased Benro NE1? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.