Moment CineBloom VND Review: The Simple Filter That Changed How I Shoot Portraits

One part diffusion, one part ND, all soul — this real-glass hybrid changed how I shoot. Built for photographers who want mood, not just megapixels.

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Admittedly, I’d never used a VND as a photographer before. I’m not really one for lens filters or extra accessories; I’m a bit of a photo purist. Just the camera, a lens, and me. That’s how I roll.

But as I’ve grown more confident with manual exposure and camera settings, I’ve started feeling the pull to experiment with accessories more than ever. Since I’ve been shooting regularly with my Fujifilm GFX these past few months, I’ve noticed something: the images are sharp. Like, really sharp — almost too sharp. In certain situations, that hyper-real clarity can feel a bit cold or clinical. Don’t get me wrong, I love it when it fits the mood. But for portraits or those one-off shoots where you want the image to feel softer, more like a memory, I found myself craving something to take the edge off.

I’m no stranger to Moment’s CineBloom filters (I was part of the original campaign back in September 2020), so when the team told me they were working on a CineBloom VND, a hybrid diffusion and variable ND filter, I was definitely intrigued. Still, since I’d never used a VND, I wasn’t sure this was going to be a fit for my style of photography. My task was to take the filters out in the wild and report back with feedback. Honestly, I didn’t expect much. But I ended up loving it way more than I thought I would.

Not only does the CineBloom diffusion knock down that harsh digital crispness that mirrorless cameras tend to bring, but the VND function gave me way more control over my exposure to the harsh Arizona sun. Out here, we get bright, cloudless skies almost daily, so having that extra stop or two of help is key.

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CineBloom Variable ND Filters - 67mm / 10%

$199

Glows in the sun.
Glows in the sun.
Easy to twist to different stops.
Easy to twist to different stops.
Comes in variety of thread sizes.
Comes in variety of thread sizes.
I love using it on my Fujifilm GFX!
I love using it on my Fujifilm GFX!

The CineBloom Features

The CineBloom VND has two strengths — 10% and 20% — just like the original CineBloom diffusion filters. The 10% gives your image a soft, analog vibe but is subtle enough to leave on your lens at all times. The 20%, on the other hand, is much more noticeable, especially when you're working with direct light sources.

Honestly, it’s worth having both. There are times when the 20% feels too strong, and others when the 10% doesn’t quite give me the mood I’m after.

When I first slapped the 10% on my lens, I wasn’t sure it was even doing anything. I was shooting some test portraits of my sister-in-law in the backyard, and I kept second-guessing whether the filter was on at all. But as golden hour hit, I noticed a slight softness creeping in, nothing extreme. It wasn’t until I took the filter off that I really noticed the difference. Her skin and hair instantly looked harsher, less dreamy.

No Filter - Harsher shadows and hair lines.
No Filter - Harsher shadows and hair lines.
CineBloom 10% - You can really see the difference in her features!
CineBloom 10% - You can really see the difference in her features!
CineBloom 20% - Much more dramatic!
CineBloom 20% - Much more dramatic!

In post, the effect became even more obvious. Editing in Lightroom felt smoother, and the clarity was already softened with glass, so I didn’t have to do any digital manipulation. Her minor blemishes were gone, and those wiry little flyaways in her wavy hair were toned down. I loved its effortless results.

But sometimes, you want more bloom, more drama. The 10% is perfect for everyday shooting, but it’s more of a utility tool than a stylistic one. The 20% is where my manic pixie dream girl vision came to life.

I took the photos of my friend Andie at the river below. Pairing the 20% with water and sunset light is foolproof magic, giving you that smeary, buttery glow rich with warmth and character. I'm really proud of how they turned out:

Captures movement effortlessly.
Captures movement effortlessly.
That glow!
That glow!
Dreamy, yet detailed.
Dreamy, yet detailed.
During sundown.
During sundown.
Softens her hair and skin.
Softens her hair and skin.
Ugh, I just love how it feels.
Ugh, I just love how it feels.
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10%
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20%

The VND Aspect

VND stands for Variable Neutral Density. Simply put, it’s a filter that reduces the light hitting your camera sensor. The “variable” part means you can adjust how much light gets blocked by rotating the filter through different stops. Think of it like sunglasses for your lens. It’s handy in bright conditions, letting you shoot with wider apertures or slower shutter speeds for creative effects like motion blur or long exposures. What I personally liked most was being able to control exposure manually even in the middle of the day.

I always thought of VNDs as more of a filmmaker’s tool. They help maintain that cinematic look in changing light by allowing slower shutter speeds, and every pro filmmaker I know uses them. While photographers usually reach for them for long exposures or motion shots, I’ve realized they’re much more universal than that.

Living in Arizona, where sunshine is constant, I’m honestly surprised I’ve gone my whole photography career without using an ND filter. I’m often shooting at midday, whether I’m documenting my family or hiking under a wide-open sky. Even at sunset, the light can be too harsh if you arrive early and wait for that perfect beat.

Since getting the CineBloom VND, I’ve kept it on my lens more often than not. It helps me lock in exposure precisely, and the added visual texture gives photos a bit more mood and character. It also effortlessly lifts those shadows and minimizes highlight blowouts.

It's one of those accessories that quietly becomes essential. A no-duh moment for some, I didn’t think I needed it — until I did.

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    👍 Pros

    • Warm, soft tones made perfect for portraits.

    • Dreamy look but maintains detail.

    • Like sunglasses for the lens.

    • Premium build, feels nice in the hands.

    • A 2-in-1 effect for pros.

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    👎 Cons

    • Not ideal for stacking with variable ND filters due to the circular polarizer also rotating.

10% on her skin is magical in the sun.
10% on her skin is magical in the sun.
Note the softness of the water in the background.
Note the softness of the water in the background.
Soften the direct sun.
Soften the direct sun.
Perfect glow in direct sun.
Perfect glow in direct sun.
And that motion blur!
And that motion blur!
Softened the water with the 10%.
Softened the water with the 10%.
Slower shutter speeds even in bright sun.
Slower shutter speeds even in bright sun.
You can feel the movement.
You can feel the movement.
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No Filter
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CineBloom VND 20%

Notes & Quirks

These days, I tend to lean into warmer tones and slightly lifted shadows. So, if your style favors cooler highlights, deeper contrast, or that grittier look, this filter might not align perfectly with your vision.

I also noticed a slight green tint in the image when using the CineBloom VND, especially when comparing shots with and without the filter. It’s subtle and probably not something you’d notice unless you’re doing a direct side-by-side. Still, it’s worth mentioning if tonal accuracy is a big deal for you. Personally, I prefer a warm, natural look, and this filter really complements that. It actually reminds me a bit of Kodak Portra 160 or Portra 400 film.

The difference between the 10% and 20% versions is definitely noticeable. The 10% is soft and understated, while the 20% brings a bolder, more stylized vibe. Both are useful; it just depends on the mood you're going for and the story you want to tell.

When To Use the CineBloom VND Filter

I reach for this filter when I need a reminder that great images don’t have to rely on post-production charm or a roll of Portra to feel timeless. This filter is a real-glass solution made by people who shoot for the love of it: engineers, photographers, and makers who believe in tangible tools over software gimmicks or one-click edits.

With the CineBloom VND, I get that rare mix of softness and control, all without compromising the soul of the subject. The tones stay rich, the details stay crisp, but the image has more character. It walks that fine line between dreamy and deliberate. And in a world where everything looks too sharp, perfect, and polished, this filter gives your photos room to breathe.

Love that warmth.
Love that warmth.
Makes everything buttery.
Makes everything buttery.
Removes any blemishes, and softens her dark eyes!
Removes any blemishes, and softens her dark eyes!
The details.
The details.
The VND still works great at sundown.
The VND still works great at sundown.
Perfect tones.
Perfect tones.
10% magic.
10% magic.

How We Rated It


  • Rugged Ability
    • Leave it the Studio
    • Daily Carry
    • Traveler
    • Mountain Goat

  • Build Quality
    • Cheap
    • What You’d Expect
    • Solid
    • Top Of The Line

  • Image Quality
    • Is that even in focus?
    • Passable
    • Sharp
    • Tack Sharp

  • Color Temperature
    • Super Cool
    • Slightly Cooler
    • Slightly Warmer
    • Super warm

  • How Wide Of A Lens
    • 35mm- Infinity
    • 24mm- Infinity
    • 16mm - infinity
    • 12mm - Zoom

  • Skill Level Required
    • Just getting started
    • Upgrading from Kit Lens
    • Shoots regularly
    • Professional

  • Filter Stacking
    • Can’t
    • 1-2
    • 2-3
    • 3+

💌 There's More!

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Hands-On Moment CineBloom VND Review | Moment