Chinese lens and accessory maker Kipon has introduced an adapter that includes a variable neutral density filter, primarily for video shooters. The filter is placed between a Canon EF-S mount and a Sony E-mount body. The Kipon EF-S/E AF ND retains the autofocus and image stabilisation features of the lens, according to the company, and EXIF data is communicated so it can be recorded in the image files. The adapter also allows manual focusing of the lens to trigger MF assistance features of the camera – such as peaking or magnification.

Kipon has produced adapters that contain graduated neutral density filters before but this is the first that has a variable ND filter. The filter is turned via a wheel that sticks out of the barrel and is marked with values between 1.5 and 7 f-stops. The idea of the adapter is that wide apertures can be used with shutter speeds appropriate for shooting video – as well as for stills shooters who want a shallow depth of field outdoors on bright days.

The adapter features an EF-S mount, so that it can use both EF and EF-S lenses but covers the full frame image circle for use on a7 series cameras.

The company suggests that the selling price should be 45,000 yen before tax, which is approximately $430.