got the variable filter so I could 1. take pictures outdoors in bright light without messing with my f-stop. 2. Not have to have several filters with me. Pros: It's variable so I can adapt for whatever the outside throws at me. It's inexpensive compared to others You get a lot of stops to choose from Might be able to use the max setting for solar eclipse portraits. Cons: It doesn't have any hard stops or clicks when your changing from one setting to another. Stops are denoted by Min, then boxes, then Max at the end but you can keep going beyond Max or before Min to basically do a 360 rotation Some vignetting at max (see sun picture). The various stops are only noted by boxes rather than numbers. Has a carrying case, but would rather have a pouch or something else. Basically all the cons are ways this thing could be improved Firstly I'd like to see some hard stops put in at min and max, and then noticeable feedback when you go from stop to stop. I get the smooth gliding MIGHT be used during filming or continual shots, but I doubt that. Ultimately, this filter will serve until I can afford a higher end one.