ND Filters

[diver46]

Hi,

I am trying to what ND filter to buy. The Singh-Ray variable 8 stop filter looks interesting, except for the price around $370. I have only used a split ND filter with good results. I do believe that you get better results using filters on the camera instead of in Photoshop. I shot a lot of landscape, nature, and love water shots.

Thanks for the input.

[jfrancho]

I use Hitech 85mm square ND filters with a Cokin P holder. They aren't exactly "cheap" but they are more economical than Sing-Ray (which are the best). Using the square holders allow you to use the system with different lens diameters, from 58mm up to 77mm for me, and switch out filters simply. Some down sides are you have to be aware of glare, or stacking too many filters at once, but both can be mitigated. Having a range of filters, .3, .6, 1.2, will help with being prepared for the right scene. There is also a hood system that can be used for times when glare is an issue, though I have better luck using a scrim or my hand to shield the front lens.

[ljh34465]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

I use Hitech 85mm square ND filters with a Cokin P holder. They aren't exactly "cheap" but they are more economical than Sing-Ray (which are the best). Using the square holders allow you to use the system with different lens diameters, from 58mm up to 77mm for me, and switch out filters simply. Some down sides are you have to be aware of glare, or stacking too many filters at once, but both can be mitigated. Having a range of filters, .3, .6, 1.2, will help with being prepared for the right scene. There is also a hood system that can be used for times when glare is an issue, though I have better luck using a scrim or my hand to shield the front lens.

No wonder John gets good results - he is using more than one lens or I would not think it necessary to "shield the front lens"

[JDArt]

There are some good threads on ND filters around the forum.

Check these out:

ND or graduated filters

Filters

Filter Advice

[jfrancho]

Originally Posted by ljh34465

No wonder John gets good results - he is using more than one lens or I would not think it necessary to "shield the front lens"

I'm shielding my lens from light that can cause flare.

[ljh34465]

come on, John - don't you have to shield the "rear" lens as well? I mean there would not be a front if there were not a rear, would there?
I know exactly what you were saying but just could not let that one go.............................. Maybe you were shielding the "front of the lens"??

Lighten up - tonight might be one of those nights you should be drinking

[brian.austin]

Originally Posted by ljh34465

Lighten up - tonight might be one of those nights you should be drinking

There is supposed to be a night where you shouldn't drink??

[ljh34465]

not in my part of the world but John said he usually doesn't drink - think that is what makes him so mean?

[Lee4145]

John? Mean? John's a pussycat. He just plays a mean guy. But he does it well.

[jfrancho]

No I don't generally drink, though there was a time. Alcohol and insulin don't mix too well. Comas suck.

Back to the topic, here is an example of using two different filters stacked in a holder: a 1.4 ND and a .6 ND Soft Grad. The soft grad was turned 90° counter-clockwise from the usual position to balance the bright water with the rest of the scene. The ND filter slowed the shutter to give the water the syrupy look.

[ljh34465]

Now that we are being dragged back to the topic - that is a very nice example of using multiple ND grads - well done