Neutral Density Filters

[ddt0725]

, I've recently purchased a well-reviewed Genus Variable ND filter from B&H (well, at least the 77mm version is well-reviewed...I purchased the 58mm one). It isn't a regularly stocked item, so I won't get it for probably another 3 weeks or so. If it meets or exceeds my expectations, I'll buy a 77mm one too.


If the Genus filter works well, it'll be well worth the relatively inexpensive price.

I just took a look at those after reading your post. Please let me know your opinion of it after you've had a chance to try it out. Even if I purchase something now, I still may want to get one of those also.
Thanks, Sean!

Denise

[Sean Setters]

No problem. I

[neuroanatomist]

One issue I have with the variable ND filters is the 'cross effect' you get at wide angles. It's analogous to the uneven polarization you see in the sky with a CPL on an ultrawide lens, since variable NDs are essentially stacked polarizers. It seems you get the effect if you rotate the ring too far with any focal length, but you apparently get it with lower ND settings with wide and ultrawide lenses - the very focal lengths I most want to use a strong ND filter.

[TakahiroW4047]

All I can say, if it was ever even considered, was "don't go cheap". I got my 3 stop non variable ND filter from TIffen for $15 (52mm for my nifty fifty so it was that cheap). It does it's job but I'm noticing severe Chromatic Aberrations when shot into the sun. You get what you pay for. [:S]

[ddt0725]

Sean - Did you by chance try out the Genus yet? I did end up buying a B&W #106 ND but B+H just emailed me that the Genus Fader ND is in stock in the size I was looking for but thought I check on your opinion of your before ordering.


Denise

[Sean Setters]

I haven't gotten it yet. I assume it'll ship out soon now that they have stock.


EDIT: They still don't show stock of the size I bought. So, maybe a bit longer...

[btaylor]

Hi Denise,


I use the B+W #110 3.0 (10 stop) ND filter and I haven't noticed any degradation in image quality. I'm able to get 20 sec + exposures in broad daylight at around f/16 so it certainly can give you some opportunities for creative shots.


The only gripe I have with it is that it does produce a warmer tone than shooting without it. However, if you shoot RAW this is easily fixed inpost with a temperature adjustment. Here's an example of a shot I took in the desert out here in the middle of the day.


5D2, 24-70mm f/2.8L @ 24mm, f/20, ISO 100, 20 sec exposure. The halo around the tree on the right isn't due to the filter/lens, it's more due to lazy post processing on my part.



Simpson Desert Series # 2 by Ben__Taylor, on Flickr


Cheers, Ben.