Neutral Density Filters

[ddt0725]

Good Morning All -

I currently have only 2 ND filters, both are B + W #103 8x (58mm & 72mm). I am looking to purchase another that will give me more dramatic & creative effects. One that will give me smooth effects for water & fog (I spend a great deal of time at Lake Michigan but also hoping to take some trips and photograph waterfalls), blur motion of vehicles, bikes, clouds and of course dogs! I think these can even make distractions somewhat invisible. I am not sure if I can get all of this in one ND filter or if I need possibly 2 different ones(?) Also, is it ok to use step up rings for this much ND or will it possibly produce negative effects that I don't want? Is it best to go with a graduated ND filter?

These are the choices I picked out so far on B & W so far ....

Hoya Pro 1D 16x (4-stop)
Hoya x400 2.7 Multi-Coated (HMC) Glass
B + W #106 1.8
B + W #110 3.0
Singh-Ray Mor-Slo
Singh-Ray Vari-ND (I'd have to wait awhile longer for this one, price is somewhat painful)

or wait for the Big Stopper to become available?

Suggestions and/or photos w/ EXIFof what I'm trying to capture extremely appreciated!

Thanks!

Denise

[Sean Setters]

Denise-


I have a 77mm 2 stop B&W ND filter that works great. However, I often find myself needing to block more light. I also currently own a 58mm Light Craft Workshop Fader (variable) ND filter. After several sessions, I

[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]