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]

[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.

[ddt0725]

Hi Ben -


This is no doubt the creative effects I would like to achieve and I debating on this filter for the longest time. After reading many reviews that stated it was virtually impossible to see thru the viewfinder with this filter and that you pretty much had to focus without the filter in place and then put the filter on and take the shot, I decided against it. Do you experience any focusing problems with it? My lens kit is pretty well complete and I am looking at various filters, etc. now to enhance creativity. Something like this filter would get a great deal of use considering I am surrounded by various lakes & rivers.


Denise