Nikon 14-24 & SW150 Filter System: I recently returned from a three week trip to New Zealand where I got some fantastic photos. I was however very disappointed with my new Lee Filter...

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

I recently returned from a three week trip to New Zealand where I got some fantastic photos. I was however very disappointed with my new Lee Filter SW150 kit I purchased just for my Nikon 14-24 2.8. Every time I used this lens/filter combination at any focal length it turned out images like the one I posted below. This is apparently caused by light entering the side between the glass and filter, due to the way the lens is made with the bulging glass.

In every case I switched to my 24-70 Nikon 2.8 and using a Lee 100mm Big Stopper filter I was able to get the shots I wanted, although not at the focal length I would have liked.

So Im wondering if I should give up on this lens, or does anyone know of a filter system that will work with this bulging glass lens?

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

The Fotodiox (https://www.fotodioxpro.com) Wonderpana system is not cheap but works very well - no light leak of this kind because the mounting system is a 2-piece affair fitted to the specific lens (they offer kits for various ultra wide angle lenses with bulging front optics).

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Capture48 wrote:

I recently returned from a three week trip to New ... (show quote)

Look at Fotodiox Wonderpana systems. I have had very good luck with these filter systems on the Nikon 14-24 mm Lens.

https://www.fotodioxpro.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=Nikon+14-24

AzGriz Loc: Sedona, Arizona

This is what I use...
The Lee Filters SW150 Lightshield:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?=LEE+Filters+SW150+Lightshield&N=11153790&InitialSearch=yes&sts=pi

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

I would return the Lee Filter SW150 to whoever you bought it from.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Capture48 wrote:

I recently returned from a three week trip to New ... (show quote)

The problem is not the filter, its the operator. You clearly have the sun behind the camera and have not shaded the filter. This results in the sun (or flash) lighting up the filter and giving you a reflection of the lens due to a small aperture. These filters MUST be shaded in that lighting condition.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

MT Shooter wrote:

The problem is not the filter, its the operator. You clearly have the sun behind the camera and have not shaded the filter. This results in the sun (or flash) lighting up the filter and giving you a reflection of the lens due to a small aperture. These filters MUST be shaded in that lighting condition.

Maybe true on a 150 system, but I took the same shot with a big stopper on my 24-70 and had no issue. There is no need to shade that 100mm filter because it fits flush against the lens. I think the 150 is just a bad design.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Capture48 wrote:

Maybe true on a 150 system, but I took the same shot with a big stopper on my 24-70 and had no issue. There is no need to shade that 100mm filter because it fits flush against the lens. I think the 150 is just a bad design.

Simple fact that it can NOT fit flush against the lens. The lens has a built on "Tulip" lens hood. It is longer at the top and bottom due to the aspect ratio of the sensor. Yet it is shorter on the sides, this means there is a BIG gap for the light to come in when you rotate the camera to portrait mode. Don't believe me, that's fine. Just mount it up and look at it, pretty plain to see the issue for anyone who has used one of these filters on that lens. And yes, I have.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

MT Shooter wrote:

Simple fact that it can NOT fit flush against the lens. The lens has a built on "Tulip" lens hood. It is longer at the top and bottom due to the aspect ratio of the sensor. Yet it is shorter on the sides, this means there is a BIG gap for the light to come in when you rotate the camera to portrait mode. Don't believe me, that's fine. Just mount it up and look at it, pretty plain to see the issue for anyone who has used one of these filters on that lens. And yes, I have.

I don't disagree with you, in fact in my OP I stated what I thought the issue was. You just confirmed my thoughts. All I'm saying is I think the SW150 is a bad design, and I am totally happy with my 100mm Lee setup.

After a little more research I see Lee came out with a light blocker that can adapt to that filter, although the reviews are less than stellar. It still does not totally fix the issue it's undoubtedly better than not having it. Too bad I did not have this before I left on the trip.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Capture48 wrote:

I don't disagree with you, in fact in my OP I stat... (show quote)

I always wear a cap when shooting outdoors, it has served as a shade for just this setup on numerous occasions, works really well.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

MT Shooter wrote:

I always wear a cap when shooting outdoors, it has served as a shade for just this setup on numerous occasions, works really well.

I researched this issue while traveling with limited internet, and found everything from a 3D printer file that you could buy and print to fix the issue https://sellfy.com/p/pgPz/ to the adapter Lee made to fix the issue.

But even this is not a total fix, as I understand I need both the spacer piece as shown by my arrow below, but also a cloth to totally block the light, also shown in the snapshot.
http://www.achim-sieger.de/en/filters-on-the-nikon-af-s-nikkor-14-24-mm-128g-ed/

Gobuster Loc: South Florida

Unless you really need the 14mm focal length, I'd sell the 14-24 and replace it with the 16-35 and use your Lee 100 filter on it. The 16-35 does not require special filters like those needed for the 14-24. It is also a very sharp lens and has VR too.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

try using the lens without a filter

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

orrie smith wrote:

try using the lens without a filter

Yea, midday sun and I need a 15 to 60 second exposure. let me know how to do that without a filter!

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

tripod