Recommendation for Neutral Density Filters
Nov 18, 2020 10:00:35 #
Minitman
Loc: Centreville, Virginia
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filters (non graduated) and need some info/recommendations on brands.
I know B&W are excellent, but pricey. Have used Hoya filters in the past (for B&W film) with good results. I noticed ICE has a three filter set at an attractive price, but I know nothing about them. Not yet very versatile in post processing so don't need filters that introduce color casts, etc. Have read enough to decide to steer clear of variable ND filters.
Any comments pro/con or recommendations will be most welcome.
I know B&W are excellent, but pricey. Have used Hoya filters in the past (for B&W film) with good results. I noticed ICE has a three filter set at an attractive price, but I know nothing about them. Not yet very versatile in post processing so don't need filters that introduce color casts, etc. Have read enough to decide to steer clear of variable ND filters.
Any comments pro/con or recommendations will be most welcome.
Nov 18, 2020 10:03:20 #
Minitman wrote:
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filter... (show quote)
I would stick with Hoya or B&W.
Nov 18, 2020 10:06:53 #
Nov 18, 2020 10:09:02 #
Get the best as filters should last forever.
Consider the purpose. I have 1-stop filters that let me shoot wide open on bright days (when I remember them). For long exposure work, the 10-stop is the best, but hard to work with because it's so dark, you sometimes can't see to focus. You don't have to screw them in that tight, so you can focus without, assure the lens is in manual focus (or BFF) and then lightly screw-in the filter for shooting. I use my 4- and 6-stops more often than the 1- and 10-stop extremes. You can stack the 4+6 to get to 10-stops, with less impact when using the best filters.
Consider too getting just the size for your largest diameter lens. You can get step-up rings that let you use the wider diameter screw-in filter on smaller lenses, just typically without the hood. So, if your widest was 77mm, you can get a ring that goes 77 to 72, etc.
Consider the purpose. I have 1-stop filters that let me shoot wide open on bright days (when I remember them). For long exposure work, the 10-stop is the best, but hard to work with because it's so dark, you sometimes can't see to focus. You don't have to screw them in that tight, so you can focus without, assure the lens is in manual focus (or BFF) and then lightly screw-in the filter for shooting. I use my 4- and 6-stops more often than the 1- and 10-stop extremes. You can stack the 4+6 to get to 10-stops, with less impact when using the best filters.
Consider too getting just the size for your largest diameter lens. You can get step-up rings that let you use the wider diameter screw-in filter on smaller lenses, just typically without the hood. So, if your widest was 77mm, you can get a ring that goes 77 to 72, etc.
Nov 18, 2020 10:29:17 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
Minitman wrote:
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filter... (show quote)
B&W sells filters, they don't make them.
Nov 18, 2020 10:29:44 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
PixelStan77 wrote:
I would stick with Hoya or B&W.
B&W sells filters, they don't make them.
Nov 18, 2020 10:30:45 #
Nov 18, 2020 10:34:38 #
Leitz wrote:
B&W sells filters, they don't make them.
B+W is the brand, the brand made by Schneider-Kreuznach of Bad Kreuznach, Germany. Sold by B&H. As if it was important to clarify ...
Nov 18, 2020 10:37:49 #
Leitz wrote:
B&W sells filters, they don't make them.
Indeed they do make them in Germany. You can buy them from a numbers of sources. They are good in my opinion
Nov 18, 2020 10:42:41 #
Leitz wrote:
B&W sells filters, they don't make them.
Very helpful answer, especially when it has nothing to do with the question.
Nov 18, 2020 10:49:05 #
Leitz
Loc: Solms
CHG_CANON wrote:
Consider too getting just the size for your largest diameter lens. You can get step-down rings that let you use the wider diameter screw-in filter on smaller lenses ...
Step-down rings will not allow the use of larger filters on smaller diameter lenses. It is important to clarify.
Nov 18, 2020 10:53:46 #
Leitz wrote:
Step-down rings will not allow the use of larger filters on smaller diameter lenses. It is important to clarify.
How correct you are. Corrected during edit window.
Nov 18, 2020 12:11:56 #
Orphoto
Loc: Oregon
Nearly all ND filters have a minor color cast to them. You can take images with and without the filter and then figure out the correction needed to remove the shift. BWs add a rose tint, Hoya is more green.
If you really want to go whole hog, consider purchasing used 6 or 10 stop Breakthrough Photography NDs in the largest filter size you might use and then buy inexpensive step up rings for the smaller sizes. These are truly color neutral. They come with a 25 year warranty which gives you an idea when you might want to replace them.
If you really want to go whole hog, consider purchasing used 6 or 10 stop Breakthrough Photography NDs in the largest filter size you might use and then buy inexpensive step up rings for the smaller sizes. These are truly color neutral. They come with a 25 year warranty which gives you an idea when you might want to replace them.
Nov 18, 2020 12:21:50 #
Leitz wrote:
B&W sells filters, they don't make them.
Is it Tomatoes or Tomatoes?
Nov 18, 2020 13:29:11 #
David Martin
Loc: Cary, NC
I agree with Orphoto's recommendation to check out Breakthrough Photography's ND filters.
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