New to neutral density filters: This question will have JR1 cranked because I didn't find the answer with the search engine but hey. I live at the beach in Rhode Island so I'm dealing...

NoSocks Loc: quonochontaug, rhode island

This question will have JR1 cranked because I didn't find the answer with the search engine but hey. I live at the beach in Rhode Island so I'm dealing with bright, reflected light. I'd like to try my hand at some long exposure ocean shots and it would appear that I need at least one ND filter. But what to buy? Is there a number system for the darkness of the filter? Should I have a set of, say, three or so? Any guidance is most appreciated.

dooragdragon Loc: Alma , Arkansas

Yes there are different ones visit B&Hs web site to see or the list a phone number to call if you need to speak to anyone .

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

You may find this ND info of assistance:
FAQ: Neutral Density (ND) Filters for Time Exposures
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26501-1.html

More ND info here:
FAQ: Which Photographic Filters for Digital Photography?
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-26502-1.html

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I would suggest a variable ND filter. You can dial in the strength all the way from ND2 to ND400 for whatever situation you may need it for. I use them and find them valuable at a reasonable price.
My second suggestion would be the graduated style that comes in the Cokin P size if you just need the grad for the sky and not the land or water.

mikeyatc Loc: Reno,NV/Folsom,CA

quonnie wrote:

This question will have JR1 cranked because I didn't find the answer with the search engine but hey. I live at the beach in Rhode Island so I'm dealing with bright, reflected light. I'd like to try my hand at some long exposure ocean shots and it would appear that I need at least one ND filter. But what to buy? Is there a number system for the darkness of the filter? Should I have a set of, say, three or so? Any guidance is most appreciated.

this is the best guide that I have seen.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/peterh111/journal/4421304-the-ultimate-guide-to-neutral-density-filters

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Which is worse, the brightness or the reflections? You may be able to solve some or all of your problems with a CPL filter.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

quonnie wrote:

This question will have JR1 cranked because I didn't find the answer with the search engine but hey. I live at the beach in Rhode Island so I'm dealing with bright, reflected light. I'd like to try my hand at some long exposure ocean shots and it would appear that I need at least one ND filter. But what to buy? Is there a number system for the darkness of the filter? Should I have a set of, say, three or so? Any guidance is most appreciated.

Long exposure shots usually involve very low levels of light. ND filters knock down high levels of light. Just what is it that you are shooting? The ocean is constantly in motion, so exposure lengths can involve surface texture. Please let us know what it is you photographing.

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

long exposure to get silky look to the ocean needs a 10 stop ND filter

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

quonnie wrote:

This question will have JR1 cranked because I didn't find the answer with the search engine but hey. I live at the beach in Rhode Island so I'm dealing with bright, reflected light. I'd like to try my hand at some long exposure ocean shots and it would appear that I need at least one ND filter. But what to buy? Is there a number system for the darkness of the filter? Should I have a set of, say, three or so? Any guidance is most appreciated.

here are two articles.

http://blog.robertstrachan.com/archives/844/lee-big-stopper-hitech-10-stop-nd-filter-review/

http://www.redbubble.com/people/peterh111/journal/4421304-the-ultimate-easy-guide-to-neutral-density-filters?SSAID=314743

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

MT Shooter wrote:

I would suggest a variable ND filter. You can dial in the strength all the way from ND2 to ND400 for whatever situation you may need it for. I use them and find them valuable at a reasonable price.
My second suggestion would be the graduated style that comes in the Cokin P size if you just need the grad for the sky and not the land or water.

I have one of those variable ND's and they seem to cause a dark cross pattern. It is an "el cheapo" so maybe that's the problem. I have had much better luck with my 3,6 and 9 Lee set

chapjohn Loc: Tigard, Oregon

MT Shooter wrote:

I would suggest a variable ND filter. You can dial in the strength all the way from ND2 to ND400 for whatever situation you may need it for. I use them and find them valuable at a reasonable price.
My second suggestion would be the graduated style that comes in the Cokin P size if you just need the grad for the sky and not the land or water.

As MT Shooter has suggested, the VND will give you more options than buying the usuall 2, 4, 8 ND's for about the cost. GND's may be better for your goals.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

tradio wrote:

I have one of those variable ND's and they seem to cause a dark cross pattern. It is an "el cheapo" so maybe that's the problem. I have had much better luck with my 3,6 and 9 Lee set

I think that happens when you rotate the filter beyond a certain point.

Wall-E Loc: Phoenix, AZ

chapjohn wrote:

As MT Shooter has suggested, the VND will give you more options than buying the usuall 2, 4, 8 ND's for about the cost. GND's may be better for your goals.

So, you can buy a reasonable VND [which is basically 2 polarizers stacked together] for the price of an filter set?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00796I546/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00796I546&linkCode=as2&tag=phot0fc-20

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

tradio wrote:

I have one of those variable ND's and they seem to cause a dark cross pattern. It is an "el cheapo" so maybe that's the problem. I have had much better luck with my 3,6 and 9 Lee set

I have had customers come in with "cheapo" VND's they bought off Ebay and had the same issues with them. Ebay is a bargain source, but sometimes the products are, shall we say, less than optimal quality. $15 VNDs will give you $15 worth of results, if you're lucky anyway. If you're not lucky? Well lets just say education is priceless.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

quonnie wrote:

This question will have JR1 cranked because I didn't find the answer with the search engine but hey. I live at the beach in Rhode Island so I'm dealing with bright, reflected light. I'd like to try my hand at some long exposure ocean shots and it would appear that I need at least one ND filter. But what to buy? Is there a number system for the darkness of the filter? Should I have a set of, say, three or so? Any guidance is most appreciated.

Here's a review of the Heliopan VND.

http://philipbloom.net/2011/06/04/the-best-variable-nd-filter-i-have-used/