Jmcoopermini

Getting ready to take a trip and want to do quite a bit of long exposure photography. Many top photographers (deborah Sandidge and others) suggest a system like a LEE foundation kit and Singh-ray filters.
Step up/down rings (82-77mm) for screw in always seem to get stuck so I'm reluctant to get screw in type yet it would be more compact for traveling.
Any thoughts out there?

tpelczy

http://www.learningdslrvideo.com/variable-nd-filter-shootout/

watch it is very helpful

Leitz Loc: Solms

When filters stick, it is seldom the fault of the filters. Glass filters are the best.

Edit: Brass filter rings (Heliopan and B+W) are less likely to stick.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

I prefer the Cokin ND Filter System. I have not had any problems with the adapter rings getting stuck. There are a lot of cheap Cokin imitations on the market. I would avoid the majority of those.

Jmcoopermini

Anyone have problems with the type of metal used on these rings. I heard from someone at B&H that putting aluminum on aluminum can be part of the problem.

Leitz Loc: Solms

Those rings are hard-anodized, so protecting the threads from galling. If the threads are good to begin with, taking care not to cross-thread or tighten too tight should avoid any chance of them sticking. The Cokin filters and adapter rings are of excellent quality, just take due care to avoid scratches. I have some more than 30 years old, with no scratches, so they are not really that fragile.

haroldross Loc: Walthill, Nebraska

Buying quality rings will avoid most of the issues with them sticking. I have seen some of the cheap ones here the threads were very rough and tended to cross thread easily- messing up the threads on the lens. If the rings don't go on easily, there probably is a reason.

Jmcoopermini

Thanks, I did hear that B&H suggests using a brass step up ring to solve most of the problems. Also looking at Lee filters in comparison to Singh-ray. Any users and thoughts?

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

OK - here is the "secret" to minimizing stuck filters: Before screwing it on, scrape some graphite off the end of a regular old "lead pencil" onto the filter threads. That graphite will lubricate the threads and HELP prevent seizing. If you tighten down like gorilla,nothing will help, but i have used this technique for 40 years or so and it really helps.

Jmcoopermini

Sounds like a great trick. I suppose a very tiny amount of graphite would work just the same as long as it doesn't ever work its way onto the glass.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

Even if it did get on the glass, just brush it off. It is not sticky and will not attract dirt and crud.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

lfleischer1 Loc: Garrison, NY

Get filters with brass rings. I've nefver had a problem with them

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

well if budget is not an issue then I use Lee filters. I do not like screw on type filters. I do not like to unscrew a filter whenever I recompose a shot. With the Lee I just slide it out of the way focus, recompose, and slide it back into place.

However, Lee is expensive for my 77mm lenses I have 2 77 mm adapter rings, 1 for each lens, the filter holder, Big stopper, little stopper and .3, .6 and .9 nd filters. Cost about $800 this is there 100mm system. And for the Nikkor 14-24 f2.8 takes a entire new setup that can't be shared, so I have to repeat that cost for a 150mm system. So figure out whet lenses you want to outfit first.

All ND filters will produce a color cast, but these are manageable in PP. There are newer filters out designated as ND+IR, these are not supposed to produce a color cast. ND filters block light but not all light on the spectrum, specifically not IR which is why you get color casts. I am waiting for Lee to come out with the +IR filters so I can try them. I think Hi-Tech has ND+IR that fit Lee filter adapter, I may try one of those

Never use a variable ND filter, these are really just two polarizers put together.

Scoutman Loc: Orlando, FL

There is a good review of variable ND filters at the YouTube link I am providing. It reviews, with demos - Tiffen, Sigh-Ray, Heliopan, Genus. Polaroid, & Lightcraft. It also covers step rings. His demo feature a Canon 6D with two lenses from 24mm - 300+. There are other YouTube postings on ND filters on YouTube - an invaluable source of photographic information in video!

The video lasts 12:13. SPOILER ALERT: he recommends the Tiffen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nECdBiu5Rrw

I would not say never get a variable ND, as this video shows there utility. I have a Sigh-Ray, but to date have not used it.

P.S. I've met Deborah Sandidge as she is a member of my local camera club. I took a workshop she offered on digital photography some time ago. Her workshops are worthwhile, in my opinion.