ND-2.4.8 filters
Feb 15, 2015 13:03:31 #
I am considering a set of 77mm ND-2,4,8 filters. Altura has many good reviews, some disturbing reviews, and are plastic. I like Marumi filters but cannot find a set. Also, a lot of sets with a UV and CPL filters have a ND-8 only. I shoot travel, Landscapes, and Granddaughters.
So, what does everyone else use?
-A combination of 3?
-Or just one and which?
-Stick with glass?
-Which brand is reliable?
I have asked a similar question but not these specifics.
So, what does everyone else use?
-A combination of 3?
-Or just one and which?
-Stick with glass?
-Which brand is reliable?
I have asked a similar question but not these specifics.
Feb 15, 2015 13:20:31 #
Feb 15, 2015 13:24:43 #
bsprague wrote:
Thanks, I saw that but I wondered just how to interpret the ND-.6,.9.1.2.
Now I know.
Feb 15, 2015 13:38:47 #
Not sure about these Tiffen ND filters, but the 10 stop is terrible.
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/10-Stop-Neutral-Density-
Filter.aspx
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/10-Stop-Neutral-Density-
Filter.aspx
Feb 15, 2015 14:13:55 #
amfoto1
Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA
It can be confusing, because various manufacturers designate the strength of ND filters in difference ways.
A traditional designation uses 0.3 per stop, I believe that's because it's a multiplier that can be used to hand calculate exposures.
0.6 is two stops.
0.9 is three stops.
1.2 is four stops.
Unless you shoot video, your most likely use for an ND filter is to be able to use slow shutter speeds (and/or larger apertures) in brighter conditions, when it's just not possible to reduce the camera's ISO enough and too small an aperture will lead to diffraction problems.
Most common use for slower shutter speeds is moving water in landscape shots... causing the water to look "creamy".
Most common use for large aperture might be for portraiture.
You probably could get by with just one fairly strong ND filter, such as an 8-stop or 9-stop (3.0). (Note: If you have one, as well, if needed you may be able to stack a C-Pol on top for another 1 to 2 stops.)
The smaller increment ND filters (1, 2 and 3 stop) are seeing more popularity these days especially among people using DSLRs for video. The range of shutter speeds for video is very limiting. So fine tuning exposures with ND filters can be required and a range of filters more necessary. Still photography has more flexibility (between ISO, aperture and shutter speed), so typically just one or two fairly strong NDs are all that's needed by many users.
Unless you absolutely must use the filter in a rectangular filter holder, I would strongly recommend high quality glass, multi-coated, screw-in filters instead. Optical plastic filters are much more easily damaged and cannot be multi-coated, plus are difficult to shade very effectively with a lens hood.
I mostly use B+W (MRC) and Hoya (HD, HD2, HMC) filters personally, but hear good things about Marumi, too. Plus I know there are good quality Kenko, Tiffen, Schneider, Heliopan, Singh-Ray and more.
Most manufacturers make several grades of filters, offered at different price ranges. Just for example, in ND type B+W's most expensive are their MRC-Nano multi-coated, a little less expensive are MRC multi-coated, and they also offer lower cost single coated and cheapest uncoated. B+W's better filters are in brass mounts (less likely to get stuck on lenses), while their less expensive are in aluminum mounts.
You can find Marumi NDs in various strengths and most sizes at www.2filter.com
Marumi also offers several different quality levels. Their DHG is multi-coated, Super DHG is in thinner frames and supposedly has higher quality coatings and their EXUS is top of the line (using German Schott glass, anti-static coatings, Teflon coated threads, among other things).
You'll find different quality levels and price points from most manufacturers.
A traditional designation uses 0.3 per stop, I believe that's because it's a multiplier that can be used to hand calculate exposures.
0.6 is two stops.
0.9 is three stops.
1.2 is four stops.
Unless you shoot video, your most likely use for an ND filter is to be able to use slow shutter speeds (and/or larger apertures) in brighter conditions, when it's just not possible to reduce the camera's ISO enough and too small an aperture will lead to diffraction problems.
Most common use for slower shutter speeds is moving water in landscape shots... causing the water to look "creamy".
Most common use for large aperture might be for portraiture.
You probably could get by with just one fairly strong ND filter, such as an 8-stop or 9-stop (3.0). (Note: If you have one, as well, if needed you may be able to stack a C-Pol on top for another 1 to 2 stops.)
The smaller increment ND filters (1, 2 and 3 stop) are seeing more popularity these days especially among people using DSLRs for video. The range of shutter speeds for video is very limiting. So fine tuning exposures with ND filters can be required and a range of filters more necessary. Still photography has more flexibility (between ISO, aperture and shutter speed), so typically just one or two fairly strong NDs are all that's needed by many users.
Unless you absolutely must use the filter in a rectangular filter holder, I would strongly recommend high quality glass, multi-coated, screw-in filters instead. Optical plastic filters are much more easily damaged and cannot be multi-coated, plus are difficult to shade very effectively with a lens hood.
I mostly use B+W (MRC) and Hoya (HD, HD2, HMC) filters personally, but hear good things about Marumi, too. Plus I know there are good quality Kenko, Tiffen, Schneider, Heliopan, Singh-Ray and more.
Most manufacturers make several grades of filters, offered at different price ranges. Just for example, in ND type B+W's most expensive are their MRC-Nano multi-coated, a little less expensive are MRC multi-coated, and they also offer lower cost single coated and cheapest uncoated. B+W's better filters are in brass mounts (less likely to get stuck on lenses), while their less expensive are in aluminum mounts.
You can find Marumi NDs in various strengths and most sizes at www.2filter.com
Marumi also offers several different quality levels. Their DHG is multi-coated, Super DHG is in thinner frames and supposedly has higher quality coatings and their EXUS is top of the line (using German Schott glass, anti-static coatings, Teflon coated threads, among other things).
You'll find different quality levels and price points from most manufacturers.
Feb 15, 2015 14:52:51 #
Thank you Alan for the most detailed explanation I have found. I will now look to www.2filter.com to see what they have.
I have some super DHG and they work great.
These filters are only for my 17-50 f2.8 Sigma, not the 100mm (or the 10mm I will soon get).
I have some super DHG and they work great.
These filters are only for my 17-50 f2.8 Sigma, not the 100mm (or the 10mm I will soon get).
Feb 15, 2015 19:55:38 #
Feb 16, 2015 11:26:23 #
Feb 16, 2015 12:22:30 #
myblog11021 wrote:
use variable ND filter. the best. no need to stack different ND filters.
Thanks, but that is $162! Do I reall need that range?
Feb 16, 2015 21:34:00 #
Feb 16, 2015 22:41:29 #
myblog11021 wrote:
i belive you can buy hoya 82mmfor 99.00 in amazone or ebay.
The 77mm variable 3-400 is $130
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