pgerardi Loc: Bethel Park, PA

I would like to get some ideas on ND filters. They primarily would be used for landscape shots, waterfalls etc. I am a relative beginner so I am not looking for anything extravagant at this point. I've seen some that have colors tints etc but not sure what to look for.

Thanks for your time

Yackers Loc: Norfolk, UK

If you're only starting out and experimenting with ND filters I recommend the Cokin square type filters and filter holder. The Cokin system is affordable and will give you an insight in to how filters work and if they suit your style of photography.

Cokin filters do create a colour cast (as do many filters) however you can easily get rid of this using some decent photo editing software (I use PSE 14).

Cokin filters get quite a bit of bad press, which is not deserved IMO. To compare a Cokin filter to a Lee filter (or some other top brand) that is several times more expensive isn't fair as "you get what you pay for with filters". If you want to have a go with filters and not break the bank in the process Cokin is the way forward.

ottopj Loc: Annapolis, MD USA

You may want to check out this article and go from there.

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2015/11/13/how-and-when-to-use-nd-filters-and-what-the-numbers-mean-2/

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

I use Lee brand filters, never used Cokin. Lee's are very expensive however. My recommendation is to stay as far away from screw on filters as possible. The Cokin and the Lee's, there may also be others have a filter holder that sits in front of the lens. Filters then can slide into a holder. Generally this will allow for stacking of filters. For instance you may need a ND & a polarizer. As you get up in the darker glass it is impossible to focus with a filter on. So you have to focus first, then put on your filter. This is the main reason why I don't like screw on filters.

ND's come in a few flavors. Hard edge, means there is an abrupt change from filter to no filter. Soft edge or graduated, means there is a soft transition from filter to no filter.

Filters can go from 1 stop to 10 stops. Meaning you will lose that many stops of light when you add the filter. To read the filter a 0.3 = 1stop, 0.6 =2 stop, 0.9 = 3 stops all the way to a 3.0 = 10- stops of light.

Of course there are also warming and blueing filters, but the above should get you started on ND's.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Hello pgerardi.
For just starting out you don't need to use a ND filter to capture waterfalls or running water in a stream in my opinion use your camera in manual mode with a tripod or something very stable and learn to set camera and lens, Start with a slow shutter speed at 1/10 to 1/30th or longer and a f-stop f8 to f5.6 depending on available light, it's important to explore what your camera can do. Online there's lots of information on how to do this. If later down the road you want to get a ND filter do so if your not getting the capture you want. Best of luck to you.

I use to do this with film is how I learned and yes I have purchased a 10 stop ND filter it was very expensive upward of $300.00 77mm and made in Japan.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

if possible, it is much better to choose the time of day rather than using a filter. if this is not possible, start out with inexpensive filters and find the density you prefer, then purchase better filters for what you are using them for. it would be better, in my opinion, to purchase several inexpensive filters that you may not ever use again, then to purchase several expensive filters that you will never use again.

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Just my opinion of course, but why spend money to throw it away later. You don't need to purchase an entire filter kit. You can get the holder and a filter or two and work your way up filter by filter. It is true they are cheaper if you purchase all the filters in a kit. By Cheaper I mean $1,000. But you can buy the holder and a 3 stop ND Grad for around $200, and add filters as you want to. You also don't need to start with a 10 stop, you can buy a 2 stop, then a 7 stop giving you 2,7,or 9 stops to play with. But you need a filter kit that allows stacking of filters.

As far as not needing a filter and timing your shots throughout the day. There are some shots that you just can't get without a filter. If you want to show the movement of water over time for instance. In my shot below taken at mid-day 30 seconds exposure you can't do that without a filter, even late at night you won't get a 30 second exposure. I've also been on trips to New Zealand and other places where I did not have an option to shoot when I wanted to. for these times and others filters are needed. I've used filters for years even before digital and can't speak highly enough about them.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

Look into Haida filters...same quality as Lee, but less expensive. I have 10 stop with step down filters to thread onto all my lenses as well as a Filter Dude Holder for 3 and 6 stop Reverse GND 100 x 100 mm (by Haida as well).

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

Another great option, wonder if they will fit in my lee holder? I believe its also a 100X100, only concern might be width of filter. Haida is getting some good reviews, while photogs rave about Lee quality, I see many people are putting Haida up there in quality. Some of the Lee cost is due to packaging I suspect. Not many filters come in a foam lined tin can that can protect the expensive piece of glass from a fall from great heights.

Cdouthitt Loc: Traverse City, MI

My RGND by Haida does...if I remember tonight I'll snap a picture of it. Haida uses the same german glass (by Schott) so I would image that they would work in your holder. They also have the 150mm size, but seeing that I use them on m4/3, 150mm would be way overkill.

The hardest part with Haida is finding them in the USA...I had to have their US rep send them to a camera store in California, and then I had to buy from them.

http://www.photogearetc.com/

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

I do use the Lee 150's on my Nikon 14-24 f2.8. But I've been less than impressed with their 150's. Not sure if it is Lee or just any filter trying to block light from entering from the back of that bulbous lens would be difficult for anyone.

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

great photo, and I agree with you to an extent, but I also know from friends that were gungho to get filters and explore long exposure and smooth waterfalls, then decided it was too much work and effort, so their filters were never used again. I was just suggesting to start slow and make sure the route one is seeking is the route one will follow. sometimes we dive into something and spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars just to find out we are not that motivated to put in the work that is necessary to finish what we started.

wolfman

I'm not sure about other filter manufacturers, but the Lee ND grads are all handmade, which will add to the cost.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMu_m203YaY

Capture48 Loc: Arizona

It's just a different school of thought, not right or wrong just different. I kind of chuckled when you mentioned thats it was too difficult. In the days of film, I would hike into the forest and camp for sometimes 3 days waiting for the light to be just right, and snap only 36 shots or so. Today with my iPhone apps and GPS, I know exactly where and when I want to go. I walk in, shoot 200 shots and walk out, easy peasy!

orrie smith Loc: Kansas

i agree, but many do not. i have more than a few friends that have digital dslr's that have never used film, and have learned the lazy way to take photos. they would never understand the work that needs to be done to get a great photograph.