Neutral Density Filter
May 10, 2012 07:18:12 #
Someone suggested that I use a Neutral Density Filter on my picture of the waterfall. I know what they are and what they do, but I am knowledgable about them and it seems there are different density. Any suggestions on what I should be looking for, at least to start.
May 10, 2012 07:23:12 #
Cas wrote:
Someone suggested that I use a Neutral Density Filter on my picture of the waterfall. I know what they are and what they do, but I am knowledgable about them and it seems there are different density. Any suggestions on what I should be looking for, at least to start.
A neutral density filter is like sunglasses for your lens. They let less light into your camera.
Why is this desirable?
When taking long exposures in bright sun you won't be able to slow the shutter speed slow enough to "smear" the water, your apeture won't go small enough...too much light will still enter the camera for a good exposure.
So if you put on an ND filter...it's as if you are shooting in very low light and then you can slow that shutter down.
I use a LightCraft Fader Variable ND filter. It's adjustable from 0 to 9 stops of light (basically black) and is of pretty high quality.
That also means you don't have to carry around a bunch of different ND filters with you...just the one.
I'd also recommend you buy the filter to fit your largest diameter lens and then use "step down" adapter rings to fit that to your smaller diameter lenses.
Any other questions, just ask.
May 10, 2012 07:50:56 #
rpavich
Thank you so much, that information is just what I was looking for. I'll search for it online.
Thank you so much, that information is just what I was looking for. I'll search for it online.
May 11, 2012 08:49:43 #
Cas wrote:
Someone suggested that I use a Neutral Density Filter on my picture of the waterfall. I know what they are and what they do, but I am knowledgable about them and it seems there are different density. Any suggestions on what I should be looking for, at least to start.
The different densities or darkness levels of the ND filters allow less light in the darker they get. It all depends on how much light you want to let through. A variable denisty ND filter is a good option, but high quality ones can be very expensive.
May 11, 2012 10:04:18 #
Here is a link to ND chart that will help you with purchasing and understanding how to work with ND filters. I had it laminated and keep it in my bag for reference. I hope it helps you!
\http://www.alexwisephotography.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/BKS_ND_Chart.pdf
\http://www.alexwisephotography.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/BKS_ND_Chart.pdf
May 11, 2012 10:23:56 #
Thanks for the tip on the Lightcraft. I've been looking around. Looked online. This looks like a nice solution.
rpavich wrote:
quote=Cas Someone suggested that I use a Neutral ... (show quote)
May 11, 2012 10:29:44 #
Raider Fan wrote:
Here is a link to ND chart that will help you with purchasing and understanding how to work with ND filters. I had it laminated and keep it in my bag for reference. I hope it helps you!
\http://www.alexwisephotography.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/BKS_ND_Chart.pdf
\http://www.alexwisephotography.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/BKS_ND_Chart.pdf
Great Chart. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Tim
May 11, 2012 12:10:45 #
I looked at that chart. Up to a year exposure time? JEEZ!!!
May 11, 2012 18:00:41 #
Raider Fan
Thank you for the chart. I've been looking online and there is so much to consider. This will be very helpful. Thank you to everyone.
Thank you for the chart. I've been looking online and there is so much to consider. This will be very helpful. Thank you to everyone.
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