Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

I have heard people talking about the some love them some don't, The worse comment was they seemed to muddy the image. And they can be difficult to use.
Can someone experienced using variable N/D filters tell me if this is so?
I don't need I have heard, etc. comments. Only Experienced users!!!!
I resisted using N/D filters for a long time, however today I could have used one.
If there is any doubt about the variables I will probably purchase 2-3 fixed density filters.
Thank you anyone that can help
Post by a crabby old fart.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Variables are hard to use with wide angle lenses. Not sure about muddying the image but they can create an X pattern in a clear sky, and they can mess up bokeh.

https://jonasraskphotography.com/2014/05/12/nd-filter-dont-go-variable/

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Here’s one problem. Usually the way I use a neutral density filter is to pick my metering point and get the settings, pick a focus point and focus, then I add whatever combination of filters I’m gonna need and adjust the shutter speed to correct the exposure based on the total density. With a variable ND filter you don’t know exactly what that will be.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Actually stacked filters can also cause problems with wide angle lenses. Because they’re stacked.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

If you are like me and only use ND filter maybe two or three times a year, then a variable ND filter is very practical because you won't need to constantly carry a full set of fixed ND filters with you, just the one filter. I haven't noticed it muddying my images... if it is doing so, then it must be very minimal.

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Thank you everyone, that is exactly what I wanted to know. Looks like it will be 2 or 3 fixed filters.
Have a great week end
Frank

repleo Loc: Boston

Variable NDs are much easier to focus than stacked NDs. If your focus sytem has trouble focusing through the NDs, just open up the variable and use either manual focus or lock focus and close the filter back down to the setting you want. With fixed filters you might have to take them off to focus and then screw them back on again without changing your focus.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

Manglesphoto I have never known you to be a crabby old fart.

Your phrase "seemed to muddy the image" force me to search my mind for an explanation worthy of a Congressman who says "I an not a Scientist, but ..." He would say that obviously with a ND filter the photons that do not go thru tend to accumulate on the surface and fog the image." Further, he would say "Theoretical physics says that those photos will be radiated away when stored in a Planck Black-Box via Hawking radiation!!"

By the way, variable N/D filters, have twice as many reflective surfaces for the light to bounce back and forth and muddle the image.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Here's what I have experienced over the years (one crabby old fart to another):

• First, the variable ND filters I used to have (Singh-Ray and Tiffen) were absolutely perfect on my DSLRs (Nikon D700 and D600) - the advantage of not having to remove the filter every time I wanted to reframe a shot but instead just twist one element so as to allow enough light through to see the subject in the viewfinder made things a lot easier instead of having to physically remove the 9 stop B+W filter like I used to do
• However, when I switched to a Fuji X-T1 EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens - a term I like better than 'mirrorless') camera I suddenly saw the X pattern. I called Singh-Ray and they said they'd heard about that from others as well - they called it the "Maltese Cross" effect. Seems that variables from the focal length and aperture being used to the microscopic positioning of the photo sites on the imaging chip contributed to the issue.
• I discovered, however, that the EVF in the Fuji allowed for me to use the 9 stop ND without having to remove it at all - I could frame a shot as if the filter were not there at all.

So, the moral of the story is this: if you are using a DSLR and rely on light coming through the eyepiece then a variable ND might work for you - though again it depends on the model of camera you have as to if the X will be an issue. If you are using an EVIL camera then going with straight ND filter(s) would make more sense

Hope that helps

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

That's as clear as mud to me lol

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Since I am not averse to manual focus I think I will go with fixed filters.
the only reason I'M considering ND filters is my aversion to the blown out highlight problem this morning, I just got to the site a bit later in the day than usual.

f8lee Loc: New Mexico

Well, as I said absolutely nothing about manual focus I'm not sure why you make that comment. A dark enough ND filter on a DSLR will disallow you from seeing through the viewfinder making it impossible to frame your subject. That's it - if you want to move position then you'll have to take the filter off, change your view and then put the filter back on. That was my point. If you enjoy screwing/unscrewing filters and have the time, all the better.

That said, the "blown out highlight" problem is not going to be resolved by an ND filter since the filter will cut down the light to the entire scene. Unless you are talking about too-bright skies and such, in which case you may want to use a graduated ND filter (clear on top, dark on bottom) - which has zero to do with the variable ND filter about which you originally posted your question.

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

That's why I now use just fixed stop filters. Unless the vari has stop markings on it, mine didn't, you never know how to adjust your camera settings. I would have to guess, or use the camera's suggerstions, which were always too dark, and then keep shooting snd adjust the shutter speed untill I got the right exposure. Also the vari I used sometimes left a reddish streak across the frame.

mflowe Loc: Port Deposit, MD

Just use a filter holder and square or rectangular filters, then you can focus and get your initial settings before you put the filter on.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I had a bad experience with a variable where moisture got in between the elements. I was shooting in dense fog. I use a 5 and a 10 stop ND now.