ND FILTER VARIABLE OR FIXED FOR D850-TAMRON 24-70 G2: I love this forum and hope you can assist with info on the following. I have a D850 with a Tamron SP 24-70 G2 lens. Off to Croatia...

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ND FILTER VARIABLE OR FIXED FOR D850-TAMRON 24-70 G2

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Jun 19, 2019 09:12:05 #

Chucker2000

I love this forum and hope you can assist with info on the following.
I have a D850 with a Tamron SP 24-70 G2 lens.
Off to Croatia soon and my friend said there are waterfalls to photograph.
I am looking at buying an 82mm ND filter for this lens, Hoya, Kenko or B&W.
My question is, do I get a fixed ND filter or a variable filter.
Will a variable ND filter set to minimum have a noticeable reduction in sharpness or quality compared to a simple UV filter when taking general landscape shots? I am thinking of leaving it on even when it is not needed and shoot normal shots then setting it to the highest ND value to take waterfall shots..
Alternatively I would just buy a good quality ND 10 screw on filter and attach it when shooting waterfalls.
I hope you understand what I mean and can assist in advising on quality differences between the two options. The aim is to get that soft blanket effect of the water whilst keeping the rest sharp.
Hope you can assist.

Jun 19, 2019 09:12:55 #

Chucker2000

Sorry that title was meant to be
ND Filter Variable or Fixed.

Jun 19, 2019 09:19:12 #

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I would stay away from the variable ND filters. They can produce an X pattern within the photograph. I was even advised to avoid Variable ND filters by an engineer at B+W when I called to inquire about purchasing one of theirs.

As for which brand, I've migrated to using B+W for all of my lenses.
--Bob

Chucker2000 wrote:

I love this forum and hope you can assist with inf... (show quote)

Jun 19, 2019 09:26:21 #

uhaas2009

I got breakthrough filers, because almost no color cast.
Variable Nd they create the X when you used on highest stops, I tried a $26 Hoya variable Nd.
https://fstoppers.com/bestfiltertest

Jun 19, 2019 09:29:21 #

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

I use a 10-stop ND filter to get soft water. I also have a 6-stop that I use on occasion. I would not use a variable filter to get that soft water effect. A polarizer left on would be more effective as at least it would stop the glare on the rocks around the water if you were to turn it to do that as well as to bring down the brightest parts of the water.

Jun 19, 2019 09:36:05 #

rmalarz wrote:

I also stay away from variable ND filters. Just carry a couple of fixed ND filters with you and select the right one according to the scene. I just use a three stop and a four stop ND filter. You can still vary the camera's ISO to change the shutter speed.

Jun 19, 2019 09:51:29 #

boberic Loc: Quiet Corner, Connecticut. Ex long Islander

Chucker2000 wrote:

I love this forum and hope you can assist with inf... (show quote)

Iknow it's just me. but I have a bias against " creamy" water, in that it doesnt look like water. I prefer a little detail in falls so a 1 or 2 nd filter is more than enough. BTW don't forget a really good tripod.And perhaps a gimbal head

Jun 19, 2019 10:18:50 #

ELNikkor

I bought a 10x ND filter from Lenskins that doesn't degrade the image nor does it change the color. I would not get a variable density filter.

Jun 19, 2019 11:53:51 #

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Chucker2000 wrote:

I love this forum and hope you can assist with inf... (show quote)

While I do have mainly fixed ND filters, I do enjoy the use of my vario, it sure is the most convenient of them!

Jun 19, 2019 13:22:28 #

Leitz Loc: Solms

boberic wrote:

Iknow it's just me. but I have a bias against " creamy" water, in that it doesnt look like water.

What's wrong with it looking like the outflow from a sewage treatment plant?

Jun 19, 2019 22:23:01 #

Chucker2000

Thank you all for the information.
I think I will get a 10x ND.
I am thinking one of the following:
B&W MRC 110 F PRO
B&W XS PRO MRC NANO
Breakthrough X4.

There are so many to chose from any further guidance would be appreciated.
Thank you all again.

Jun 20, 2019 06:15:37 #

queencitysanta Loc: Charlotte, North Carolina

My recommendations:

B&W Clear Glass
B&W CPL
B&W ND 6 Stop
B&W ND 10 Stop

Good luck with your search

Jun 20, 2019 06:31:39 #

KR Pletzer

boberic wrote:

Iknow it's just me. but I have a bias against " creamy" water, in that it doesnt look like water.

It’s not just you!!!👌

Jun 20, 2019 09:02:47 #

peterg Loc: Santa Rosa, CA

uhaas2009 wrote:

I got breakthrough filers, because almost no color cast.
Variable Nd they create the X when you used on highest stops, I tried a $26 Hoya variable Nd.
https://fstoppers.com/bestfiltertest

Agree. Breakthrough filters (https://breakthrough.photography) are very good quality for the price. All variable ND filters will show the dreaded "X" when adjusted beyond their design limits. The fix is not to adjust that far. If I had only a single fixed ND filter, I'd go with something less (e.g. ND6) rather than the ND10.

Jun 20, 2019 09:21:50 #

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Chucker2000 wrote:

I love this forum and hope you can assist with inf... (show quote)

I use fixed ND filters. Simplifies exposures.

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