ND: This was to test my new ND filter to see if it could be used for waterfalls. The result was this nasty crossed lines. Could anyone tell me why this? Thanks...

winhto Loc: Edmonds, Washington

This was to test my new ND filter to see if it could be used for waterfalls. The result was this nasty crossed lines.

Could anyone tell me why this?

Thanks

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

winhto wrote:

This was to test my new ND filter to see if it could be used for waterfalls. The result was this nasty crossed lines.

Could anyone tell me why this?

Thanks

Because you need to learn how to use the filter.
When improperly used this will happen.
Good filters have markings etc on where to turn for minimum to maximum.
Failure to follow equipment instructions, as in everything , creates a failure.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

Architect1776 wrote:

Because you need to learn how to use the filter.
When improperly used this will happen.
Good filters have markings etc on where to turn for minimum to maximum.
Failure to follow equipment instructions, as in everything , creates a failure.

For an ND?
Maybe a variable?

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Variable NDs often create this aberration - fixed NDs don’t.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

If a variable ND wasn't what you wanted, can you return for a different model?

Alphabravo2020

winhto wrote:

This was to test my new ND filter to see if it could be used for waterfalls. The result was this nasty crossed lines.

Could anyone tell me why this?

Thanks

Variable NDs are two circular polarizers that are rotated in opposition. All kinds of crazy things can happen that even physicists cannot explain, especially when looking at reflected (polarized) light like in your example.

Edit: The issue in this photo is that simple reflected sunlight is polarized in one direction. Now your double polarizers will cut out a portion of the light. If the day was cloudy and overcast this would not happen since the incident light would be diffuse and not coherent.

winhto Loc: Edmonds, Washington

Here is one i took before heading up to Paradise Inn, Mt Rainier, using similar ND filter just different brand. the result in this shot is much better. Several shots before this were identical to the image originally posted. With some adjustments and few more shots to get this.

winhto Loc: Edmonds, Washington

So Alpha, are you suggesting that I use 2 LP in order to avoid this from happening again? Or should I use a fixed ND, is so, should an ND8 be good enough for a setting at f1.8 for smoothness?

winhto Loc: Edmonds, Washington

Oops! I meant CPL

Alphabravo2020

The traditional ND filter will not interact with singly polarized light in any way that I can think of. That is what I use in order not to hurt my brain trying to predict the effects of a VND filter.

I use a CPL all the time. It can also mis-behave if there is reflected light in the frame. The more diffuse the light the less the CPL does for you.

You can trial-and-error to get the correct ND filter (expensive way) or there are apps that will calculate it based on the settings and lighting conditions.

Edit: I use FotoTool for DOF and I see that it also calculates ND filters based on your settings.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.alfbishop.software.fototool&hl=en_US&gl=US

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

winhto wrote:

Here is one i took before heading up to Paradise Inn, Mt Rainier, using similar ND filter just different brand. the result in this shot is much better. Several shots before this were identical to the image originally posted. With some adjustments and few more shots to get this.

That is truly spectacular 💦🥇💦🥇💦

winhto Loc: Edmonds, Washington

Thanks Joe, I had so much fun at this place at 7am when noone was around (late May).

gwilliams6

Architect1776 wrote:

Because you need to learn how to use the filter.
When improperly used this will happen.
Good filters have markings etc on where to turn for minimum to maximum.
Failure to follow equipment instructions, as in everything , creates a failure.

Correct Architect1776. Good ones have markings and/or hard stops to keep them for reaching limits that can produce X marks.

winhto Loc: Edmonds, Washington

That makes sense GWilliams.

gmontjr2350 Loc: Southern NJ

George