John N
Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK
Have a look at GOBE. I've just bought one and it seems to be O.K. Not had the opportunity to push it yet, but I'd be prepared to spend on another (higher density) on experience so far.
http://mygobe.com/
My personal choice is B+W. The important thing to keep in mind is that once a filter is attached to your lens it becomes part of the optical system. Therefore, don't make your choice based on price.
Additionally, avoid Variable Neutral Density filters. They can produce some very undesirable effects.
--Bob
Minitman wrote:
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filters (non graduated) and need some info/recommendations on brands.
I know B&W are excellent, but pricey. Have used Hoya filters in the past (for B&W film) with good results. I noticed ICE has a three filter set at an attractive price, but I know nothing about them. Not yet very versatile in post processing so don't need filters that introduce color casts, etc. Have read enough to decide to steer clear of variable ND filters.
Any comments pro/con or recommendations will be most welcome.
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filter... (
show quote)
I have been using B&W recently on time exposures on the beach with excellent results. I have expensive pro grade glass and do not want anything but prograde glass in front. Consider the intended use of the image and quality of your lens to arrive at an answer. Good shooting!!!
Is hot for years with the Haida Nano pro square filters and loved those. The reviews are great. I recently switched my smaller gear to Kase Wolverine magnetic filters, which are also fantastic and super quick to change.
Breakthrough Photography makes excellent filters. They are little pricey, but they are worth it and it is a one time expense. Their web site also has a very good buying guide as well as a free long exposure guide. Their filters are sold by them or via Adorama or B & H.
I also recommend Breakthrough ND filters. Of ALL the filters made Breakthrough does not introduce a color cast.
I also use Tiffen ND. It introduces a light yellow cast that I easily correct in post IF I need to.
I second Orphoto's suggestion re: Breakthrough Photography NDs. I have 6- and 10-stop versions. No color cast at all.
Minitman wrote:
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filters (non graduated) and need some info/recommendations on brands.
I know B&W are excellent, but pricey. Have used Hoya filters in the past (for B&W film) with good results. I noticed ICE has a three filter set at an attractive price, but I know nothing about them. Not yet very versatile in post processing so don't need filters that introduce color casts, etc. Have read enough to decide to steer clear of variable ND filters.
Any comments pro/con or recommendations will be most welcome.
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filter... (
show quote)
First, do you know what you want to do with them. I find many people have no idea what to use them for. Personally I would have more use for graduated split ones for landscapes. Solids are for longer exposures, often used to get creamy moving water. Don't buy cheap ones. Sorry, you will probably have to spend a bundle even used. High end German (Zeiss, B+W, Heliopan), or high end Hoya probably safe buys. Bad ones will give you color casts. Do learn to use PP software ASAP.
I use B&W filters - never had a problem - but I don't really shoot color - so don't have to deal with color cast.
When I started on long-exposure stuff I found a really cool accessory from somewhere in China (I've lost the original email) - it's a filter mount - screw it on to the lens and you can add your ND filter(s) and just flip it on or off so you can focus/compose and then just flip down to add the filter - takes away the hassle of screwing in your filter and potentially disturbing focus/composition - definitely a good addition :)
cheers
Phil
Nobody mentioned Lee filters? They are pricey and hard to get but, as stated, they last forever and are superior.
Look into Breakthrough. Ice filters and B&W have color casts. Breakthrough does not. They have a great warranty also. The Lee big stopper has a terrible blue color cast. B&W is yellow. Haida is pink. Good luck.. I use a Nd quite often.
Minitman wrote:
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filters (non graduated) and need some info/recommendations on brands.
I know B&W are excellent, but pricey. Have used Hoya filters in the past (for B&W film) with good results. I noticed ICE has a three filter set at an attractive price, but I know nothing about them. Not yet very versatile in post processing so don't need filters that introduce color casts, etc. Have read enough to decide to steer clear of variable ND filters.
Any comments pro/con or recommendations will be most welcome.
I'm looking to acquire some neutral density filter... (
show quote)
Hoya or B+W are the favorites. GOBE makes decent ones in an affordable price range. Tiffen is an entry-level brand, not known for high quality or consistency. I have two GOBE filters I use mostly for outdoor filmic video recording (which normally requires 24.000 fps at the usual 180-degree shutter angle used in motion picture production — 1/48 second on my Lumix GH4). I use the ND 64 (6 stops of light reduction) in bright sun, and the ND 8 (three stops of light reduction) on cloudy days, or in shade on sunny days.
You can leverage the utility of a single set of them by getting fairly big filters and using adapter rings to step down from the filter size to the lens filter thread sizes you need. I have 58mm diameter filters that I reduce to 46mm for one of my lenses. Of course, that can present problems if you need to mount a lens shade/hood to avoid flare...
Do not use a filter, put the hood on for protection.
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