ND + Polarizer = ??? Is it advisable to stack an ND filter and a Polarizer , say on a very bright day and your trying for smooth water in a lake shot? I've used both but not combined?

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

Is it advisable to stack an ND filter and a Polarizer , say on a very bright day and your trying for smooth water in a lake shot? I've used both but not combined? What's your take on this query? I could use some input Please.

14kphotog Loc: Marietta, Ohio

Try it and see how it works.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I don't see why not but it would be hard to adjust the polarizer if the ND filter is behind it.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Photogirl17 wrote:

Is it advisable to stack an ND filter and a Polarizer , say on a very bright day and your trying for smooth water in a lake shot? I've used both but not combined? What's your take on this query? I could use some input Please.

It's usually not a good idea to stack filters. Try a darker ND filter to get the look you want.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

14kphotog wrote:

Try it and see how it works.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Absolutely. It helps if you have a square glass ND filter, otherwise your CPL will probably turn as you are attaching the ND. I have Lee ND grads, and attach the adapter ring to the CPL, then adjust the polarizer. After that, I clip on the Lee Filter holder and insert the ND Grad.

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

rgrenaderphoto wrote:

Absolutely. It helps if you have a square glass ND filter, otherwise your CPL will probably turn as you are attaching the ND. I have Lee ND grads, and attach the adapter ring to the CPL, then adjust the polarizer. After that, I clip on the Lee Filter holder and insert the ND Grad.

Thanks for the input, I currently have all circular filters..

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

Back atcha.

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

Mac wrote:

It's usually not a good idea to stack filters. Try a darker ND filter to get the look you want.

Thanks, I'll try that..

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

14kphotog wrote:

Try it and see how it works.

I will try it and let ya'll know the outcome

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

14kphotog wrote:

Try it and see how it works.

Thanks I'll try it and let Ya'll know the outcome.

Haydon

I've stacked a polarizer a ND and a GND together to balance the sky. It can offer focus issues that should be taken care of before multiple stacking.

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

Haydon wrote:

I've stacked a polarizer a ND and a GND together to balance the sky. It can offer focus issues that should be taken care of before multiple stacking.

So focus the shot then apply the combined filters?

Haydon

Photogirl17 wrote:

So focus the shot then apply the combined filters?

If your focus struggles under these conditions. I generally use back button focus and focus prior to stacking the filters. I find with my Canon, in Live View I don't always struggle. It's camera/filter dependant. I will get different results if I use a 10 Stop ND or a 6 Stop for focusing.

Photogirl17 Loc: Glenwood, Ark.

Haydon wrote:

If your focus struggles under these conditions. I generally use back button focus and focus prior to stacking the filters. I find with my Canon, in Live View I don't always struggle. It's camera/filter dependant. I will get different results if I use a 10 Stop ND or a 6 Stop for focusing.

I too prefer the BBF , that way I don't take as many unintentional shots..lol, I only have a 10 stop ND, and a circular polarizer, I'll give the live view a try, I don't use it much as it eats up the battery life.