Long exposure with ND problem
Mar 22, 2019 16:08:38 #
So I am having a problem with my long exposures with ND filters, I've tried an ND 8 and a variable and then inevitably I combined both of them just trying to simply reduce the light coming in on my camera. I know filter stacking is ill-advised but I just can't seem to do anything else to cut the light down. I set up the exposure and the focus point through life mode then I put the filter on tweak it for the exposure and in most cases on meter is reading that I'm over exposing. And in every situation I can't go past 15 seconds without completely blowing out the shot. I've ended up using my kit lens (canon 18-55). Side note, I have plenty of other lenses I use like my 28 1/8 but unfortunately I just cannot cut down the amount of light does anybody have a suggestion I ended up shooting yesterday towards dusk and I was able to make it work but midday I can't do anything. It is 4:00 here and we have clouds rolling in over a baseball field and I would love to take a long exposure of that, but can't.
Mar 22, 2019 16:16:20 #
Are you using a very small aperture and ISO 100 (or less if you have)?
Mar 22, 2019 16:20:22 #
So what shutter speeds/apertures are you getting? ISO set to?
We have no idea about what you are getting or trying to achieve.
We have no idea about what you are getting or trying to achieve.
Mar 22, 2019 17:00:48 #
mbusch77 wrote:
So I am having a problem with my long exposures wi... (show quote)
There is nothing wrong with stacking filters, as long as you use good quality filters, I've used as many as 4 stacked with good results.
Mar 22, 2019 17:08:21 #
mbusch77 wrote:
So I am having a problem with my long exposures wi... (show quote)
Can you describe the effect you trying to achieve?
Mar 22, 2019 19:47:15 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
mbusch77 wrote:
So I am having a problem with my long exposures wi... (show quote)
Use your lowest ISO and stop down as much as you can without diffraction turning the image to mush, try a couple of 10-stop neutral density filters along with your 8-stop if necessary. If you still need more filtration, I would recommend gels. In fact, I would use gels for any filter stacking.
Edit: You also might take a look in the Long Exposure section: https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/s-108-1.html
Mar 22, 2019 20:18:53 #
mbusch77 wrote:
So I am having a problem with my long exposures wi... (show quote)
Are you in full Manual? If not, the camera will just compensate for the ND.
Start with no filter , f11 or F16, ISO 100 and find the correct exposure and focus. Then double the time for every stop your ND is rated for. Even at that, starting with the Sunny 16 rule, of 100 ISO, f/16 and 1/100 sec the most you will get out of an 8 stop ND in bright sun is about 2.5 seconds.
You will find a good Long Exposure Guide and a guide to ND filters here: (Links at top of home page)
https://breakthrough.photography/ Their filters are great too.
There is a phone app called LE Calculator which should help you too.
Mar 23, 2019 05:53:15 #
You can stack ND filters as long as they do. It vignette your field of view. I have also found that not all variable ND filters behave the same. Some will produce a “Maltese cross” on your image at high aperture settings >f16. As many have said earlier, use low ISO and f16 or smaller apertures first for a test in full manual modes.
Mar 23, 2019 06:29:47 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
mbusch77 wrote:
So I am having a problem with my long exposures wi... (show quote)
I use a BIG STOP 10 stop filter. I do this because it is simple finding the correct exposure. I use 1/30 sec and adjust my exposure around that. I usually like to use 4 to 5 stops down from wide open and then use my iso to give me a 1/30 sec. correct exposure. Then it is simple, a 10 stop exposure from 1/30 sec. is 30 seconds. Yes, it is that simple.
Mar 23, 2019 07:39:06 #
Nothing unusual here. You have to set your camera to get the minimum amount of light and then add ND filters, stacked, if necessary.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-on-review/a-guide-to-neutral-density-filters
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-on-review/a-guide-to-neutral-density-filters
Mar 23, 2019 08:52:21 #
Lee Filters (and many others) make a free smartphone app that allows you to take a properly exposed image at your desired f-stop and ISO, and then converts it to the appropriate shutter setting based on the strength of your ND filter. You would then set your camera to manual and input these settings. While it's not always dead on, it gives a good starting point.
Mar 23, 2019 13:02:22 #
mbusch77 wrote:
So I am having a problem with my long exposures wi... (show quote)
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I have never had a problem like that myself but if you can't get an exposure longer than 15 seconds try using bulb mode. In bulb mode you can keep the shutter open as long as you need.
Mar 23, 2019 13:05:10 #
If you are not doing these things -- Use "M" on the dial. Set for the lowest ISO you have on your camera. Set for the smallest aperture (the highest f-stop number). I use a CPL and a VND stacked for my long exposures. I am often at 20-30 seconds.
Mar 24, 2019 02:36:13 #
An example for you, Sunny 16 Rule, high noon equates to 100 ISO-1/100th-F16, now subtract your filters, ND.9 equals 3 stops, that has you at 100 ISO-1/15th-F16, now say your variable is 6 stops, 100 ISO-4 seconds-F16 is your new settings, so if you want to hit 15 seconds you’ve got to have a stronger filter, ND 3 perhaps, just count it down, pretty simple.
Mar 24, 2019 07:40:11 #
This may sound a bit too easy, but any long convient sized tube will work as long as it is impervious from light from the outside. Then make adjustments for field of view etc.
Bob
Bob
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