Graduated ND Filter

[Robert Smith1]

I have just bought a ND filter than can very its density by turning one of the elements, but instead of getting totally dark it makes a fuzzy dark cross. What is happening.

 

[480sparky]

You have a Variable ND filter, not a graduated one.

You're dialing it too far towards darkening. This is normal for VND. You can only 'turn them down' so far, depending on the quality of the filter.

You'll need to experiment how far you can dial it down before the "X" starts to show up.

 

[Robert Smith1]

You have a Variable ND filter, not a graduated one.

You're dialing it too far towards darkening. This is normal for VND. You can only 'turn them down' so far, depending on the quality of the filter.

You'll need to experiment how far you can dial it down before the "X" starts to show up.

 

[stk]

Try a longer focal length. Wide angle + variable ND are usually not a good match.