ND filter system

[ghost]

Hi,

My girlfriend has been looking for ND filter system for her 82mm, 77mm and 67mm lenses.

Can you recommend anything that I can buy her?

Thanks!

 

[tirediron]

Depends on budget. The best (IMO) would be the Singh-Ray VariND which allows the user to dial between one and eight(?) stops of ND, but this runs about $350-400 last time I looked. A more budget-friendly solution is the Cokin system which uses the rectangular gel-style filters and different, inexpensive adaptor rings to connect to the camera.

 

[KmH]

I was preferable to the Lee filters and holder system. Cokin's P series filter holder maxes out at 77 mm.

The best thing to do is use a filter holder system or a step ring with filters large enough so 82 mm filters can be used with all 3 filter thread sizes.

Hoya 82 mm NDx8 HMC Neutral Density Filter
Tiffen 7782SUR 77 to 82 Step Up Filter Ring (Black)

 

[Light Guru]

A more budget-friendly solution is the Cokin system which uses the rectangular gel-style filters and different, inexpensive adapter rings to connect to the camera.

Not just is it budget friendly because you only have to buy one filter and can use it on all lenses but it also lets you use Graduated Neutral Density filters.

 

[ghost]

these?

Cokin Z-Pro U960 Pro Graduated Neutral Density Filter Kit CU960

Cokin Graduated Neutral Density Filter Kit CH250 B&H Photo Video

 

[ghost]

Which one of these do you recommend?

1- Cokin Z-Pro U960 Pro Graduated Neutral Density Filter Kit CU960
2- Cokin Graduated Neutral Density Filter Kit CH250 B&H Photo Video

 

[powasky]

Graduated Neutral Density =/= Neutral Density.

A GND is...graduated. Which means that the top is dark, which fades into a clear towards the middle. Usually used for darkening skies.

An ND is fully dark. Used for larger apertures in bright sunlight, blurring motion, etc.

 

[bratkinson]

Someone posted a thread that got resurrected a couple weeks ago but I'm at a loss to find it that shows the Lee filter system attachment rings & brackets. In that thread one respondent mentioned the use of step-up rings to get to the largest size needed for the 'attachment ring' to screw into. As I have 67, 72, 77, and 82 filter sizes to deal with as well, I've gone the step-up ring method for my CPL. When (no specific plans yet) I want to start with ND and GNDs, I'm going to get the 82mm size 'adapter' and simply 'step up ring' as needed. Plan B would be to have a different Lee adapter for each size, but that can get pricier than I can handle.

The only problem with using step-up rings to use larger size filters than the lens uses is that the hoods no longer fit. I've resorted to using my left hand as a quicky-hood when needed. Some have used thin flexible cardboard in these situations with good results as well.

 

[ghost]

I was hoping to buy her some descent starting kit so that she can add to it or exchange it for something else if needed.

I might as well call b&h and ask them.

 

[ghost]

I was preferable to the Lee filters and holder system. Cokin's P series filter holder maxes out at 77 mm.

The best thing to do is use a filter holder system or a step ring with filters large enough so 82 mm filters can be used with all 3 filter thread sizes.

Hoya 82 mm NDx8 HMC Neutral Density Filter
Tiffen 7782SUR 77 to 82 Step Up Filter Ring (Black)

B&H sells 82mm adapter for Cokin P

Cokin "P" Series 82mm Adapter Ring (P482) CP482 B&H

 

[ghost]

The "P" series covers diameters from 48-82mm and is generally preferred for everything, particularly wide angle lenses.