ND filter

[ziggy84]

Hi everyone,

What would be a good ND filter for a long shutter speed to blur subjects mid day? ND 2,4, or 8?

Thanks

 

[KaPOWitsCHRIS]

8 I'd imagine. Maybe stack a few depending on how long you want to shutter speed to be and how bright the light is at midday which obviously depends on how much cloud is around.

 

[ziggy84]

8 I'd imagine. Maybe stack a few depending on how long you want to shutter speed to be and how bright the light is at midday which obviously depends on how much cloud is around.

So it would be better to buy the gel inserts instead of the screw on filters?

 

[480sparky43 42]

So it would be better to buy the gel inserts instead of the screw on filters?

Not always. Each system has their advantages and disadvantages.

 

[ziggy84]

So it would be better to buy the gel inserts instead of the screw on filters?

Not always. Each system has their advantages and disadvantages.

What's the advantages/disadvantages?

 

[joshua_]

Hello,

I can't help any with the differences in the gel vs screw on because I haven't tried much of anything to make a comparison.

I went with a Hoya HMC ND8 Multi-Coated to start with and so far it has worked in my limited testing. In reading I can see where others may be necessary for different situations, but this one seems fine so far, for me.

 

[tevo]

You could always get a variable ND filter and give yourself the flexibility!

 

[ziggy84]

Hello,

I can't help any with the differences in the gel vs screw on because I haven't tried much of anything to make a comparison.

I went with a Hoya HMC ND8 Multi-Coated to start with and so far it has worked in my limited testing. In reading I can see where others may be necessary for different situations, but this one seems fine so far, for me.

Thanks for the info Joshua

 

[ziggy84]

You could always get a variable ND filter and give yourself the flexibility!

Cool. I didn't know they had these. I'll check em' out. Thanks tevo

 

[480sparky43 42]

So it would be better to buy the gel inserts instead of the screw on filters?

Not always. Each system has their advantages and disadvantages.

What's the advantages/disadvantages?

Screw in advantages:
Universally available in multitude of sizes.
Easy to install.

Screw-on disadvantages:
If you have lenses of different threads, you either get multiple filters or adapter rings.
Petal hoods make installation/rotating a VND, GND and CPL a pain.


Rear-mount gel advantage:
One size fits most lenses (lenses are usually ultra-wides).
With some ultra-wide lenses, rear-mount gel filters are the only option, if not the only economical option.

Rear-mount gel disadvantage:
Optical-quality gels are hard to find these days.
CPL, VND and GND versions not possible.
Major time factor to compose/focus, then remove lens, install filter, remount lens and shoot.

 

[ziggy84]

Thanks for the info on the filters Sparky. I'm thinking of getting the variable ND filter, but want to research a little more into it.

 

[480sparky43 42]

Thanks for the info on the filters Sparky. I'm thinking of getting the variable ND filter, but want to research a little more into it.

Don't buy cheap. And by cheap, keep in mind even cheap ones cost more than a tank of gas.

 

[ziggy84]

Thanks for the info on the filters Sparky. I'm thinking of getting the variable ND filter, but want to research a little more into it.

Don't buy cheap. And by cheap, keep in mind even cheap ones cost more than a tank of gas.

Oh wow. lol I was thinking buying one for $30 was mid-range. I did see some from B+W going for 200-300. What is cheap for CPL? I have Hoya HMC skylight/CPL filters; are they considered cheap or mid-range?

 

[LesFraser]

I thought instead of making my own thread, i would post here.

I'm after a ND filter too. I'm stuck on what type to get. Variable or regular? One seller said the focal lengths over 200mm the quality is going to be decreased?

I know what stops i want, i'm going to buy a few.

Can anyone suggest brands to avoid or to take up? Ziggy mentioned some for couple of hundred? :O

 

[480sparky43 42]

I thought instead of making my own thread, i would post here.

I'm after a ND filter too. I'm stuck on what type to get. Variable or regular? One seller said the focal lengths over 200mm the quality is going to be decreased?

I know what stops i want, i'm going to buy a few.

Can anyone suggest brands to avoid or to take up? Ziggy mentioned some for couple of hundred? :O

If you own a lens that takes at least a 200mm filter, you don't need to worry about money.