ND filters

[Goldcoin79]

Hi,

I have purchased the nikon D5100 with the twin kit lens (18-55 and 55-200mm vr lens) I want to by an ND filter probably for the 18-55mm lens so I can do some long exposure shots so looking for advice on buying filters as I have not bought any before.

The prices seem to vary quite a bit even though they say they both filter the same amount of light so what is the difference in a more expensive filter?

Can you damage a camera by using a wrong filter?

How does having a filter on effect the auto focus?

I was thinking of going for a 9 stop ND filter to do long exposures to catch movement in water and sky, does this sound correct?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Heitz]

No, you can't damage the camera with a filter as long as it fits. 9 stops is quite a bit, but no reason it can't work for you

 

[Goldcoin79]

I thought of going for 9 stops as a lot of the pictures I see that get the nice creamy misty effect when shooting water seem to have used a9stop filter.

 

[shefjr]

I purchased a B+W ND 9 stop from amazon for around $130. It's great for achieving that smooth silky look with things like water falls, flowing streams, etc.
One of my examples

Rock near the falls by Shefjr, on Flickr

 

[PropilotBW]

I too am interested in getting some ND filters. Commenting to easily follow responses. :thumbup:

 

[480sparky43 42]

..........The prices seem to vary quite a bit even though they say they both filter the same amount of light so what is the difference in a more expensive filter?

Cheap filters will reduce the image quality more than an expensive one. Cheap filters will be mounted in plastic, good ones in metal.

.........Can you damage a camera by using a wrong filter?

Yes, but you really gotta try hard.... like cramming the filter into the camera after you remove the lens.

.....How does having a filter on effect the auto focus?

Get the image too dark, and AF might not work. Focus & compose, then install the filter.

....I was thinking of going for a 9 stop ND filter to do long exposures to catch movement in water and sky, does this sound correct?

Start with a 3 or 6 stop filter first.

 

[smenkhare]

I've been using the Hoya NDX400 for my long exposure. love it.

 

[PropilotBW]

What are some of the recommended brands? I've been eyeing B+W.
Are Tiffen good filters? (The price is low, but reviews are very positive)

http://www.amazon.com/Hoya-Neutral-...=1-8&keywords=77mm+neutral+density+filfilters
how do you know how many stops a filter has?

 

[PropilotBW]

What are some of the recommended brands? I've been eyeing B+W.
Are Tiffen good filters? (The price is low, but reviews are very positive)

Amazon.com: Hoya 77mm Neutral Density ND-400 HMC Filter: Electronics
how do you know how many stops a filter has?

Nevermind, I found the answer to my own question here: "The Ultimate Guide To Neutral Density Filters" by Peter Hill | Redbubble

great info read!

 

[cynicaster]

I purchased a B+W ND 9 stop from amazon for around $130. It's great for achieving that smooth silky look with things like water falls, flowing streams, etc.
One of my examples

Rock near the falls by Shefjr, on Flickr

Nice shot!

To the OP, I think the main thing you need to keep in mind is that anytime you place additional pieces of glass between the light and the sensor, there is a potential for that additional piece to degrade your image quality. In other words, be wary of bargain basement filters.

I picked up one of these a few months ago:

Fader ND MK II

It’s not top of the line by any means but the consensus in reviews seems to be that it has a pretty decent bang-for-your-buck factor.

Results of my own preliminary testing have been positive in terms of sharpness, etc., but I’m reserving final judgment until I really get a chance to see what it can do.

 

[Trblmkr]

What are some of the recommended brands? I've been eyeing B+W.
Are Tiffen good filters? (The price is low, but reviews are very positive)

Amazon.com: Hoya 77mm Neutral Density ND-400 HMC Filter: Electronics
how do you know how many stops a filter has?

Nevermind, I found the answer to my own question here: "The Ultimate Guide To Neutral Density Filters" by Peter Hill | Redbubble

great info read!

What did you decide to buy ?

 

[Goldcoin79]

What about the variable ND filters?

There is this one on eBay byt it is quite cheap, what are you thoughts?

52mm 52 mm Adjustable Fader Neutral Density ND Filter ND2 to ND400 ND8 ND2-ND400 | eBay

 

[PropilotBW]

What are some of the recommended brands? I've been eyeing B+W.
Are Tiffen good filters? (The price is low, but reviews are very positive)

Amazon.com: Hoya 77mm Neutral Density ND-400 HMC Filter: Electronics
how do you know how many stops a filter has?

Nevermind, I found the answer to my own question here: "The Ultimate Guide To Neutral Density Filters" by Peter Hill | Redbubble

great info read!

What did you decide to buy ?

I still haven't pulled the trigger, but I'm leaning towards the Hoya 77mm 9stop.

 

[IslandShooter]

The more expensive filters tend to be of better quality.