ND filters

BrentC

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For my trip to Portugal I've been thinking of getting an ND filter to do some long exposures. From my research it seems I should be staying away from variable ND filters. Have I got that right? I don't want to spend money on multiple filters so looking at just getting one. If I am just getting one should I get a 10-stop? Thinking of the B&W 10-stop, is this a decent brand?
 
There's nothing wrong with variable NDs, as long as you get a quality one. Stay away from the cheap stuff, or the ones that make outrageous claims (like being 2-15 stops). And keep in mind that even top-end VNDs suffer from the dreaded "X" when dialed up to maximum.

I use a Singh-Ray VND up to 8 stops. A B+W for 10 stops, which my version is more like 10.3.
 
There's nothing wrong with variable NDs, as long as you get a quality one. Stay away from the cheap stuff, or the ones that make outrageous claims (like being 2-15 stops). And keep in mind that even top-end VNDs suffer from the dreaded "X" when dialed up to maximum.

I use a Singh-Ray VND up to 8 stops. A B+W for 10 stops, which my version is more like 10.3.

Something like the Sungh-Ray is more than I want to spend. I am not a landscape photographer so don't want to spend a ton of cash on something I am not going to use often. Since I am going to be in a gorgeous place I want to dip my toes in. So looking for a reasonable priced filter.

This is the one I was looking at, which may be the same as yours:

B+W 72mm SC 110 Solid Neutral Density 3.0 Filter 65-1066176 B&H

And if I were to get just one filter should it be a 10-stop?
 
Not sure exactly what you want to photograph but I think a 10 stop might be a little excessive. You may want to consider a 6 stop if you are only going to get a single filter. A CP would be pretty high up on my list for landscapes/seascapes.

Some good info here:
How to Choose Your First Filters (and Which Systems to Use) - CaptureLandscapes
My Favorite Neutral Density Filter - CaptureLandscapes


There are several places with waterfalls, sunrise, sunsets, seascapes. You think 6-stop would be best? I do have a CPL, but haven't used yet. Thanks for the links.
 
If you’re not looking to make a huge investment, I’ve had decent luck with ICE filters in Amazon. They are 30ish dollars for a 10 stop glass filter.

Does it color shift a bit? Yup. That takes me less than 30 seconds to fix in Lightroom.
 
There are several places with waterfalls, sunrise, sunsets, seascapes. You think 6-stop would be best? I do have a CPL, but haven't used yet. Thanks for the links.


I think a 6 stop gives you more flexibility than the 10 stop and may very well be all you need. Keeping the ISO at 100 and aperture at f/11 should still give some fairly long exposures with a 6 stop. Using the CP in conjunction with the 6 stop adds another stop. With a 10 stop you will have a lot of blurry water and clouds.

Whatever you choose try and get some practise before your trip.
 
I like my 8 stop. Gives plenty enough to slow the shutter way down, even on a sunny 16 day. But, still easy enough to compose, meter, and focus through. I often use it in conjunction with a cpl which gets me about 10 stops total.
 
BW is a top-notch products!
 
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Good idea on stacking, the only thing to watch for is potential vignetting.
 
Looks like a nice ND filter kit. PLENTY of options to choose from, and a beautifully engineered concept.
 
So I decided to give the new brand Gobe a shot. I also like their support for the environment. Reviews are pretty good. Gives me a variety to play with. Hopefully it comes in soon so I can practice before the trip.

https://www.amazon.ca/Gobe-Filter-Kit-72mm-16-Layer/dp/B06XVTXJSX/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1526683594&sr=1-1&keywords=Gobe+ND+Filter+Kit+72mm+MRC+16-Layer:+ND2,+ND4,+ND8,+ND64,+ND1000

That kit makes much more sense than just a single 10 stop filter.
What you will find is you will probably use a spread of densities; example ND8 (3 stops), 64 (6 stops) and 1000 (10 stops). I don't think ND2 and 4 will buy you very much.
But use it and see what works for YOU and what you shoot.

I have a 10 stop filter, but that is on one end of the spectrum. And it is like an all-or-nothing filter. I need to get the 3 and 6 stop in-between filters.
 
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Makes me wonder if I should pick up a 6ND filter too. I'm travelling to Greece next week and I'm bringing my only filter: a CPL. But I'm also unsure how much ill be stopping and setting up a long-exposure shot as well...
 

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