Neutral Density Filter Moire

[Cousin Vinny]

Greetings, Earthlings!
My NDF is giving me unwanted special effects It works fine, then it produces a moire, then it works as it should again. Examples are attached.

I Don't Hike. I Saunter.: Test Page

 

[zulu42]

Was this a variable ND filter?

 

[RVT1K]

In successive shots with no other changes made?

 

[480sparky]

You're dialing down your VND too far. Back it off some. That'll take care of the Dreaded VND 'X'.

 

[Cousin Vinny]

Was this a variable ND filter?

Yes. I tried cycling it CCW a few turns and then setting it in either direction but it didn't help.

 

[Cousin Vinny]

You're dialing down your VND too far. Back it off some. That'll take care of the Dreaded VND 'X'.

But the moire was only reduced at the lighter settings and at other times, it goes perfectly down to total black with no problem. Look at the sky in this one...

View attachment 179139

 

[Cousin Vinny]

In successive shots with no other changes made?

I can't say no other changes. You have to dial it up to see the shot then turn it back down. Most shots are taken at a similar shutter and f/stop.

 

[480sparky]

But the moire was only reduced at the lighter settings ....

That's normal for VNDs.

....and at other times, it goes perfectly down to total black with no problem. Look at the sky in this one...

View attachment 179139

Can't see attached image. I get an error from the forum.

Bottom-of-the-barrel VNDs will start to X out at 5-6stops, while top-shelf filters can go to 7 or 8 before they do so.

 

[Cousin Vinny]

But the moire was only reduced at the lighter settings ....

That's normal for VNDs.

....and at other times, it goes perfectly down to total black with no problem. Look at the sky in this one...

View attachment 179139

Can't see attached image. I get an error from the forum.

Bottom-of-the-barrel VNDs will start to X out at 5-6stops, while top-shelf filters can go to 7 or 8 before they do so.

 

[Cousin Vinny]

But the moire was only reduced at the lighter settings ....

That's normal for VNDs.

....and at other times, it goes perfectly down to total black with no problem. Look at the sky in this one...

View attachment 179139

Can't see attached image. I get an error from the forum.

Bottom-of-the-barrel VNDs will start to X out at 5-6stops, while top-shelf filters can go to 7 or 8 before they do so.

This one is set nearly to maximum and no X. That's the dilemma. It doesn't happen every time.