Neutral Density Filters

[Shoemugger]

Hi guys, i was thinking of getting some neutral density filters to help reduce excessive light in day and night shots and i have a couple of questions.

Firstly which filter do you guys feel is considered the most versatile?

Secondly, are there other ways to reduce exposure?

and third, is (for example) a 9stop filter equal to a .9 filter and a ND9 filter?

Thank you in advance for you help!

 

[Kerbouchard]

What type of day and night shots? A neutral density filter can be used for some cool effects, but a graduated neutral density filter is usually more useful.

Do you want to reduce light on the entire frame or just a part of it(like the sky)?

As far as other ways to reduce exposure, well, faster shutterspeed, smaller aperture, and base ISO. About the only real reason to use a neutral density filter is when you want a very slow shutter speed, like in the seconds. That isn't really suited to most types of photography.

 

[Shoemugger]

For day shots I want to get that extra 'blur' (such as water near the shore) but dont want to over expose the photo and for night shots I want to reduce light of the entire frame (especially yellow light as it tends to bathe my subject to an excessive degree).

 

[ann]

A .9 ND filter is a three stop filter, it is not the same as a 9stop one, nor a ND9. be sure you watch the demical point.

 

[Shoemugger]

ah I get it, thank you!