Variable vs fixed density filter

[ketan]

Hi,

For some creative experimentation I purchased a Hoya variable Density filter. It claims minimum 1.5 to max 9 stop exposure effect. I was under belief that while serving the day to day usage it will be able to create the silky water effect also.

To my surprise, in actual usage, beyond 5-6 stops the effect is not usable. It creates an 'X' effect which is visible making it unusable. So the 9 stop effect that is in ND400 to create silky water effect is not possible at all.

I plan to return this filter and have ND400 (9 stop) + ND8 (3 stop) instead.

Would you recommend any ND4 (2 stop) filter also that can be stacked along with ND8 to have 2,3,5 stop effects?

Thank you

Ketan

 

[tirediron]

What do you mean by an 'X' effect? Typically, I use a shutter speed of 1-3 seconds for the 'silky water' effect. Nine stops is a lot of ND.

 

[ketan]

X Effect

Customer Image Gallery for Hoya 77mm Variable Density 3-400 Filter

 

[usayit]

I made one out of curiosity using two polarizing filters back to back.... At very dark settings, I saw a similar effect. Not really X but an uneven tones and darkening.

I now use a 3 stop and a 10 stop. Never had a need for anything else. I find it highly unlikely I'll need to control the density to the N'th degree.

 

[480sparky]

The VND "X" effect:

 

[usayit]

Yup.. that's similar to my experience with my DIY variable ND filter.

 

[tirediron]

Hmmm... never seen or heard of that before. I suspect that may be something that's more pronounced in the more entry-level filters. Try Singh-Ray's Vari ND.