which nd filter for waterfalls

[polock]

not sure what power of ND filter i need for shooting daytime waterfalls with long exposure times for the nice blurring effect.

 

[tirediron]

It depends on how strong the light is. I typically try and acheive 3-4 seconds, which depending on aperture, ISO, and time of day can take up to eight stops. Usually 4-6 is sufficient. I would suggest buying a 1, 2, and 4 (Which will allow you any amount up to seven stops).

 

[maulrat]

Daytime? I would definitely use an ND8 (aka 0.9) filter. Heck, somedays, I would even stack an ND8 + CPOL (added effect = to ND2 (0.3))

 

[tirediron]

Note that depending who makes the filter, there are different ways of expressing the density. .3, and ND2 both equal 1 stop; that is, using them will reduce your exposure by 1 full stop, so an image that requires a shutter speed of 1/60 of a second without the filter will require an exposure of 1/30 of a second with an ND2/.3/1 stop filter.

 

[maulrat]

Here is a link to some pretty good sample photos of filters. You have to register for free to see larger images but it is worth it if you are planning to spend money on filters. They have tons of samples.

My favorite filter site