just wondering, since the video shooters often use the light craft studio fader how does it compare opticly to the lee big stopper? i have the fader II but havent put it to use in the field yet.
Go try it out and come back and report your results. expose in Av so you can vary the shutter speed to establish equivalent exposure.
With a WA lens all Vari-NDs have some irregularity in the ND pattern, a kind of a large X shape. The onset of this irregularity depends upon the quality of the V ND and the width of the lens (FOV).
Onset of the pattern at about 5-6 stops ND is not unusual, but onset at >8 stops ND is excellent. Again depends upon the lens and FF or crop.
read carefully the statement they all make about use with certain optics
quote lifted from the lightcraft workshop site on its vari product:
"Further rotation of the filter may cause an “X-cross effect” to appear on image"
the wider the angle the more prominent the effect
this effect can and does occur on all vari type filters
I've used the LCW fader and currently have the LBS. LBS is miles better in terms of usability. LCW is ok if you don't max it out, but around 8 or 9, you will start to see the X across the frame.
If you can't find the LBS anywhere, the B+W ND110 is a good substitute until you find a LBS.
