p.2 #2 · ND filter: How many stops if I had to choose one?
thank you all for the great feedback! I definitely want to go the 77mm screw-in route. Someone brought up a good point that I might be over-estimating how long I want my exposure, and maybe less than a second will be more than adequate at times. I guess I can buy one or two NDs with less stops, and then combine them (when not using a wide angle) for brighter conditions.
In response to the question about why you would use a CPL: As others mentioned, it adds a ND effect, but in addition to that, it can be very advantageous for it to cut the glare of the water in PARTS of the scene. For example, if shooting a clear river with a fly fisherman positioned below the head of the pool, I wanted the white water at the top of the pool to get distinct motion blur, but still want to be able to see into the clear water lower in the pool where there is no foam/white water. For the glacial rivers I fish, I want to be able to see that turquoise color of the water really well in the areas that don't have white water (where the motion blur effect will be most accentuated), so a CPL is again a huge help there.
Hopefully the issue someone had with combining a CPL and ND had to do with a wide angle or funny combo, and isn't always the case. Sounds like others have done fine combining.
p.2 #3 · ND filter: How many stops if I had to choose one?
If you're really serious about this, go for the real deal....place an order with 2filters.com for the Lee big stopper and be patient. I promise you, it is well worth the wait. 25 seconds at f/ 5.6, Lee Big Stopper.
and another.. notice how the exposure is even across the frame. Also look at the fidelity and sharpness.. there's a reason why it's a well-sought item.
I have a custom-cut Hitech 6-stop ND for the 14-24mm but I find myself pulling this out from time to time; must be inner cheapskate
I also like the colour cast and leave it uncorrected at times, use it as a base for x-pro
Considering their cost, I'm less cautious with them, plus I've got spares
Timed mine to be roughly 9 stops
p.2 #7 · ND filter: How many stops if I had to choose one?
I'm just starting to explore ND filters and figured I would install a CPL (screw on type) first, and then mount 4x4 ND's (tiffin) using Cokin X-pro mount (which handles 4x4 plates).
I've invested in the .3, .6 and .9 and was looking at the big stopper 4x4 which is not compatible with the cokin x-pro mount due to its gasket/seal not allowing the plate to fit in the groves of the holder.
Given the issue of not being able to see through a big stopper or close there to, I reasoned that it would be better to use a 4x4 plate vs. a circular screw on version of the big stopper so that I could slide it up and down to frame and focus the shot.
So generally, any thoughts on mixing and matching the screw on CPL before mounting the ND's on top of it? And, what about the 4x4 plate vs. screw on big stopper style ND?
Or, should I just go get a welder's mask and rivet it to my lens hood?
p.2 #9 · ND filter: How many stops if I had to choose one?
form wrote:
What about Singh-ray Vari-ND?
I don't like them. Vari-ND's are essentially dual-polarizers. They can create banding (very uneven exposures across the frame). In order to cut down on banding, you have to dial back the light-stoppage.
They can be fine on telephoto'ish lenses, but if you're shooting wide at all, Vari-ND's can ruin your shot.
