I'm interested in buying a 6 stop ND filter and after a lot of research I'm thinking about going with a Breakthrough Photo X2 or X4 filter. But, I'm having trouble understanding what the real differences are between the two. Can anyone help out with what is different and how that affects the real world results?
It appears the differences are the grip on the filter ring, the glass ,and the amount of coatings. Is this correct? Anything else? What does that translate to in real world use?
Essentially, is the X4 worth 70% more than the X2? (6 stop 77mm).
For reference, I'll be using this for landscape work on a 5DIV, 17-40, and 24-105. I'm not a pro, but do sell my work at art fairs and such.
I bought the 4X one. Better glass and a 35 year warranty. Sure it costs more but I do a lot work around the ocean and wanted a filter that could handle the elements along with a company that stands behind their products. This is my second filter I've bought directly from them along with their excellent 77 to 52 mm adapters.
X4 (used to be called X3)
25 year warranty
Shott B270 glass produced in Germany
16 layers of multicoating (8 per side with the outer being hydrophobic)
3.1mm deep
X2
25 warranty
H-K9L optical glass made in Japan
8 layers of multicoating (4 per side with hydrophobic outer)
3.5mm deep
I use the 3, 6 and 10 stop X4
X4 CPL
72-77, 77-82, 72-82 brass step rings
Thanks for the info guys. Anyone know of any reviews showing the real world differences in practical use in terms of image quality, color neutrality? I'm trying to get an idea if the price difference is really worth it for me. I understand it certainly will be worth it for some, and not for others.
Right, that is what I've read. What I'm trying to figure out is should I drop the extra cash on the X4, or go with the cheaper X2. I haven't been able to find anything that gives me any indication of the performance difference between the two.
Color correction is not that big a deal (or more precisely color temperature correction). I do it on all my images anyway, whether they are taken with a filter or without. Color shift on the other hand can be problematic. Sticky surfaces, as on some Hoya filters, can be a PITA around water.
All reviews I have seen agree that in terms of quality BT is the best there is. If money is no object go with them with the understanding that a full set will set you back $500+ for the 77mm version. Make sure that this is big enough for your lenses. May WA lenses nowadays require larger filters. Some WA lenses require ultra thin rings on the wide end to avoid vignetting.
For me the requirements are no color shift, no particularly bothersome cleaning issues, and only then multi-coating. Most of the time you would not be shooting into the sun with strong ND, so reflections are not that big a deal. I don't measurebate much and am yet to see the difference between a single coated and multi-coated filter. It probably is there if you pixel peep.
I know this is an ancient thread but thought I would add one more important point about the very real differences between the two versions...........the X2 is anodized aluminum and the X4 is electroplated brass. The brass, in this sort of fine-threaded application, will provide a smoother thread experience, over a longer period of time, in more environments compared to the anodized aluminum of the X2.
