Any ND filters to place between camera and lens for 5d mk3?

High1ander

Well-known member
I wonder if it is possible to get ND filters that sits between the sensor and lens. I have some lenses that are too wide angle (the glass bulges out too much) for being able to use with matte boxes or regular lens filters, so only viable option left is something between the camera and lens.
 
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Somebody did make an adapter for lenses that included a switchable ND filter. But I don't know if it took off or not, I believe there was a design problem, in that it went from air to NDs instead of clear glass to ND filters which would have created issues with focus.
 
What lens are you using? Most people don't know about the gel slot.

On my 17-35l you cut you nd's to fit within the white lines and then slide it into the groove.

Screen Shot 2013-06-27 at 9.11.30 PM.jpg
 
Right now I got a Samyang 14mm, and the glass at the back is even bulging out (was thinking about just "taping some ND" which wouldn't even work then).
 
Isn't almost everything in focus at 14mm? What is the nd for? or is it too bright at f22 iso100.

Good question. But on a longer lens if you need to fit a screw on that otherwise would contact the glass you can use a standoff ring (diy: take the glass out of a cheap filter).
 
You have to be relatively close to the subject, but yes, a 14mm f/2.8 on FF will give you shallow DoF if you want it.

This is 16mm f/3.5 on FF:
IMG_5755.JPG


More where that one came from:
http://www.similaar.com/foto/alhambra/alhambra.html
 
Thanks for the help guys, the WonderPana seems OK, but to pricey for me :) since it is only for one lens.

Well, there are several reasons for wanting ND and also wanting it between lens and camera.

1: Shallow depth of field
2: Being able to do long shutter speeds in daylight (I use my camera for more than just video) :D
3: Don't want to stop down beyond F8 - F11 on my lenses due to refraction (at least when doing stills)
4: Would be nice for the other lenses too for the same reason.
5: Buying ND filters for 82mm diameter lenses are expensive (because the surface area is bigger than for example 52mm), and for other lenses I then need step up rings to go from 56mm or 77mm in order to reach 82mm. (Right now I got, 56mm, 77mm and 82mm filter threads)
6: With NDs, variable at least the lens caps won't fit on the filters, so I have to unscrew them every time when moving around.
 
You are making it a bigger problem than it needs to be.....

Buy the Genus Eclipse 82mm var ND filter (videogear.co.uk). It's really not that expensive if you could afford the 5D mk III....

Then buy step up rings from Ebay. Easy and cheap to get rings for ALL your lenssizes.

Then buy lens caps from ebay in size 82mm from China.... I got 4 caps for 6 euros, including shipping, and they are every bit as fine as the original Canon ones which are way over priced.

My only problem right now is the trouble with first mounting the lens hood then fiddle with the step ring and filter. But hey, like I said, don't make camels our of ants.


Otherwise, get a mattebox set.
 
I already got a Hoya Var ND, 82mm cap doesn't work. It doesn't have threads for another filter, so don't know if any cap will fit. I will get step up rings, at least for the 77mm lens.

I don't want to buy a matte box only based on how well it can use filters for a 14mm lens, for something that isn't "that important" but a nice feature. I will get a matte box later on anyways for filming, but then I will have other things that will take priority.

It all boils down to, I think it is stupid to get ND filters that are expensive and various sizes, and that they need to be 82mm diamater, 4x4 or even larger for a single lens to work instead of getting ND small, like one inch between lens and camera. To me its like water proofing the floor instead of fixing the leak on the roof. Now, even if I could get a ND between lens and camera, I would still want to have a matte box for graduated NDs, etc... So, to me it wouldn't be a final solution to all problems ND, but it sure as hell would be niftier than buying lots of extra stuff that takes up space in the camera bag. Also, harder to keep a 4x4 clean than a sensor size ND.
 
I already got a Hoya Var ND, 82mm cap doesn't work. It doesn't have threads for another filter, so don't know if any cap will fit. I will get step up rings, at least for the 77mm lens.

I don't want to buy a matte box only based on how well it can use filters for a 14mm lens, for something that isn't "that important" but a nice feature. I will get a matte box later on anyways for filming, but then I will have other things that will take priority.

It all boils down to, I think it is stupid to get ND filters that are expensive and various sizes, and that they need to be 82mm diamater, 4x4 or even larger for a single lens to work instead of getting ND small, like one inch between lens and camera. To me its like water proofing the floor instead of fixing the leak on the roof. Now, even if I could get a ND between lens and camera, I would still want to have a matte box for graduated NDs, etc... So, to me it wouldn't be a final solution to all problems ND, but it sure as hell would be niftier than buying lots of extra stuff that takes up space in the camera bag. Also, harder to keep a 4x4 clean than a sensor size ND.

I've been wanting to put a small ND filter between my Speed Booster and lens, or in front of my Sony FS100 sensor, also, but haven't had the nerve to try. Somehow I can't imagine it working very well on the 5D with the mirror flapping about. But I share your frustrations.

Have you looked at Xume magnetic filter holders? They won't help you avoid redundant filters and/or oversize filters, but will help you with convenience and speed.

To cap your 82mm vari-ND, you may consider a push-on... Like this: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/125304-REG/Kaiser_206985_85mm_Push_On_Lens_Cap.html
 
But in regards to your question.... I don't see how that would work very well.

First you need a device similar to the speedbooster which is entirely closed. Then you'd need it to be variable to be even remotely useful.

And then we'd have to adresse the issues that could with moving the lens away from the chip. The filter thing would act like a ring and mess up your focal lenght / near focus etc..

Tell Metabones to make it and sit back and wait for it... I honestly still think you are making this a bigger issue than it needs to be.


In regards to Hoya; they aren't exactly on the top of the food chain in quality, so I'm not surprised they don't have a front thread.
 
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