c300 -- built in NDs vs. Variable ND filters

G

Gene Sung

Veteran
I don't have a camera with built in ND filters. Right now I'm just using a 5D2 with a variable ND filter.

But just wondering since the C-300 does have built in ND filters, do you guys only use the built in ND filters? This would be more for run and gun type stuff where you have to do things fast, and NOT for more production / sound stage type stuff.

Or do you guys still find a use for Variable ND filters such as the Heliopan?

The reason I'm asking is because the built in NDs work in 2 stop increments. Seems like the precise nature of the Variable ND filter would still be useful since you can dial it in exactly to the needed ND.

But like I said, since I don't have a camera with built in NDs, I can only theorize about it. Want to hear opinions from people who actually have a camera with built in NDs.

Thanks for any guidance
 
I use my built-in ND's only. 2 stop ND control is plenty for the C300; 1/8 stop aperture control lets me fine-tune the exposure and the excellent ISO performance gives me another option as well (by applying too much ND then bumping up the ISO slightly). My only real gripe is that sometimes, in the brightest of days & locations, 6 stops of ND isn't quite enough at the recommended 850 ISO if I want to stay relatively open on my aperture (f/5.6 or more), but if I'm shooting in those conditions I'll likely use a polarizer anyway and that takes care of the extra filtration I need.

I don't like using variable ND's because they almost always introduce weird color shifts and/or image degradation at longer than standard focal lengths. I would rather supplement with a normal filter if needed, whether that be screw-on, matte-boxed, or something of that nature.

Over the weekend I had a run 'n gun shoot with an FS100 and used this Formatt Hitech 100mm filter holder with their resin ND's, and it worked great. Very fast and easy to change out filters. I'm thinking about getting one of my own to use grads/polarizers/effects filters with my C300:

http://www.amazon.com/Hitech-Modula...1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1338772336&sr=8-1-fkmr0
 
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