cheap vs quality ND filters

[drapeama]

Just tried them out today (Cavision glass ND). Seem quite nice. A good place to start for most people. I have Schneider, and I have Plastic filters. The Cavision ND's rival the Schneiders, as long as you are in the 1080p realm.

I did an informal test with the Cavision 0.9 ND glass 4x4 filters.
Bottom line: Would not use them on some feature films. Useful for 90% of my purposes.
But for me, these $50~$60 filters do the job, and no one will ever know the difference.

As, you can see, doubling up the ND's to make ND 1.8, gave a noticeable color change. As long as I was not cutting back and forth constantly between a ND1.8 and no filter, I would be fine with it. The camera itself, already has color issues, so I would be adjusting in post anyway.

Thanks for the infos! I was about to worry about my recent purchase. The grabs just convinced me! Thanks a lot!

 

[drapeama]

Just received mine today. From what I've experienced, it has a slight tint (grey turning into blue) when the filter is on, but nothing exceptional. I'll post pictures when I'll get home later tonight.
For the price, the Cavision filters seems quite good. Can't tell about stacking 2 or more (color shift) but so far, I'm convinced and I like the investment. I'll probably order 1-2 more (0.6 and 0.9) to complete my set.

 

[Samuel H]

Mind you: the color shift changes with light sources. My cheap Tiffen NDs have no color shift with LEDs and fluorescents, but go visibly towards green in sunlight.

 

[drapeama]

Mind you: the color shift changes with light sources. My cheap Tiffen NDs have no color shift with LEDs and fluorescents, but go visibly towards green in sunlight.

Well, I'll try it when we'll have a bright sunny day here: supposed to rain for like 5-6 days straight!
But so far, it looks like it's a well worth filter. I'm happy with it!


Edit: So far, from what I've tested under a very nice rainy day:
Without Cavision ND 1.5 Filter. ISO 100, 1/48th, f/1.8:

With Cavision ND 1.5 Filter. ISO 100, 1/48th, f/1.8:

With Cavision ND 1.5 Filter. ISO 100, 1/48th, f/1.8:

Without Cavision ND 1.5 Filter. ISO 100, 1/48th, f/1.8:

Without Cavision ND 1.5 Filter (shutter speed increased to match exposure). ISO 100, 1/48th, f/1.8:

With Cavision ND 1.5 Filter. ISO 100, 1/48th, f/1.8:

Without Cavision ND 1.5 Filter. ISO 100, 1/48th, f/1.8:


So, all in all, I think it's a very acceptable filter for the price paid. Can't tell about more expensive filters, such as Tiffen. I'm satisfied so far. I'll post details when I'll order the others.

 

[David W. Jones]

The problem with the Cavision filters, visual quality aside, is the build quality. They are notorious for the sandwich layer separating.

My advice take it or leave it.... Look for high quality used filters if you want to save the coin. There are many production houses and rental houses going under due to the economy selling their gear at pennies on the dollar.

 

[drapeama]

The problem with the Cavision filters, visual quality aside, is the build quality. They are notorious for the sandwich layer separating.

Can't tell, as I only have one for now, but so far, I like it. Honestly, it's mostly to use with my DSLR outdoor in daylight with prime lenses. I'll see when I'll order the next ones!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts though!

 

[Samuel H]

I'd run the tests varying the shutter speed: it's not easy to tell if there's any color shift from such different images!!

 

[drapeama]

I'd run the tests varying the shutter speed: it's not easy to tell if there's any color shift from such different images!!

Well, I've tried today (first 5mins of sun of the day) and so far: no color shift. I had to crank the shutter speed up to 1/2500th to match the proper exposure. But still, no difference!

With the Cavision ND 1.5, ISO 100, 1/48, f/1.8:


Without the Cavision ND 1.5, ISO 100, 1/4000, f/1.8:


Without the Cavision ND 1.5, ISO 100, 1/2500, f/1.8:


So, I'm satisfied with it!

 

[Samuel H]

There's a blue tint, but it's not huge, just similar to the green one in my Tiffens. I think setting custom white balance when you put ot take away the filter should solve all issues.

 

[drapeama]

There's a blue tint, but it's not huge

I'm impressed, for the price!
Anyway, we'll see when I'll stack another one in front of this particular one. Never knows.

 

[David W. Jones]

Can't tell, as I only have one for now, but so far, I like it. Honestly, it's mostly to use with my DSLR outdoor in daylight with prime lenses. I'll see when I'll order the next ones!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts though!

I have had their ND filters replaced twice because of that problem. I will no longer waste my money on a product that does not last.