Fader ND filter size

mojo43

mojo43

Well-known member
Hi, I have been reading threads on Fader NDs but I can't find a definite answer on which filter size to get.

I have the following lenses: 50mm 1.4, 28mm 2.0 and the stock 14mm-140mm. Can you tell me what Fader ND filter size to get so that I don't get vignetting?

Thanks in advance...
 
My advice is to get the largest Fader you can afford and then use step-up rings for your various lenses. A 77mm Fader is a good choice, not so much to avoid vignetting with the lenses you listed, (although it certainly would) but because you never know what lenses you may acquire in the future.
 
I was looking for the fader ND filter at a local used camera show the other day and I was told that one can easily make one without spending too much $$$.

In essence, you can stack a linear polarizer and a circular polarizer together to make the same effect as a fader ND. This is an old photography trick and I tested it at home, and it really worked well.
 
When I was in the theater waiting for Avatar to start I realized you can make a free DIY Fader ND by stealing the glasses, and putting the two lenses together. :tongue: But yeah, the idea of putting two polarizers together works. I think you have to take one apart and flip the glass.

The Fader ND is a nice price though. I meant to get the 77 but accidentally ordered the 72 and it's been fine with the kit lens and with a 50mm FD.
 
Abe said:
I was looking for the fader ND filter at a local used camera show the other day and I was told that one can easily make one without spending too much $$$.

In essence, you can stack a linear polarizer and a circular polarizer together to make the same effect as a fader ND. This is an old photography trick and I tested it at home, and it really worked well.
Click to expand...

Hmmmm... | am all for saving money if possible but it doesn't seem like it would be that much cheaper. What size and filters did you use?
 
The linear polarizer is very cheap at my local used camera store. Most people go for circular nowadays. So, for me, this is a real good deal.

I have sets for 55, 62, 67, 72 and 77. But you really need just one set, depending on your lenses.
 
Abe said:
The linear polarizer is very cheap at my local used camera store. Most people go for circular nowadays. So, for me, this is a real good deal.

I have sets for 55, 62, 67, 72 and 77. But you really need just one set, depending on your lenses.
Click to expand...

I am not quite sure how this will work? Do I use two linear polarizing lenses?
 
Yes, or one linear and one circular. If you use two circulars you'll end up with wacky colour shift patterns over the image depending on their combined angles.
 
Yes, one linear and one circular. It does not matter which way it goes. By rotating one of the filter, you get different degree of ND effects.
 
If you stacked a linear and circular polarizer to create a cheap fader ND what would happen if you then stacked another circular one on top? would the final one act like a polarizer?
 
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As far as I know, the stacked filters work exactly the same way as Vari-ND. Vari-ND just put two layers together in a compact format. I have not tried putting another C-PL yet, maybe we should try it out.

And, unless you are shooting wide angle, I do not see vignetting becoming an issue. Of course, more filters cause light loss. But in the case of ND, that's exactly what we want, reduced light intensity.
 
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