Home made Fader-ND with two Linear Polarizers

[draven4]

I know this has been discussed before in the forums. I just want to check now that time has passed and people now have had experiences good and bad with making a fader ND using the method of putting two Linear Polarizers on. (instead of buying the expensive Vari-ND from Singh Ray.

1) has it been working out for anyone?
2) is there a color shift?
3) do you notice a loss of contrast?

I just want to see if this is a good or bad alternative to the Vari-ND by Singh Ray. Sucks because they are expensive.

 

[bwwd]

I did it,no sharpness on telephoto lenses like 100mm or 200mm and overall lose of detail on others ,visible for me but some people accept it cause its convenient to turno those rings,id say avoid fader ND at all costs,buy regular ND8.ITs not 2 linears,its linear and circular.

 

[argo]

Two linears (or a linear in front of a circular) are fine. I've had results that are satisfactory for me. No visible loss of contrast, but color shift will occur when significantly darkened. Larger (than lens) diameter (at leasr front) filters should be used because their combined thickness will otherwise cause problems with extreme wide angle lenses.

 

[bwwd]

someones word on "no visible loss" is not enough when my own tests proved it to be different so would be great to see some frame grabs with 100-200mm range.
I can post some grabs with hoya if someone wants to see it,talk is cheap.

 

[Peternap]

someones word on "no visible loss" is not enough when my own tests proved it to be different so would be great to see some frame grabs with 100-200mm range.
I can post some grabs with hoya if someone wants to see it,talk is cheap.

I'm not going to doubt someone's word...but I also had what I consider an unacceptable loss. I think that's the answer..."what is acceptable for one may not be for others".
After trying the double filters I bought a Genus fader which others consider unacceptable. While there is a visible loss it was within what I consider acceptable.

Neither solution is as good as quality individual screw on filters...or as expensive.