How strong are your ND filters usually?

[leaftors]

When you're shooting outdoors, what is the strength of your nd filters during peak and right before sunset (that nice diffused light)..?

I just did a test for peak and it says I have to adjust to 7 stops = 2.1 ND filter.

My initial settings were: 1/50 f/2.8 and to get a correct exposure I had to adjust to 1/100 f/22
That's a 7 stop difference right?

I'll do a test for sunset later on in the day.

So I did a test and it's around 3 stops.

The mattebox I want to get allows 2 filters. What 2 filters should I get?

 

[Alex H.]

There's rarely a need to shoot at f/2.8, unless you're caught up in the "shoot everything shallow" bandwagon in which case you really need to re-examine your shooting style. But, if you absolutely have to shoot at f/2.8 in daylight... yeah, 7 stops of ND (2.1) might be necessary.

A basic ND kit will have 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, and 1.2. By doubling them up, you can achieve just about any value you'd really need. 1.2 + 0.9 = 2.1.