ND filter newbie

[mariomattei]

If you had to start with just one ND for your 4x4 mattebox what density would you choose? I'm using 5d Mark 2, Genus mattbox, documentary work. Also have Genus variND 8 stops for when not using the mattebox


I've got a .9 in my BH shopping cart and a .3 and .6 in the wish list, but wondering if I should get the .9 now and then get two others that aren't necessarily .3 and .6. HELP! Thanks.

 

[iunknown]

Start with the .9.

 

[Greg Smith]

I would buy them in the following order if you can't get them all at once: 0.9, 0.3, 0.6. Later, a 1.2 perhaps.

- Greg

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

Get Veri ND such as Sigh-Ray - just a tad lesser optics than good quality ND but will work WAY better with doc-style shooting.

DO NOT GET CHEAPER VERSIONS! They all suck optically.

Here is my blog write up about it:
http://patrykrebisz.wordpress.com/2...d-fader-nd-hd-singh-ray-vari-nd-v-tiffen-nds/

 

[mariomattei]

Greg, Great to have this affirmation. This is basically my plan. But being so new to motion I appreciate learning from others experience. Thanks.

 

[mariomattei]

Patryk, Do you think I should just not get the Genus mattebox and one tiffen .9 ND filter? That'd save me $900! I could instead get video sticks (using photogy sticks still) or get a boom mic (currently using zoom h4n). Thoughts?

After looking at your post, I'll be forking out for the Singh-ray varied ND instead of the Genus one. Thanks!

 

[mariomattei]

I think I'm going to wait on the mattebox until I can get the full should rig (Redrock Micro Field Cinema Bundle). For now, I think I'm going for this Singh-ray ND/polarizing combo. Pricey! But lots of good reviews. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...ITRM_77mm_Vari_N_Duo_Polarizing_Variable.html

 

[Patryk_Rebisz]

mariomattei, you kinda need both - Singh-Ray will help your run&gun exposure on the fly but also you need to control the flare (with mattbox).

 

[mariomattei]

I hear you. The mattebox will need to come later tho' based on my budget and other needs. Is there a temporary makeshift way to 'snap on' a french flag or something? Lens hood won't work b/c I'll be using step-up rings on all lenses accept the 24-70mm L 2.8 which is 77mm, the size ND filter I got. Thanks for the help, dude.