GH2 ND Filter(s) For Panasonic GH2...Singles or Vari

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duder1234

Member
Hey Guys,

I'm looking into ND filter(s) for my GH2 and was hoping to get some feedback.

Im going to go with 77mm for the ND filter...I figure this should cover a wide array of lens options in the future.

Currently, I have a Voigtlander Nokton 25mm 0.95 and a Canon FD 35mm. So, Ill need a 77-52 step ring for the Nokton and a 77-55 for the Canon.

Now, I'm trying to decide if I should get a few different filters or a single ND fader?

Also, is IR within the filter required for the GH2?

My options so far:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...DKT_77mm_Indie_Standard_Infrared_Neutral.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/619625-REG/Singh_Ray_R_86_77mm_Vari_ND_Neutral_Density.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/609253-REG/Singh_Ray_RT_86_77mm_Vari_ND_Variable_Neutral.html

Not sure what the diffence is between those (the two Vari-ND's)...other than the "thin mount" option.

Thanks!
 
I was in a similar situation last month. I went with the regular ND filters by Tiffen (not vari-ND or ND+IR). Much, much cheaper, and by all accounts they have better quality than any variable ND (no color casts or resolution drop). It only takes a second to swap out the individual NDs. And you don't even need to screw them in all the way to check exposure. Just hold them in front of the lens while looking at the monitor. When you find the filter with the correct exposure, THEN screw it in.

I got a kit with .6, .9 and 1.2 NDs, as well as a Formatt Graduated ND 1.2 filter. I don't really think that a .3 ND is all that useful, but that's just me. And the Grad ND rocks.
 
my vari ND (fader ND) is not very even when you need to step down a lot. also with wide angles you might get uneven skies because the vari is not a real nd but a polarizer... I would go with real NDs.
 
rovanpera said:
my vari ND (fader ND) is not very even when you need to step down a lot. also with wide angles you might get uneven skies because the vari is not a real nd but a polarizer... I would go with real NDs.
Click to expand...

Same. I brought a cheap-o Polaroid Vari-ND for about 60$. I was actually surprised in how little it softened the image. There seems to be no weird color shift, just a less contrasty and saturated image. The sky can end up quite uneven, though, as I learned this past weekend.

If you're going to get a vari-nd, get the heliopan, or don't bother. There's some german site that's selling it for about 300$ including shipping and taxes.

http://www.fotomayr.de/webkat98/homepage.php?/html/006620.HTM
 
DBP said:
If you're going to get a vari-nd, get the heliopan,
Click to expand...

Agreed. Just spent a week with a 67mm version. Very nice, no image degradation, and the stops at either end are a godsend. The other thing is that I found with a little practice I could use my little finger to adjust the filter while shooting (very small adjustments) since the construction of the filter is superb.

My only issue with it is that there is no front thread, so a lens cap solution needs to be found.
 
Thanks for all the info guys!

Went ahead and ordered the Tiffen Indie kit .3, .6, .9, 1.2 ND.

The grad ND is also on my list...but one thing at a time.

Thanks again!
 
I went thru this with Vari and ended up with Tiffen Indie kit as well. I never tried it before and could imediately see my sharpness back to normal.

With it, I bought a B+W CPL filter. I think that will hold me off for a while.
 
I have the polaroid vari one. It's nice but can be problematic at skies or if pushed to maximum closure.

Recent sky footage with the nd on:
 
Is there any vignetting with the Tiffen .9?

If you were to buy just one ND filter to start, would the .6 or .9 be more useful for outdoor use?
 
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