GH4 ND Filters

S

scotteh

Active member
Very new to shooting with the GH series of cameras, but it seems like it would be a good idea to pick up some ND filters. I will most likely be shooting video outside in bright conditions within the next few months. I currently have the Lumix 12-35mm f2.8 and Lumix 14mm f2.5 lenses. It's been suggested that I stay away from cheap variable ND filters and pick up a decent ND6 and ND9. Just looking for some more opinions and if possible some specific recommendations.
 
I think I bought a LIGHTCRAFT Variable ND filter from amazon. I love it. Totally adjustable. Hint I missed: Buy a LARGE one, then adapters so it will fit many lenses. I bought 2 different sized ones like an idiot :)
 
Look at Hoya's new ProND series. Uses a different tech then most (metallic coating vs dye) which renders colors as neutral & consistent as any I've ever used. Plus seems to block some IR.

http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?6403-4K-update-Hoya-ProND-Rolling-Report-Thread

Suggest picking up 2, 4, & 8, stop NDs. This is a common setup built into cameras such as the C300.

Use Xume Adapers for quick swaps, but note they're meant to be used inside clip/clamp/bayonet-type lens hoods.

For running as small as possible I've standardized on 58mm, as it's the diameter of Panasonic's premium zooms, but also carry 77mm for greater compatibility.

If your interested in the 77mm setup read the responses from Brian in the following thread. Involves 80mm step-up rings commonly found on cine-mod still lenses.

http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?8932-52mm-vs-77mm&p=120611&viewfull=1#post120611
 
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Bern Caughey said:
Look at Hoya's new ProND series. Uses a different tech then most so the color is as neutral & consistent, as any I've ever used, plus seem to provide some IR blocking.

http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?6403-4K-update-Hoya-ProND-Rolling-Report-Thread

Suggest getting 2, 4, & 8, stop NDs. This is a common setup found built-in cameras such as the C300

Use Xume Adapers for quick swaps, but note they're best used inside clip/clamp/bayonet-type lens hoods.

For running as small as possible I've standardized on 58mm, as this is the diameter of Panasonic's premium zooms, but mostly use 77mm for greater compatibility. If your interested in the 77mm setup read the responses from Brian in the following thread.

http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?8932-52mm-vs-77mm&p=120611&viewfull=1#post120611
Click to expand...

Since the 12-35mm filter thread is 58mm I think I might stick with that. I might buy the 35-100mm in the future, which has the same filter thread. As for my 14mm the filter thread is 46mm. Would a stop down ring even work with this or effect the image?

So something like these?
Hoya 58mm ProND4 Filter
Hoya 58mm ProND16 Filter
Hoya 58mm ProND200 Filter

$70 each. Little pricey.
 
scotteh said:
So something like these?
Hoya 58mm ProND4 Filter
Hoya 58mm ProND16 Filter
Hoya 58mm ProND200 Filter

$70 each. Little pricey.
Click to expand...

Those are the strengths I carry.

Look near the end of that Hoya thread for eBay discounts. 77mm ProNDs retail for $120/each at B&H but my "Best Offer" averaged $85 from a USA eBay vendor who shipped extremely quickly.

If you go the Xume route your front lens cap will no longer work. I use metal Screw-In Caps mounted on Xume Filter Holders for the 58mm series & plastic 80mm Push-on Caps for the 77mm.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/806926-REG/Sensei_lcm58_58mm_Screw_In_Metal_Lens.html

http://www.cordvision.com/cine-ring-with-cap-combo/
 
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Bern Caughey said:
Those are the strengths I carry.

Look near the end of that Hoya thread for eBay discounts. 77mm ProNDs retail for $120/each at B&H but my "Best Offer" averaged $85 from a USA eBay vendor who shipped extremely quickly.

If you go the Xume route your front lens cap will no longer work. I use metal Screw-In Caps mounted on Xume Filter Holders for the 58mm series & plastic 80mm Push-on Caps for the 77mm.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/806926-REG/Sensei_lcm58_58mm_Screw_In_Metal_Lens.html

http://www.cordvision.com/cine-ring-with-cap-combo/
Click to expand...
About the same price on ebay for the 58mm Hoya. Most listings say or best offer so maybe I can get it for even less. Thanks for the tip.
 
Still a bit confused. So lets say I buy 3x 58mm Hoya ND filters. That will be fine for my 12-35mm lens. Then can I get a 46mm to 58mm step up ring and use that + one of my 58mm filters on my 14mm prime? Will this cause any image problems?
 
scotteh said:
Still a bit confused. So lets say I buy 3x 58mm Hoya ND filters. That will be fine for my 12-35mm lens. Then can I get a 46mm to 58mm step up ring and use that + one of my 58mm filters on my 14mm prime? Will this cause any image problems?
Click to expand...

No.
 
Bern Caughey said:
Those are the strengths I carry.

Look near the end of that Hoya thread for eBay discounts. 77mm ProNDs retail for $120/each at B&H but my "Best Offer" averaged $85 from a USA eBay vendor who shipped extremely quickly.

If you go the Xume route your front lens cap will no longer work. I use metal Screw-In Caps mounted on Xume Filter Holders for the 58mm series & plastic 80mm Push-on Caps for the 77mm.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/806926-REG/Sensei_lcm58_58mm_Screw_In_Metal_Lens.html

http://www.cordvision.com/cine-ring-with-cap-combo/
Click to expand...

I just recieved my Xume order and I have to say these are pretty darn cool! I purchased the 58mm version for both my Lumix lenses. 12-35 and 35-100. Holds my Heliopan Variable with no issue. The magnet is pretty strong for such a tiny ring. I'm also thinking about those Hoya ND filters. I like the Variable but when I shoot people I would prefer a true ND filter. Did you get the Hoya 77mm set and use step down rings to 58mm for the Lumix lenses? If so how well does the Xume hold those bigger filters?
 
I decided to grab 2 of the Hoya ProND 58mm (ND4, ND16) from ebayer "eventcameras". I asked them what type of deal they could do if I bought 2-3 and they said lowest price they can offer is $49.95 each. Buy it now price is $69.90, but if you click the make offer button and type in $49.95 it will be automatically accepted. Grabbed a 46mm to 58mm step up ring for $5 off Amazon as well. Thanks for your help!
 
Thanks Bern and scotteh!
I just bought set of three in 58mm ND4, ND16 and ND200. With the Xume I think my GH4 and two Lumix lenses is looking good. Like Bern I might get a set of 77mm later for my Canon 70D setup.
 
Might pick up the ND200 also. Want to see how the ND4 and ND16 work for me. Don't think I'll get the Xume, but it does seem nice. As far as lens caps and lens hoods how does that work with the ND filter on it?
 
I'm also just about to buy a couple of NDs. I'm wondering which ones do I actually need as I don't know how much you can play with ISO before loosing dynamic range. Has anybody significantly lowered ISO from it's native 800 and found any lose in dynamic range?

Also what strengths of ND do you guys recommend for shooting wide open indoors at F2.8 and wide open outdoors with 2.8, both with speedboster (not that I plan of shooting wide open all the time, it's just for reference). I was thinking: 4 stops, 6 and 10 stops. That's ND32, ND64 and ND1024 (ND1000). Would I miss the lower values of 2 stops, and is 10 stops to much?
 
KINOKS said:
I'm also just about to buy a couple of NDs. I'm wondering which ones do I actually need as I don't know how much you can play with ISO before loosing dynamic range. Has anybody significantly lowered ISO from it's native 800 and found any lose in dynamic range?

Also what strengths of ND do you guys recommend for shooting wide open indoors at F2.8 and wide open outdoors with 2.8, both with speedboster (not that I plan of shooting wide open all the time, it's just for reference). I was thinking: 4 stops, 6 and 10 stops. That's ND32, ND64 and ND1024 (ND1000). Would I miss the lower values of 2 stops, and is 10 stops to much?
Click to expand...

I went with these.

Hoya 58mm ProND4 Filter 2 stop
Hoya 58mm ProND16 Filter 4 stop
Hoya 58mm ProND200 Filter 7 2/3 stop

Basically like my C100 and C300 have.
 
Erik Naso said:
I went with these.

Hoya 58mm ProND4 Filter 2 stop
Hoya 58mm ProND16 Filter 4 stop
Hoya 58mm ProND200 Filter 7 2/3 stop

Basically like my C100 and C300 have.
Click to expand...

Which one do you use the most Erik and how much are you lowering ISO?
 
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