ND filters

[CharlesPapert]

Any words about comparing the best variND filter produced today to the best ND filter?

Never used a variable ND myself--even in the heyday of the DSLR video era I used a mattebox (already owned a 138 Pola and 4x5 ND's), so perhaps someone else can comment on that.

Circular pola--I'm not even sure there are any cameras out there that need them any more. I certainly don't use them.

 

[morgan_moore]

Personally I dont get along with VND - I have Tiffen which I thought would be a decent brand - look green IMO.

Which causes problems with WB unless you are being really careful to re-balance when more 'stopped' down

ive moved to B+W solids which are performing OK on my FS100 which is so sensitive that ND is a consistent problem.

Personally I like a camera with build in ND.

Simply one can end up spending $1k+ on ND solution, not to mention lost hours on set - a proper camera with ND pays for itself fast!

S

 

[cpc]

Any words about comparing the best variND filter produced today to the best ND filter?

The most important thing to note here is that a VariND is NOT an ND filter. It is a pair of polarizers and this means you are getting pola filter effects in your image. FWIW, ancient photographer's wisdom has it to never shoot people with pola filters on. Pola filters may kill all sorts of subtle polarized reflections, including beautiful stuff like subsurface scattered light (skin glow), so unless you specifically aim to remove reflections you may end up with zombie skin.

The VariND is really a landscape photographer's tool, and that's where it comes from.

 

[Michael Carter]

Simply one can end up spending $1k+ on ND solution, not to mention lost hours on set - a proper camera with ND pays for itself fast!

S

Very true, but for many of the looks I'd want (which are easy to get with even an APS-C DSLR), there just isn't a "proper" camera with built-in ND that's as affordable. Maybe the AF-100? But even APS-C doesn't give me something I get from super-35/APS-C. it's subtle but also huge.

I use a "real" broadcast camera for events & whatnot, but for affordable larger-sensor (APS-C & full frame) looks, DSLRs have evolved and also led to things like the BMC and Scarlet. All of which make an investment in ND a good move. (does the Alexa or the Ursa have ND?) When I'm stuck using my smaller-chip camera (with its great audio and XLRs and zebras and remote control) I find the look borrring compared to an 85mm on a DSLR.

 

[morgan_moore]

I bought the cheapest S35 camera I could find with ND - a used SonyF3.

I would suggest that is cheaper than a decent DSLR/BlackMagic+PoshND,MatteBox+Sound Recorder.

I did buy Scarlet mainly due to lack of ND, I think the Ursa/Coin/Alexa also lacking and would prefer to use an F5/55 or Amera - if I was on jobs that got good cameras in.

Even Deakins has the lack of ND on the Alexa as it's main flaw.

A C100 is a good budget option too - being the cheapest S35 camera with ND.

Of course I still do ND stuff - my FS100 and Nex5n but they are used as Bcams for specialist shots, but for fast moving, I just love onboard ND.

S

 

[Michael Carter]

I doubt I'll buy another camera for a couple years now. Renting has become ridiculously easy online, and there's nothing out there that does everything I want.

My favorite gigs involve a lot of effects & keying... the minimal cam for me would be something that shoots from 2.5 to 4k raw with 60p with at least an APS-C. Doesn't exist affordably, as an "I own it" camera.

You do need to own something that covers the basics for normal-budget gigs, regular clients & last minute stuff. I'm happy enough with the DSLR + audio recorder and an AC-130.

OK, whatever they replace the D7100 with I'll likely grab since I make some living from stills and the Nikons hold about 60% of their value. And it's likely the first time I rent a GH4 I'll decide I want one. So that's (with resale) $2k or so (well, who knows then we'll see the D7200 or whatever...) But the Gh4 might be a killer body for effects and plates and keying. Especially with an external 4k recorder...

 

[lonewolf2koc@hotmail.com]

Never used a variable ND myself--even in the heyday of the DSLR video era I used a mattebox (already owned a 138 Pola and 4x5 ND's), so perhaps someone else can comment on that.

Circular pola--I'm not even sure there are any cameras out there that need them any more. I certainly don't use them.

CPL, I use them all the time for any outdoor scenic type of scenes with patchy cloud and water. it helps to increase contrast on the sky and clear up the water. Blue sky is more punchier and when rotating it, it has an interesting sky effect. Hard to achieve that natural look in post. Shooting through glass (car window is a good example) helps to clear up the reflection a bit and you can see people in the car driving. Great for car rig. So they're not at all useless.

Although these days you can grade those type in post, doing it optically has a unique look and less noise artifacts after subsequent post processing cycles.

 

[drapeama]

Cavision filters produced optically poor results (blurry images) on longer lenses< so i can't really recommend those cheap filters.

I've noticed that on my 80-200mm lens at 200mm, even at f/5.6. But I must admit that the lens isn't the sharpest I own either, so.

 

[CharlesPapert]

a

CPL, I use them all the time for any outdoor scenic type of scenes with patchy cloud and water. it helps to increase contrast on the sky and clear up the water. Blue sky is more punchier and when rotating it, it has an interesting sky effect. Hard to achieve that natural look in post. Shooting through glass (car window is a good example) helps to clear up the reflection a bit and you can see people in the car driving. Great for car rig. So they're not at all useless.

Although these days you can grade those type in post, doing it optically has a unique look and less noise artifacts after subsequent post processing cycles.

Perhaps I should have been more clear. Linear polarizers are as useful as they have ever been. I referred specifically to circular polarizers, which are helpful with partial mirrors in the optical system, which is not the case with digital cinema cameras.