ND options for Canon CN-E 24mm T1.5

[pmcdonald]

I find myself in the unusual situation of moving into a team whose kit includes the beautiful Canon 24mm cine lens but not much else in the way of support for it. It also currently gets paired with a 5D MkII, which makes my heart break a little.

What would people recommend as a 4-8 stop ND solution so we can use it outdoors? (Mainly interviews, I'm guessing)

The lens has an enormous 114mm front diameter and 105mm thread diameter. I was thinking a vari-nd that sits between the lens and mount could work, but can't find any EF to EF models. There is no matte box in the kit.

 

[NorBro]

I think your only choice is using a mattebox (or a filter with tape)...or get them to upgrade to the EOS R and use the neat ND filter adapter Canon created:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1433719-REG/canon_mount_adapter_ef_rf_with.html

 

[Greg_E]

That's a neat adapter, surprised no one else has done that for adapters. Also surprised that this is not a positive locking EF mount.

 

[David W. Jones]

There are a boatload of variable ND filters available with 105mm threads.

 

[NorBro]

There aren't that many, but duh (saying that to myself)...that would definitely be the best option.

105mm isn't a popular size as the abundance usually ends around 82mm, but B&H has one in stock:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?ci=22490&fct=fct_circular-sizes_27|105mm&N=4011740578

The price is not so friendly because they are rare. At least quality is in that size.

___

Some more options with solid fixed NDs:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/sear...05mm+fct_a_filter_by|03_INSTOCK&N=4026728350&

 

[David W. Jones]

Haida Pro II-S

Formatt Hitech

Aurora-Aperture Power XND Mark II

Aurora-Aperture PowerXND 2000

Are all variable ND

Or you could just get a set of ND filters and change them out when needed.

But hey, if they have the coin to drop over $4K on a single lens, you might push them to spend the coin on a swing-away matte box and filter set.

For what it's worth, the only time I use variable ND filters is on run-n-gun style shoots.

For interviews outdoors I use ND's and silks to control the light.

 

[Run&Gun]

You're not going to find any EF to EF adapter, because it's impossible. It would change the flange distance. But like NorBro said, they could go to an EOS R which actually has an adapter to accommodate that...

You have to be careful with the variable ND systems, because at the extreme ends you can get noticeable color shift. But they are convenient as heck when you're in a hurry. And there are systems out there that go into a 4x5.65 MB tray(range $500-$1200). Some are self contained and others require you to use a filter tray and the MB to have a slot for a 138mm round rotating filter.

Of course, there's just the good 'ole fashioned way of a MB and individual ND filters. Most in-camera, fixed grade ND systems typically have 0, 2, 4 & 6 stops, like in our ENG camera. The big exceptions are the F5/55(0, 3 & 6), Venice(0 to 8 in single stop increments) and the Fs7/II with its awesome electronic variable ND system.

My ENG cameras and C300 all do 0, 2, 4 & 6 and my P2 Vari actually has a single stop in the rear turrent and my 55 has 0, 3, & 6. So I have a set of external ND's in 1, 2 & 3 stops to work with what I have available in-camera. That allows me to dial it in pretty precisely. If I pull out the external ND, it's usually on the 55 since it's the odd-duck with less fine control over its built-in ND compared to other cameras' internal systems.

 

[Chris Santucci]

Get some 3"x3" Wratten ND filters and cut to fit over rear element.