ND or Fader ND?

D

DDirector

Veteran
I need to get an ND filter, but I don't know if its best to get different ND filters or just get one fader ND.
I heard that the fader ND can make the image less sharp. So, should I not get it?
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I also have UV filters attached to my lenses, is it a good idea to have the UV filters attached if I have the ND filter attached, or should it be removed?
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The lenses I have are all 58mm, is it still best to get a larger diameter one?
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Where can I get the Light Craft Fader ND? - I can only find the genus fader ND @ B&H


Thanks
*This is for video.
 
Fader ND tends to soften the image on more telephoto lenses. I vaguelly remember someone shooting on a 70 - 200 and it was soft from 70 onwards.

Anything you stick in front of your glass is going to change and possibly degrade your image. i've shot with a UV + Fader ND and it didn't bother me. I've also just gone straight for the fader and didn't bother with an ND.

I just typed this into google: lightcraft fader ND, and that brought up the website.

Just looked at the lightcraft website and apparently they've released a newer Fader ND that addresses the issue of using telephoto lenses. Ha, they're calling it the Fader ND mark II. I guess they got a lot of complaints from 7D/5D users. :)
 
I just received my Fader ND Mk2 today. It is sweet! It is very nice build quality. I believe it is all glass as it has a bit of substantial weight to it. I haven't tested it but so far on initial impression, it is very nice.
 
I don't have any lens greater than a 50. So, from what it sounds like, I should be safe.

I was not able to get on their website before for some reason. But, when I did, they were out of stock.

Should I get a 77mm D., or something similar even if I have only 58mm D. lenses right now?
 
I have the 77mm and bought several step-up rings to work with my lenses. You can find the rings on eBay. I'm still waiting on some step-up rings to arrive before I can test the Fader ND on my telephotos, although I don't think loss of sharpness will be an issue with these Mk 2 versions.
 
DDirector said:
Should I get a 77mm D., or something similar even if I have only 58mm D. lenses right now?
Click to expand...

Yes. Get bigger then you will need in case you get lenses larger then 58mm. Step up rings are cheap. Actually, light workshop also has step up rings so probably easiest just to order one there too.
 
+1 on what Isaac said. Go big and get cheap step-up rings. My local photo shop carries some, and Adorama has a massive selection as well.

I prefer the Singh-Ray Vari-ND, but that's just me. :D
 
cool. thanks guys!

One more thing. What if you have a matte box? Not saying I do have one, but lets say in the far future, I decide to get one. Is the ND filter still worth it, and will it not be an issues if there is a matte box? (Or a lens hood) Just wondering.
 
I suspect that the Fader Mark II is still using cheaper glass than the Singh Ray - hence the price difference. If you look at the stills on their website - the Mark II is still not as good as no filter though better than the old one. Somebody here had the new Mark II nad said it still degraded the image somewhat on a long shot.
Just for yucks I tried my shiity Fader ND knock off that ripped me off on ebay against 2 good quality polas stacked and those didn't degrade very much if at all, so you probably get what you pay for.
 
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