Recommended Variable ND filter for E-Mount lenses?

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dylansmith

Well-known member
Hi guys, I just got the a6300 and will soon be getting either the sigma 30/1.4 or sony 35/1.8 to be paired for video.

As I'll be shooting in 1/50s, 4k24p outdoors wide open at f1.4 or 1.8, I'll definitely need a variable ND filter to handle these conditions.

Which brand/model is the most recommended for video purposes?
 
dylansmith said:
Hi guys, I just got the a6300 and will soon be getting either the sigma 30/1.4 or sony 35/1.8 to be paired for video.

As I'll be shooting in 1/50s, 4k24p outdoors wide open at f1.4 or 1.8, I'll definitely need a variable ND filter to handle these conditions.

Which brand/model is the most recommended for video purposes?
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I like the Tiffen variable ND, and it's only $100 for the 77mm version. No noticeable x pattern or big color tints, just slight image changes due to the nature of the polarizer.
 
The heliopan variable ND is one of the best you can buy.

Unfortunately even the best VNDs destroy skin tone and turn people into wax works. The cheaper VNDs will soften the image and add variable colour casts, there is no free lunch when using VNDs.
 
Nirv said:
The heliopan variable ND is one of the best you can buy.

Unfortunately even the best VNDs destroy skin tone and turn people into wax works. The cheaper VNDs will soften the image and add variable colour casts, there is no free lunch when using VNDs.
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+100

Variable ND is terrible. When used on the higher ND end, it will create uneven and strange artifacts. If you absolutely have to, and will not have time to change ND's, than go for it. If you can spare 60 seconds to put a real IRND on, I highly recommend.
 
Nirv said:
The heliopan variable ND is one of the best you can buy.

Unfortunately even the best VNDs destroy skin tone and turn people into wax works. The cheaper VNDs will soften the image and add variable colour casts, there is no free lunch when using VNDs.
Click to expand...

is it true also for the heliopan VND u mentioned?

will a fixed ND not have such issues? If so, what is the most cost effective model u'd recommend?
 
The Hoya ProND are great if all you need circular filters. They use metallic coatings which make them very neutral, & provides some IR protection. There's a very long thread over at BMCuser where you can find reviews, & links to eBay sellers who offer deep discounts.

Firecrest NDs use a similar technology, & are available in larger sizes.

I use Xume Adapters on most NDs that are 77mm & smaller. These are small magnetic rings that attach between the filters, & lenses, which allow swapping between ND strengths very quickly. Because the connection is only magnetic it's best to protect them from impacts with a hood that attaches directly to the lens, & not the filter.
 
Depending on the brightness of your region, you’ll need 10+ stops of ND to shoot outdoors at F/1.4, especially if you’re shooting in SLOG2. Unless you're talking about rear lens mount variable NDs, there's no NDs that are specific to E-mount.

Variable NDs aren't ideal, but they're rather convenient. 4K kinda requires higher quality optics and filters than 1080P, so you should probably get good filter, and they won't come cheap. Personally, I like filters to have front threads (a number of VNDs don’t have front filter threads), so I'd recommend an SLR Magic or Genus Eclipse.

You can minimize the effect variable NDs have on skin tones by placing a rotating filter ring from a cheap CPL between your VND and lens; this allows you to rotate the whole filter and somewhat dial in the amount of polarized light and kinda preserve the skin tones. You might be able to get away with a cheap Fotga variable ND on lenses 35mm and wider, otherwise it’s too soft to be usable. You can also save money buying used filter off photo & video forums, Craig’s list, and eBay (that’s what I usually do).
 
Get an SLR Magic Variable emergencies and run & gun, and then a set of Hoya ProND for more critical work. Add the Xume. As mentioned, you need a LOT of nd to do f1.4 outdoor. I wouldn't go variable with that. Actually, the SLR magic won't get you quite there. Quality is great, the ND range is conservative because...well, the quality needs to be great!

FYI: I had to return my Firecrest because they were not consistent from filter to filter with regard to color neutrality. There have been other complaints too. Do a bit of research first if going that route.
 
another vote for heliopan. if you have to use a variable ND, that one is pretty okay. the hard stops are nice to have.

agree with others though - the best variable ND is no variable ND.
 
dylansmith said:
is it true also for the heliopan VND u mentioned?

will a fixed ND not have such issues? If so, what is the most cost effective model u'd recommend?
Click to expand...

The more expensive VND filters are better as I found out when I was using an FS100, I bought a cheap Genus (not Eclipse) VND and I had horrible results from double vision with lenses longer than about 100mm and I could dial any colour temperature I wanted with it. You had to make sure you WBed every time the VND was adjusted because the colour was so different.

I bought the Heliopan and the double vision vanished and the wide variations of colour temperature change went too. IIRC the heliopan caused a very slight green tint.

Don't be surprised if a good VND costs the same as small lens, I can guarantee you'll be disappointed with a cheap one.

If I were needing external NDs I think I'd be looking at the magnetic ones or the square clamp on types and give the VNDs a miss this time round.
 
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