Sharp ND Filter

G

grantw

Well-known member
I got a couple $50 and $100 ND filters, but they soften up the image too much. What's the best high end ND filter that keeps a sharp image? Variable most likely.
 
Well, a variable filter isn't actually an ND - it's two polarizers in a stack.

I can guarantee you that no professional DP would stick 2 polarizers in his matte box to adjust exposure. Beyond the silliness of that approach, you're using a tool that's intended to affect the way that light hits your sensor to control something else entirely (amount of light vs. direction of light). Camera movements can give you shifting skies and polarizers can take the depth from skin in closeups.

That said, they're probably fine for youtube skateboard vids & whatnot.

Filters are usually a get-what-you-pay-for proposition. Glass filters from Schneider & the other big guys are what you'll find on the high end. I have some Tiffen 4x4's that are great.

On the cheap end, I still have a couple of plastic Lee ND's, but I've found they look great and any softness they give has looked nice to my eye and hasn't been noticeable.

If you have decent name brand NDs and you're getting unacceptable softness, do some tests, check them for cleanliness, etc.
 
I've been pleased with the Singh-Ray variable ND but I hear the Hoya is just as good and it's lower in price. There's a guy who compared the two and said the Singh-Ray is too warm, but he used AWB in his test.
 
I would largely agree with Michael. If most of your lenses have the same size filter screw, then you would want to invest in a set of ND filters for that size screw. If you have lenses with several different size screws, then you could pick the largest and use step up rings. Or you can invest in a matte box and 4x5 filters. Regardless, be prepared to spend a bit. Even in common sizes and common strengths, good quality NDs will cost anywhere from $10-$50 each.
 
Solids are the way to go.

Actually cheap is not that bad - I personally use B+W at $150 a pop but tested them against some $20 I had and could not really tell the difference.

Varis however are mush.
 
Thre varis seem to be for kids & their first camera... hey, they could end up at the Spielberg level some day, not knockin' em.

I know people like them for run & gun, but run & gun with a DSLR or BMC (and yeah, I've tried) seems like something to grow out of as well - a "real" video camera with ND seems the way to go for that market if you want to catch every shot. Can't beat a real EVF with peaking, built in ND, focus and iris at your fingertips, XLRs, internal recording and signal control, good OIS, etc etc... Can't tell you how many events I've done where the competition were fumbling with DSLR lens changes and settings while I was getting shots (been following an inured veteran's project for a couple years).

But if you're shooting for the Spielberg level, skip the variables, get a .3, .6 and .9 Tiffen at your biggest size, some rings and a wide and a tele rubber hood. Then keep an eye out for a decent matte box (I still have a $300 Indian one and it's been great) and set up an ebay alert for 4x4's. Long after the circulars are collecting dust, you'll still use the glass square filters, a dozen camera upgrades from now.
 
One thing I thought I might add, I use the Xume filter system on my AC90. It makes installing/removing filters really nice. Magnetic rings and stackable. As far as round filters go that's the only way to fly. I am growing tired of my Tiffen variable. It kind of feels like a Freshman approach to things. The downside to multiple single NDs is making sure that they are kept clean. I don't necessarily care for stacking MORE things in front of my lens because it feels like there is more possibility for error (dirty filters) but that's just how the cookie crumbles :)
 
Doesn't the AC90 have built-in ND like the 130 and 160?

For cleanliness, I totally prefer square filters over anything else. I wrap them in microfiber inside their pouches and only hold the corners. With a matte box, they're much faster than screw-ins.
 
grantw said:
I got a couple $50 and $100 ND filters, but they soften up the image too much.
Click to expand...
I wonder what brand you bought?
I got some Cavision, about 60$/filter (4x4) and I must admit that for the price, it's doing a good job with my T2i.
 
Michael Carter said:
Doesn't the AC90 have built-in ND like the 130 and 160?

For cleanliness, I totally prefer square filters over anything else. I wrap them in microfiber inside their pouches and only hold the corners. With a matte box, they're much faster than screw-ins.
Click to expand...

The AC90 has an automatic internal ND and it is not switchable like the 130 and 160. Also it is too weak for most bright conditions so in order to avoid diffraction you need to add external ND to keep your iris at a more reasonable setting.

Sorry for going off-topic.
 
I personally try to avoid NDs at all cost. Sharpness is not usually the issue but rather contrast (or lack there of) when facing backlit situations. Even the expensive NDs have trouble with this, however they are better at it. The expensive usually do a better job with not introducing color casts as well.
 
My ND filter tests, inculding an LCW Fader ND mk2 and some cheap Tiffen screw-ins. Absolutely no effect on sharpness with the solid glass filters, even shooting 36 Mpix stills with a D800. The cheap Tiffens do induce a green cast, my new set of proND filters should be a lot better, but I haven't had the time to test them yet.
 
Never had a sharpness issue with any ND, and believe me, I tried the lowest of the low! :D They can have tons of other issues but sharpness is not ome of them. Wondering what are the filters you used.
 
egproductions said:
I personally try to avoid NDs at all cost. Sharpness is not usually the issue but rather contrast (or lack there of) when facing backlit situations. Even the expensive NDs have trouble with this, however they are better at it. The expensive usually do a better job with not introducing color casts as well.
Click to expand...

Wondering how you control DOF (and I'm not one of these "everything at 1.8" people, but there are many outdoor shots where F4 or 5.6 gives me a sense of the place with focus on the subject).

Got an ISO 20 camera? ;)
 
David W. Jones said:
Have a look at these.... https://www.formatt-hitech.com/en/products/Firecrest-ND-Cinema~180.html
Click to expand...

Already knew you were Go big or go home!, but 6.6x6.6"?!?

For us mortals they do offer smaller options.

https://www.formatt-hitech.com/en/products/Firecrest-ND~181.html

As for screw-ins Hoya's ProND series are the most neutral. Attach them via Xume Adapters for quick swapping & leave the variable NDs at home.

http://www.kenkotokinausa.com/news/press/N0000024/
 
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A couple threads down in the general-DSLR category here, I just posted some tests of Resin 4x4's. Really very surprised that shooting through plastic had no effect on sharpness.

Sadly, the Lee resin stuff has gone up to near-tiffen glass price levels. When I got mine they were about $30 - $50 a pop.
 
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