I use the 24-105 and 70-200 lenses on my 5D Mkiii and shopping for a variable ND filter for shooting video. Was wondering which brand to buy. Local camera shop showed me a ProMaster variable 11 stop filter for a decent price compared to the Sing Rays I see online. Also curious about the so-called vignette problem with these filters. For a 77 diameter lens, is it best to go with an 82 and use step-up ring or is that not necessary?
Sing Ray or ProMaster ND Filter? 77 or 82?
- Thread starter percoplus
- Start date
I've tested almost ALL of them. I live in Los Angeles so we have a ton of camera stores and one day I went to several camera stores and tested these variable NDs: Tiffen, Kenko, Hoya, Heliopan, the Original Genus and a couple more. Guess what? Some of them were very sharp and some of them were soft, but EVERY single one had a noticeable green cast. I was bummed.
I then read Frank Glencarn's blog (he's very tech knowledgeable) and said this is the best Fader he's tested: the new Genus Eclipse fader. He says it retains the sharpness but unlike the other Faders, does not have a green cast. Instead, it has a slight warming effect, which is a lot better than green IMO. It's priced well also at around $180 which is a pretty common fader price. I've read several other reviews on the Genus Eclipse and everyone seems to like it.
I personally would get the Genus just because it doesn't have that green cast and it's sharp.
http://frankglencairn.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/nd-fader-shootout-heliopan-vs-the-new-genus-eclipse/
I then read Frank Glencarn's blog (he's very tech knowledgeable) and said this is the best Fader he's tested: the new Genus Eclipse fader. He says it retains the sharpness but unlike the other Faders, does not have a green cast. Instead, it has a slight warming effect, which is a lot better than green IMO. It's priced well also at around $180 which is a pretty common fader price. I've read several other reviews on the Genus Eclipse and everyone seems to like it.
I personally would get the Genus just because it doesn't have that green cast and it's sharp.
http://frankglencairn.wordpress.com/2012/12/08/nd-fader-shootout-heliopan-vs-the-new-genus-eclipse/
Samuel H
Major Contributor
I have only tried the LCW Fader ND mark II, and I sold it after some testing against cheap Tiffen screw-in NDs.
Not very relevant for you, I guess, but what I wanted to say is this: if you're going to test their sharpness, make sure you test at different focal lengths, mine was nearly perfect with a 35mm lens but unbelievably horrible with a 135mm lens: http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsn.html
Not very relevant for you, I guess, but what I wanted to say is this: if you're going to test their sharpness, make sure you test at different focal lengths, mine was nearly perfect with a 35mm lens but unbelievably horrible with a 135mm lens: http://www.similaar.com/foto/lenstests/lenstestsn.html
Bassman2003
Veteran
I tested a bunch and ended up buying the Fader HD. It was more expensive but there is usually a reason why some are more expensive!
It is nice to have the filter be a size larger than your lens because you might want to adjust while rolling and the larger size will give you room to keep your fingers out of the frame. Buy a cheap lens cap on Ebay and your set.
It is nice to have the filter be a size larger than your lens because you might want to adjust while rolling and the larger size will give you room to keep your fingers out of the frame. Buy a cheap lens cap on Ebay and your set.
Scott Freestyle
Well-known member
I bought the 82 and a step down for every lens I have... this is the best option!!
legrevedotcom
Veteran
I bought the Eclipse based on Franks testimony and I'm pretty happy with it. Had the Heliopan before that and that was decent as well until Genus made the new one.
I didn't dare skimp out on the ND filter because it's not worth saving THAT little money. Just get something proper....
My size is 82mm as well.... step rings for all my lenses and then cheap Ebay lens caps for 82 mm. Think I paid like 5-6 pounds or so for 5 caps.
I didn't dare skimp out on the ND filter because it's not worth saving THAT little money. Just get something proper....
My size is 82mm as well.... step rings for all my lenses and then cheap Ebay lens caps for 82 mm. Think I paid like 5-6 pounds or so for 5 caps.