Vari-ND / ND Advice Needed

L

larrys

Well-known member
Hello All,

I spoke with a person at Singh-Ray about the Vari-ND and it turns out that it can not be used with anything below a 24mm lens. I was hoping to use it with the Kit lens but I wonder what is the point of having this expensive item I can not use it between 14mm and 24mm? Also, the Vari-ND can not be used with the 20mm panasonic lens which arrives in a few days.

I am totally new to using an ND filter. Can you tell me what ND filters and what size filters you are using with the kit lens and the Panasonic 20mm 1.7 lens so that there is no vignetting? Should I get a larger filter and a step-up ring so I can use some filters on both lenses?

Thanks.
 
I assume what they said to you refers to full frame, with the crop factor the kit lens would be a 28-280mm and the f1.7 Pancake a 40mm.
So you're good.
 
Thanks Oetam!

Wow, I did not even think of that when I was on the phone. Have you or anyone here used this Vari-ND with both these lenses? I want to be absolutely sure it is fine before I order the filter.
 
Search this forum for Fader ND - it's from a Hong Kong shop and some people think it's better than the Singh Ray Vari-ND and cost about a fourth of the price.
 
I have two of the Fader NDs. This post explains why and hopefully may help someone else avoid making the same mistake:

http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=191541#2

A Fader ND is a nice additions to any kit. Not only do they eliminate the hassles of changing filters, but they're a great way to subtly control exposure under changing light conditions. I'm satisfied with the performance and quality of mine.
 
my 77mm just came in today. I chose 77mm cause its the largest size that they make for 55mm step up rings for my contax and the fact that it should be big enough to reduce/eliminate vignetting on the kit lens down low at 14mm or so I believe? Have yet to test.
 
I've got a 62mm Fader ND for use on the kit lens and the pancake lens (via step up rings) and i have to say its really impressive. Feels very solid and the control it gives you over light is incredibly useful. For outside sunny shots it really really helps get consistent shutter speeds and keep the aperture at the desired amount.
 
Just got my filter today

The filter has glue leaks marks on it, on the front glass (in the internal side of the front filter).
Looks very ugly and very low QA.

I sent mail to the support and I will update soon.

Very disappointing.
 
adys said:
Just got my filter today

The filter has glue leaks marks on it, on the front glass (in the internal side of the front filter).
Looks very ugly and very low QA.

I sent mail to the support and I will update soon.

Very disappointing.
Click to expand...

I noticed two small marks on the edge too, must be glue also. Cosmetically it bugs me but it doesn't seem to affect pics as far as I can tell. Had a first play with it and man is it nice shooting at f2 during the day at 1/50. I'm loving it so far.
 
MR Fanny said:
I noticed two small marks on the edge too, must be glue also. Cosmetically it bugs me but it doesn't seem to affect pics as far as I can tell. Had a first play with it and man is it nice shooting at f2 during the day at 1/50. I'm loving it so far.
Click to expand...

Yes looks like it does not effect the image, but you know, it effects my brain from being 100% happy with the product I bought.

Those are the kind of things that make me want to spend 400$ on the Singh-Ray's Vari-ND instead of the 90$ of the Fader ND.
 
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nobbystylus said:
I've got a 62mm Fader ND for use on the kit lens and the pancake lens (via step up rings) and i have to say its really impressive. Feels very solid and the control it gives you over light is incredibly useful. For outside sunny shots it really really helps get consistent shutter speeds and keep the aperture at the desired amount.
Click to expand...

What step up rings do you use for the pancake lens to get to 62mm, I was looking into going that route. Thanks in advance.
 
adys said:
Yes looks like it does not effect the image, but you know, it effects my brain from being 100% happy with the product I bought.

Those are the kind of things that make me want to spend 400$ on the Singh-Ray's Vari-ND instead of the 90$ of the Fader ND.
Click to expand...

Not that this is any consolation for you but I've personally seen and inspected 3 Fader NDs and none have any cosmetic flaws.

Hopefully, the vendor will make things right for you.
 
Well here is my two glue marks. are they as bad as yours? the are quite small when compared to overall size, they just look abit big when zoomed in.

also they are selling an Ultra one now for around $200. anyone know the difference. I'd might as well get the Sing-Ray for that price.
 

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MR Fanny said:
Well here is my two glue marks. are they as bad as yours? the are quite small when compared to overall size, they just look abit big when zoomed in.

also they are selling an Ultra one now for around $200. anyone know the difference. I'd might as well get the Sing-Ray for that price.
Click to expand...

Mine are worse.


The support of the site is very good, I am sure they will replace it with the perfect one.

Just as the long long holiday will be over...
 

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