Variable ND filters?

C

Comradeleo

Member
Have folks generally had good experiences using the VND's? What are the pros and cons?

Are they must have's for outdoor shooting or are standard ND filters still a better option?

Thanks.
 
I have used the Fader ND. It's great. Lenses wider than about 30mm on a full frame camera will get noticeable vignetting. Other than that, it does exactly what its supposed to.
 
The main con that you should realize is that all variable ND filters are actually just a pair of polarizers. For the vast majority of the time, this is not an issue, but polarization has its own effects that might not always be desirable.
 
On wide angle lenses they can have variations of perceived density, other than that they are great and I use a home made one all the time.
 
get one. you won't be disappointed. you can dial in your exposure perfectly and you don't have to change filters if the light starts changing
 
Yes, you can make a quality DIY one from either two linear polarizers or a linear polarizer on top of a circular polarizer. The DIY solution can be cheaper, but will be bulkier, than a commercial product like the Fader ND and Singh-Ray Vari-ND.
 
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It's really not that much cheaper if you want 77mm filtration. I spent around $60 to make my own and not use super low quality glass. The Fader ND cost a little over $100 was much smaller and came with its own case - just a lot simpler.
 
$60 is 60% of $100, or 40% less than $100. Almost half the price. For some people $40 seems like a negligible difference, but for others it could be a deal-breaker.

There is one advantage to stacking two polarizers, aside from price: You can adjust the polarization angle of the whole contraption, making it a usable polarizer in addition to variable ND. Singh-Ray sells the exact same device (they call it the "Vari-N-Duo") for $390. Ridiculous.
 
Just make sure that if you make a DIY one, make it larger than your largest lens and then use step up rings. That way on your largest lens you will be sure to not have any vignetting
 
I just got the Fader ND several weeks back and I LOVE it. You just set your f-stop, then adjust accordingly. I can't believe that for so long I carried around a set of ND filters, took a light reading then screwed on the appropriate ND. So slow compared to the Vari-ND. For $100, it's cheaper than a set of NDs. For 2 decent polarizers, you're paying at least $60 for 1 x 2 = $120. You might as well just buy the Fader ND and save $20 and have one that's made very well and professionally.
 
Your ebay hunting skills are coming into question. You can easily purchase a circular and linear polarizer for $60 total on ebay...I did. That is $40 less than the Vari ND. The DIY one is bulkier, and it is up to everyone what they can afford, just don't misrepresent the DIY option ;)
 
i looked at the Singh-Ray filter site and the only variable ND filter i see listed is priced at $390?

Where is this $100 model?
 
Moojangles said:
i looked at the Singh-Ray filter site and the only variable ND filter i see listed is priced at $390?

Where is this $100 model?
Click to expand...

There is no $100 model. Singh-Ray doesn't offer one. $100 is for the "Fader ND," which is made by a different company in Hong Kong. You can easily find it on eBay.
 
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