Variable ND vs. Built in ND filters

G

Gene Sung

Veteran
I know the FS700 comes with built in ND filters, but they only change in increments of 2, 4 and 6 stops.

Seems like a Variable ND such as the Heliopan would still be nice to use on the FS700, since the ND can be precisely set to the desired F-Stop; as opposed to using the built in NDs, where the F-Stop has to be set to ND, and with a 2 stop gap, this doesn't seem as flexible.

For those who have tested the FS700 (such as Frank G.), did you guys keep using your Heliopan variable ND filters? Or did you guys strictly rely on the internal NDs? Seems like a variable ND filter would be a little more flexible? But are there other issues that I am missing?

Thanks for any guidance
 
Vari NDs are the work of the devil - colour casts, vignette - extra flares and ghost images

Constant swapping between lenses - slowing shooting and finger prints

I may upgrade to the FS700 purely for the ND :)

S
 
morgan_moore said:
Vari NDs are the work of the devil - colour casts, vignette - extra flares and ghost images

Constant swapping between lenses - slowing shooting and finger prints

I may upgrade to the FS700 purely for the ND :)

S
Click to expand...
I would disagree. Heliopan Vari ND's are really good. No color cast and vigneting, at least I have not got any.
 
I meant cross polarization (not vignette) which is part of the science of the things

IMO they are good for maybe 4 stops but in the bright you can hit issues

I am very happy with a $5k FS100 vs $15k F3 - so its not a complaint - but really I dont see that anyone would choose not to use onboard ND where avaialable (exept maybe in a very high end prodcution environment)

S
 
I have yet the shoot with the FS700, but have shot with a number of cams that have ND filters. I generally use my Vari-ND filter with my smaller form factor cams like the GH2 in a light weight mode. I use the in camera ND filters of the cams that have built-in ND filters, sometimes with a matte box where I can add say a polarizer, or an ND grad filter or the like. The problem with a screw-on Vari-ND filter is that as long as its on the lens you are getting filtration. You have to physically stop and unscrew the filter to remove any filtration, where with the built-in ND filters you simpy turn the knob to null the effect.
 
I think we should ban the term Vari-ND. There's nothing neutral about them!

The Vari-NDs have their place but as long as you avoid their limitations and the issues they cause. Consequently I have purchased a shed load of constant NDs at various strengths and carry a wallet of them with me. I shall be getting a FS700 in due course just for the NDs but not until I can get an attractively priced secondhand/ex demo one in a year or so's time.
 
Nirv said:
I think we should ban the term Vari-ND. There's nothing neutral about them!

The Vari-NDs have their place but as long as you avoid their limitations and the issues they cause. Consequently I have purchased a shed load of constant NDs at various strengths and carry a wallet of them with me. I shall be getting a FS700 in due course just for the NDs but not until I can get an attractively priced secondhand/ex demo one in a year or so's time.
Click to expand...

Sorry to drift OT but clip on screw in or with a matte box, do you have a MB that is any way functioning with stills lenses and thier focus extension/zooming and will operate from 18mm prime to 70-200 !

S
 
morgan_moore said:
Sorry to drift OT but clip on screw in or with a matte box, do you have a MB that is any way functioning with stills lenses and thier focus extension/zooming and will operate from 18mm prime to 70-200 !

S
Click to expand...

No matte box, I intended to buy one and use 4x4s but in the end decided on screw ons and adapters for different lenses. Your question was one that I asked myself and couldn't find a satisfactory answer. I shoot with a mixture of primes and zooms and I decided I was going to carry enough kit as it was without more weight and expense.

You can get clip on and screw on matte boxes, http://www.genustech.tv/matte-boxes/genus-matte-box-lite.html http://www.videogear.co.uk/Mattebox...10-Clip-on-Mattebox-Sony-HVR-V1/prod_938.html

These might float your boat?
 
I think it depends on your needs, I do a lot of run-and-gun stuff in natural light (I live in Florida so that means lots of blazing hot sun) so I went with the Singh-Ray vari ND and I'm really happy with it. If I were on set I'd fiddle with a mattebox and a pile of filters, but in the field its just not practical for me. I had the D-matte clip on box and it was nice and light, but it clamped to 86mm ring, so you have to thread step up rings to your lenses, then try to get it aligned, then find the right filter - for me that was a hassle. The damn thing was always tilted a bit to the left or right - and for me that was a distraction. The Singh gives me about 6 steps before it starts to vignette, I don't get the crosshatch X that the LCW fader ND exhibits and it only takes a couple seconds to remove it from one lens and thread it onto another lens. I don't see a loss of resolution on my 42" TV between shots with and without the filter, YMMV.
 
Thanks for the replies.

I think i had it wrong in my initial post.

So with the Built in NDs, let's say you want to shoot at F2.8.
1) You set the appropriate amount of ND (2, 4 or 6 stops) to cut the light
2) you then adjust the ISO to fine tune it to hit f2.8.

Is this the correct way?
 
I agree, mine works great! Just shot the other day in the afternoon full sunlight worked well no complaints. Great for what it is.

Khachik Mkrtchyan said:
I would disagree. Heliopan Vari ND's are really good. No color cast and vigneting, at least I have not got any.
Click to expand...
 
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gene_can_sing said:
Thanks for the replies.

I think i had it wrong in my initial post.

So with the Built in NDs, let's say you want to shoot at F2.8.
1) You set the appropriate amount of ND (2, 4 or 6 stops) to cut the light
2) you then adjust the ISO to fine tune it to hit f2.8.

Is this the correct way?
Click to expand...

makes sense to me.

be well.

rob
smalltalk productions
nyc
 
I would say that everything depend on the situation and a person behind the camera. Some people prefer matte boxes, some built in nd's, some vari nd's. For example: I love all options but I use one for specific situation or shoot type.
 
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