GH4 What size ND filter to buy and how to avoid vignetting on 12-35?

Copperplate

Active member
The Lumix 12-35 has a 58 mm front diameter. Is it wise to get an 82mm ND filter and then use 1 or more step-up rings to make it fit? Will it vignette at 12 mm? Much thanks for any advice! :)

~Adam
 
Thanks so much for your response! So you're saying a 82mm vari-ND filter will NOT vignette at 12 mm when used with step up rings?
 
Never tested a 82mm VND on any GH camera. I have used Heliopan & Tiffen 58mm VND, both of which did not vignette when screwed directly to the 12-35mm.

Since Xume Adapters hit the market I've retired the VNDs & only use solid NDs. Was never a fan of the polarizing effect of VNDs.
 
Thank you Bern and Erik! I see, Bern, that you use the 58mm Hoya ProND filters. Erik, may I ask which 3 ND filters you use? Thanks again guys!
 
Never tested a 82mm VND on any GH camera. I have used Heliopan & Tiffen 58mm VND, both of which did not vignette when screwed directly to the 12-35mm.

Since Xume Adapters hit the market I've retired the VNDs & only use solid NDs. Was never a fan of the polarizing effect of VNDs.

Which lens hood do you use? I have a GH3 and the Pana 12-35 f/2.8 and I'd like something that can fit over my Genustech 77mm VND.
 
I've used the cheap collapsable rubber ones of ebay on my larger 77mm filters. As for OP I've used Tiffen VND 58mm filters on the 12-35 with no issues.
 
Thanks so much, Erik, for your response and the helpful link! I will read it in detail tomorrow morning. May I ask you one last question since I know you own the Lumix zooms: how do you find them for follow focus work (or just focus pulls)? Is there a lens you prefer for manual focus operation (beside your CP.2)? Thanks and have a good night! :)
 
xD 82 >>>> 58, so don't worry. In fact unless you have lenses at 82, the 58mm shouldn't be a problem even at 12mm. Remember at 4K the GH4 will crop a bit.
 
Thanks so much, Erik, for your response and the helpful link! I will read it in detail tomorrow morning. May I ask you one last question since I know you own the Lumix zooms: how do you find them for follow focus work (or just focus pulls)? Is there a lens you prefer for manual focus operation (beside your CP.2)? Thanks and have a good night! :)
It's a fully electronic lens so no repeatable focus unfortunately. Not a good candidate for a follow focus for that but I guess you could for better ergo when focusing.
 
xD 82 >>>> 58, so don't worry. In fact unless you have lenses at 82, the 58mm shouldn't be a problem even at 12mm. Remember at 4K the GH4 will crop a bit.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. I guess I just wanted to make the most future-proof investment in ND filters in case I get lenses with a larger diameter.
 
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