Which Hoya Prond Filters

[Luke Bacich]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to purchase some prond filters. My current lens lineup is all e-mount with the 35, 55, 24-70, 70-200. I'll be getting the 16-35 when it comes out as well. These lenses have filter sizes varying from 49mm - 72mm. I will probably purchase the 28-135 PZ lens when that comes out but it has a 92mm thread size so will find a separate solution for that lens.

My plan was to purchase three nd filters at 72mm and adapt them to the other sizes. The cheapest I can find is $85 a filter shipped to Australia. Which strength filters would you recommend going with? I was leaning towards 2,4 and 6 stop filters (nd4, nd16 and nd64) but there is probably a better combination. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.

A7s day time, iso3200 at f4 is where I'd like to shoot.

Thanks!

 

[Engelien]

I would buy a 77mm ND filter since 77mm filter thread is most common. And a couple of step down rings. And a 77-92mm step up for your 28-135 PZ lens.
Do you really need 3 nd filters to shoot at f2-3 with a7s iso 3200? I was thinking of buying a Rapid Variable ND filter, it has 2-10 stops...But I have not tried it.. was hoping it would be enough tho.

 

[Samuel H]

I have bought three filters, with 3, 6 and 9 stops of filtration each. This allows me to shoot all the way up to f/4 or even f/2.8 on sunlight (overexposing by one or two stops with respect to what Sony would consider "correct"), and it never requires filter stacking.

For the intermediate steps, I just push up the ISO to 6400 or 12800. A 2-4-6-8-10 stops set would be better (only ISO 3200 and 6400 needed), but it's nearly twice the money and requires more filter changes.

For my nearly-pocketable setup, I just got two filters: 5 and 9 stops. Way short of ideal, but I think I can make it work.

 

[jurny]

you loose DR if you increase iso above 3200. variable is so convinient... just make sure you're not filming landscapes through glass

 

[Samuel H]

Yes, on the a7s you lose about half a stop of DR with every stop increase in ISO. Not the end of the world, though, and having a 9-piece set of proND filters would be both expensive and inconvenient for what I do. If you have the budget and the time to change filters, go for that, it's what will give you the best IQ.

Details on the test here.


On the other hand, I don't like variable NDs. All but the most expensive ones will have a hit on sharpness (my LCW mark 2 was unbearable at 135mm, here). Plus in any case it's a polarizer, so you lose reflections and people can look plasticky.