Recommendations for a variable ND filter?

[ajax_andy]

Would love to buy a 8 or 10 stopper for landscape shots, but also would like a 1 or 2 stopper for portraiture work... I did a bit of research and it would seem that you can buy variable ND filters that cover a variety of stops.

I cant seem to find many reviews for them though and wondered if anyone had any suggestions for which one to go for?

I have found a Hama one for £25 but I'm guessing for that price its going to be useless, but equally I can't afford £200 for a really good one.

Something in the £50 - £75 range would be good.

[sk66]

HelioPan or Kenko/Tokina are probably the highest quality...

I bought a LightCraft variable ND and it has worked quite well for me the few times I've needed it.

BTW, if you want to go cheaper you can just stack a pair of CPLs(one reversed) or a linear ND on a CPL and get the same results.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by sk66

HelioPan or Kenko/Tokina are probably the highest quality...

I bought a LightCraft variable ND and it has worked quite well for me the few times I've needed it.

BTW, if you want to go cheaper you can just stack a pair of CPLs(one reversed) or a linear ND on a CPL and get the same results.

Thanks

I'll have a look at the makes you mentioned

[sk66]

Here's a shot I took using the LightCraft Variable ND...
No work was done to "fix" image IQ issues or color cast.


Waterfall in HDR by skersting66, on Flickr

[Sweetlifephoto]

Singh ray filters are awesome and if you are going to put a filter over an expensive lens make sure it is a good one that doesn't generate a color cast. Singh Ray makes a 3 stop ND with Galen Rowell's name on it that is $99 (at B&H).

[ajax_andy]

Thanks for the replies, a friend has recommended I buy a 2 stopper and 10 stopper seperately as these are the things I really want.

He's recommend the B&W ones from warehouse direct which comes to about £125 for both... anyone know if these are any good?

[sk66]

They are quite good.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by ajax_andy

Thanks for the replies, a friend has recommended I buy a 2 stopper and 10 stopper seperately as these are the things I really want.

He's recommend the B&W ones from warehouse direct which comes to about £125 for both... anyone know if these are any good?

What is it you are looking to use the 2 stop for on Portraits? Keep shutter speed under sync speed & get an aperture that will produce bokeh? If that is the case, you may want a bit more than 2 stops. On a bright day that can get you into the f5.6 - 6.3 range which is still fairly small to defocus the background

This was a 4 stop ND and as you can see the weather was overcast



Camera Nikon D300
Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/1.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

What is it you are looking to use the 2 stop for on Portraits? Keep shutter speed under sync speed & get an aperture that will produce bokeh? If that is the case, you may want a bit more than 2 stops. On a bright day that can get you into the f5.6 - 6.3 range which is still fairly small to defocus the background

This was a 4 stop ND and as you can see the weather was overcast



Camera Nikon D300
Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/1.8
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV

Hi, yes for portraits... so maybe I need a 4 stopper in that case? The chances are I'll be shooting sometimes in the bright midday sun so thats the reason for needing a ND filter. The 10 stopper is just for fun milky seascape shots

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by sk66

They are quite good.

Thanks, might be the best option in my price range I think in that case