ND110 and Big Stopper filters - any preference?

[MiqsPix]

I am wanting a ND110 big stopper type filter for long exposures but need some advice please. When searching online I see different makes and a large price difference. Ideally I want a P series ND filter to fit my holder which I guess will give me the opportunity to use either of my most used lenses, wide angle at 77mm diameter and walkaround lens at 67mm as I have stepping rings already. I notice some reviews say there is a quality issue with some with regard to colour cast and thickness of filter. I am intending to spend about £100.00 so would like any help before buying. Thank you.

[Krusty79]

I know Swiss Jon has done some research on this topic and bought a big stopper. He said the 10 stop filter had a magenta cast, but not the 8 stop. I think it was B+H, but I'm not sure. You can try sending him a PM.

This thread also has before and after shots - B&W Photography with ND 1000 or the "Big Stopper"

[OsmosisStudios]

I have the B+W 10-stop (ND1000) and it *can* have a red cast. It's easily fixed in post if you're shooting RAW.

See These:
Raging Rapids | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Raging Rapids | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Rails 3 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I do have an example where the red is uncorrected:
ND 10 - Ghosts | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

[milosh]

Formatt (the company that makes Hitech and Lee filter brands) recently added a new set of filters to their products, they call them Pro Stop and they're available as 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 stops. I have no information on their performance yet.

Hitech filters are available in two sizes, 85 and 100mm wide. The 85mm ones fit nicely in Cokin P series holders and 100mm ones fit in Cokin Z-Pro holders (Cokin holders are very cheap and of decent quality). You can use Cokin P wide-angle holder with a 10mm (77mm diameter) lens almost without vignetting.

Btw, Hitech filters are your best choice if you don't want to spend loads of money. As said, Cokins are the worst, Hitech are good enough and then come Lee, B&W, Singh-Ray, etc.

Camera Filters: Neutral density Filters for photography : Buy Camera Filters online : Formatt

[MiqsPix]

Yes thanks I have now discovered that the Hitech Pro is about £48.00 whereas the Lee is about £100.00. I was told that the Lee is possibly overpriced. Agree?

[milosh]

Originally Posted by MiqsPix

Yes thanks I have now discovered that the Hitech Pro is about £48.00 whereas the Lee is about £100.00. I was told that the Lee is possibly overpriced. Agree?

Well, whether or not something is overpriced is usually a matter of personal opinion. It all depends. Some people have very poorly performing pieces of gear, but they never notice it. The biggest issue with ND filters is how much colour-neutral they are. This becomes progressively evident as you go up on their light blocking abilities (a 3-stop ND will probably produce less colour cast than a 10-stop one). But, as I've said, it all depends on how much you use them and how they're performing. For example, if I used NDs very often, if they produced a heavy colour-cast, and if I had an established business, I would certainly buy the best performing, the most expensive ones.

I bought my Hitech GNDs last summer and used them several times, and so far I didn't really notice any imperfections which would be bothering me. Considering how much I use them, and the fact that I don't sell my photos, for me, Lees are overpriced.

Btw, not even Lee filters are totally colour-neutral. I remember seeing a comparison between Hitech and Lee done at the same time and on the same scene, but I can't find it right now. The Lee had less colour cast, but it wasn't neutral. Afterall, they are manufactured by the same factory and from the same material.