Fader ND Filter

[steveman]

Does anyone have any thoughts on these filters ? Seems like a good idea to have a single ND filter capable of offering a range of densities.

What experience have you had with them ? Do you find them to be effective ?

Looking at buying one on eBay.

Thanks for any advice,
Steve

[navcom]

Not quite sure what you mean by "fader" ND filter. Do you mean a variable one (a solid one you can twist and it increases or decreases in strength) or a graduated one (one that is rectangular that is half shaded and half clear with a feathered transition between)?

[sk66]

Originally Posted by navcom

Not quite sure what you mean by "fader" ND filter. Do you mean a variable one (a solid one you can twist and it increases or decreases in strength) or a graduated one (one that is rectangular that is half shaded and half clear with a feathered transition between)?

Fader is a "brand" of variable ND's made by Lightcraft Workshops...

I have one and I like it quite a bit. I have had no major issues with it affecting image quality or WB.

[navcom]

Aahhhh....did not know that! Must be living in a cave! Learn something every day!

I have a variable ND filter from Singh Ray and really love it. It's much easier and quicker to set up shots than using fixed solid ND's. With fixed solids, you have to carry a whole set with you and still have to settle on a fixed strength. Then you set your camera settings to work with that particular strength. With a variable one, you can set the camera first and then dial in the amount of effect you need...much more intuitive for me as well as allowing you to use exactly the camera settings you want. Sometimes this is important if you are trying for an exact aperture/shutter combination to achieve your intended result.

Never used or seen a Fader brand so I just checked them out online. Looks pretty much the same as the Singh Ray. If so, go for it!

[Rogern123]

I love my fader, mostly use it around water for long exposures during the day. Mine wasn't an expensive one (from China) but I can't see any degradation to the image unless I select too much fading, causing a dark 'cross' to appear. Just back off the fade a bit and its gone.

[jdepould]

I have a Genus vari-ND, and it's great for video. Started using it for stills yesterday, and I have no complaints.

[steveman]

Thanks all.

Appreciate the feedback. Looks like it's a no-brainer ! One further question though; A number of these that I have looked at imply that they are camera/lens brand-specific. This makes no sense to me, as I would have thought that a 52mm filter will fit any lens with that thread diameter. Why do they mention that it is suitable only for specific brands ?

Thanks in advance.
Steve

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by steveman

Thanks all.

Appreciate the feedback. Looks like it's a no-brainer ! One further question though; A number of these that I have looked at imply that they are camera/lens brand-specific. This makes no sense to me, as I would have thought that a 52mm filter will fit any lens with that thread diameter. Why do they mention that it is suitable only for specific brands ?

Thanks in advance.
Steve

Filter threading is universal, but I would recommend buying the largest you would need, and getting step-down rings. Mine is a 77, and I have a few rings (they cost like $5) for my smaller glass.