Color cast with ND filters

**Gallopingphotog** · 06-10-2011, 02:32 AM

My neutral density filters seem to add a purple-ish cast. It is hardly noticeable with the ND 2 and pretty heavy with the ND 8. I'm hoping to shoot some waterfalls on an upcoming trip (alas, waterfalls in the Texas Panhandle are nonexistent!) and had planned to use an ND filter to help get that flowing effect. BUT, I don't want purple!
I shoot RAW so I will have correction abilities but I'd rather get it right in the camera.
Any suggestions?

**scootermcq** · 06-10-2011, 01:41 PM

You could try a custom white balance, but I suspect that you need better quality ND filters

**Gallopingphotog** · 06-10-2011, 08:26 PM

I had suspected that might be the reason, but had hoped not.
Any suggestions of brands that wouldn't be budget-busters? I'm just an enthusiastic amateur (as if you couldn't tell!!)
OR, could I use a circular polarizer to get the desired result of darkening enough to get the water smooth?
Anyway, thanks for answering.

**Krusty79** · 06-10-2011, 08:38 PM

I know SwissJon uses the nice B+W ND filters and he says he notices a magenta color cast on the ND10 filter, but the weaker ones do not have any color cast.

Unfortunately, you get what you pay for.

Filtration: Beware Of The Reaper Of Cheap Glass | Hurlbut Visuals

**scootermcq** · 06-10-2011, 08:39 PM

CPOL will not do it. At most it will cut 1 stop of light.

Use the ND 2 and go about half an hour before sunset. It is just a question of getting a slow enough shutter speed. If God doesn't give you money, at least he gives you darkness.

This picture is a 1 minute exposure about a half hour before sunrise with no ND filter. The waves were about 3 feet high that morning, but people have asked if it was ice..