For a while now I've been thinking of picking up a neutral density filter or two for those situations when I want a longer shutter speed, and just can't get it. And now that Velvia 50 (which I shoot at 40) is on its way out and the newer Velvia 100 will most likely be my film of choice, I really want them. That extra stop will surely come in handy with wind etc, but hurts a little shooting the longer exposures. So, looking for some opinions and ideas.
I have my eye on a Hitech brand one that would fit my Cokin "P" holder, most likely a 2 stop to begin with. I've heard they are pretty neutral color wise, is that true? What others have you tried, and for that matter, what have you all found to be the best density overall, 1 stop, 2, 3?
Oh yeah, I know I could just use my polarizer in situations like above, but hey, new gear is fun!
Posted by Joseph Finn on August 9, 2006 at 7:13 PM
Brent, I have 2, 3 and 4 stop and of three I have I use the 3stop most often. Although I don't own any Hitech ND filters I have a Hitech Grad ND that does just fine. Mind you I just bought it and a Cokin "P" filter holder so not a ton of experience or shots with yet.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on August 9, 2006 at 8:09 PM
Hey Brent, you're shooting LF and need a ND filter??
My advice - turn down that aperature dial. It's free!
I've been very happy with my Polarizer and 3 stop soft step Singh Ray ND Grad.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on August 9, 2006 at 11:42 PM
I just bought a new 6 stop B+W ND filter on ebay for $71. I screw it on to my Kenko Pro CP (Same as Hoya Pro) and get ~ 8 stops of light reduction. It allows me to shoot in sunny conditions and still do slow motion water shots.
I know it does not fit the Cokin/Singh Ray/Lee square/rectangular filter setup. But it is excellent quality for the price and easy to maintain.
brent, since most of the long exposure shots i take are of moving water, i find a polarizer works great. as a bonus, you also get the added desirable benefit of cutting reflections off things like the surface of the water, rocks, and foliage. i've got a helipan and a b+w kaseman... both work fine and buy me about 2 - 3 stops... saves me from having to stop down too far and loosing detail to diffraction.
Posted by Todd Caudle on August 10, 2006 at 3:25 PM
I owned two Hitech ND grads, one was relatively neutral, the other was far from it. Probably same goes for the straight (non-grad) variety as well, that is, hit or miss. I'd save my pennies and get the Singray.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on August 10, 2006 at 6:25 PM
I have heard Singray GNDs were able to double as NDs as well because of their length. That would be a good thing. Especially if they cost $300+.
Discussion
10 repliesFor a while now I've been thinking of picking up a neutral density filter or two for those situations when I want a longer shutter speed, and just can't get it. And now that Velvia 50 (which I shoot at 40) is on its way out and the newer Velvia 100 will most likely be my film of choice, I really want them. That extra stop will surely come in handy with wind etc, but hurts a little shooting the longer exposures. So, looking for some opinions and ideas.
I have my eye on a Hitech brand one that would fit my Cokin "P" holder, most likely a 2 stop to begin with. I've heard they are pretty neutral color wise, is that true? What others have you tried, and for that matter, what have you all found to be the best density overall, 1 stop, 2, 3?
Oh yeah, I know I could just use my polarizer in situations like above, but hey, new gear is fun!
Thanks for any info.
My advice - turn down that aperature dial. It's free!
I know it does not fit the Cokin/Singh Ray/Lee square/rectangular filter setup. But it is excellent quality for the price and easy to maintain.
- Derek
- Derek