ND Filter Use

I'm about to make the next plunge in my photo life and add some ND filters. I BELIEVE I have a good grasp of which brand and strength that I want to use. My question concerns the mounting of these filters and sizes. Having multiple lenses with multiple objective sizes leads me to the question- can I get away with using gaffers tape to position these filters on most lenses......otherwise I feel I am going to have to use rings to make all my lenses "match" so I can use one filter holder.

As far as sizes- a Canon 17-40 L will be the primary lens I will use with these filters.

Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance everyone who relied.

Bob Wyatt

You have another option as well. I, along with many others here have good luck hand holding ND filters. I only have one size ring for my wide angle lens, all the rest of my lenses I just hand hold, I hand hold over my wide angle lens as well sometimes. Just something to think about.

Many years ago I taped GND filters to my lenses. It works, but I've since switched to handholding them and I think it works better. No vignetting this way, either. You might consider the larger Singh-Ray GND's for handholding as you will have far fewer incidences of your finger showing up in the frame.

With the 17-40L, you'll want the extra length of the Singh-Ray, as when you are at 17 with a full frame camera the hitech are too short to move the grad line to anywhere but the middle of the frame.

The only caution I would give on handholding is to watch where you put your fingers, not that I have EVER(!) accidently photographed them.

Well, maybe once or twice...

I have found the holders useful if I am waiting for the light to change, but I probably handhold just as often. It really depends on the situation, but both work well.

Just a thought too, which might be too much of a pain, but there are holders out there that have different thread sizes so you have one holder that holds you filters but has a few different adapter sizes to thread onto a few different lense sizes.

-- Bass

I've just set up for ND filters, but have not had a chance to actually us them yet. In keeping with my usual practice (from long experience) I went right for the best stuff right at the outset (cheaper in the long run) and picked up two Singh-Ray ND grads. I also bought the Cokin P style mounts and adapters so the filters can be used on my 5D lenses and my G9 (best bang for the buck). The adapters are cheap, about $17 (B&H) for the 77mm for the 24-105mm general purpose lens, which will also fit my 100-400 if the need arises. I like the concept of using the mounts as (I think) it will aid in fine control and repeatability for multiple exposures.

Something called blu-tack is also useful when in the field. A little bit on the edges and it will stick the filter to the lens/hood. It is made by Bostik, <url>http://www.bostik.com</url>

I usually hand hold or have the filter holder. Blu-tack can be handy on longer exposure were I don't have the holder with me.

HTH,

Andre

I have just ordered the same setup as Jim as described , a Cokin P series holder and Singh Ray filters . Once you put the adapter rings on you lenses , it takes only seconds to switch you filter Holder from one lens to next . I have never used filters before and decided i needed all the help i could get , so went with a P - holder instead of hand holding them . I also have the Canon 17-40mm F4L .

Personally I never really liked the Cokin holder...I have always had better luck hand holding or using gaffers tape (as long as it isn't cold). The Cokin is a very nice setup, but it moves the filters a little too far away from the lens for me, especially once you start stacking them...I use singh ray filters and have been happy with them...i am no expert at landscapes though..that has just been my experience...nate

Thanks everyone for the info. I will go with the Singh-Ray and hope for a good exp in handholding from the start. I use a Rebel XT...suggestions for the most useful ND filters to get. I live in Arkansas and will shoot landscape--hopefully lots of waterfalls. I am thinking a ND 3 stop and a grad ND 2-3 stop.

Bob Wyatt