Which ND filter

[iamsomnath]

@BenHur . I have not used the filters so cannot tell for sure. Like most material things , filters are also better at the costlier end but having said that I have experienced some shocks/pleasant surprises in my time. So actually no one can't tell for sure. The variable NDs usually perform well in the middle range. Search for "Haida" brand filters too, hearing great things about them. A few pointers below :
1. Usually cheaper filters introduce colour casts , which are difficult to adjust ( ignoring the build issues etc.)
2. What is the output of your images ? For web viewing etc IQ matters less, you can get away with lower quality filter.. If you print big 2X3 ft or 4X6 ft , you should spend big on filters.
3. Avoid vari-NDs . Get a Hoya HMC 9 stop NDX400 , or higher. Try to build up a collection of separate power NDs. Do it alls usually fail to do anything well , I remember a chinese radio-cum-flashlight-cum-fan from my childhood

Cheers

 

[Black Pearl vkd]

http://www.amazon.in/Concept-Variable-Neutral-Adjustable-Cleaning/dp/B01CENLSB0/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1456892777&sr=8-7&keywords=canon+lense+filter

how about this one?
i've no experience with filters, but i'm planning to purchase one.
till now i was managing with shutter speed...
but i saw few pics with filters....they are awesome.....

 

[Ankur003]

Never used/heard of this brand
"K & F Concept 58mm Slim Fader Variable ND Neutral Density Adjustable ND2 to ND400 Lens Filter for Canon 600D EOS M M2 700D 100D 1100D 1200D 650D DSLR Cameras + Lens Cleaning Cloth"

 

[Dry Ice]

Guys, anyone using a screw-on 10 stop ND filter? 52mm or 49mm thread, which can be bought in India? I have a few friends coming down from US in May end, but want this filter in the next few weeks.

 

[iamsomnath]

Guys, anyone using a screw-on 10 stop ND filter? 52mm or 49mm thread, which can be bought in India? I have a few friends coming down from US in May end, but want this filter in the next few weeks.

Try Anish George

 

[Dry Ice]

Try Anish George

For now, I have "made" one by crudely sticking a welding glass to a step up ring.

Let's see how it works out - I am hoping at least will be able to convert the photos to grayscale.

 

[iamsomnath]

For now, I have "made" one by crudely sticking a welding glass to a step up ring.

Let's see how it works out - I am hoping at least will be able to convert the photos to grayscale.

I tried this route way back. Color cast , vignetting and light leakage will be your greatest adversaries but yes , some useful images may come out.
Better alternative if to shoot pre-dawn or post-sunset
Cheers

 

[Ankur003]

For now, I have "made" one by crudely sticking a welding glass to a step up ring.

Let's see how it works out - I am hoping at least will be able to convert the photos to grayscale.

Haha thats crazy. Show us how it worked

 

[jaivishal]

Hi Guys - Selecting a good ND is filter is one hell of a task. These are some key factors you have to keep in mind :-

- budget (most expansive is not the best here so don't get fooled)
- size (which all lenses would it cover)
- darkness (ND2 ..... ND10)
- form factor (circular, square)
- type (variable ND, Fixed ND)

I recently bought it and i am very happy with the results. I was initially considering top brands like B+W, Singh Ray but eventually decided for this unheard brand called "Haida" and they are really good. Its a chinese company but so what .. even Volvo cars are.

Buying square filter system is advisable in my personal opinion due to the fact that they are easy to slide in contrary to the circular ones which would be a pain to put on and take off every time your composition changes and you have to focus etc.

Another good option is Variable ND where you don't get the darkest filter but flexibility of reducing the darkness while the filter is on the lens and compose, focus etc.

You can google for their india dealer in Kochi (Mr. Riju) who is reliable and offers prices even lower than US or Singapore (strange but true).

Some results from my Haida filters from a recent shoot.

 

[Ankur003]

Hi Guys - Selecting a good ND is filter is one hell of a task. These are some key factors you have to keep in mind :-

- budget (most expansive is not the best here so don't get fooled)
- size (which all lenses would it cover)
- darkness (ND2 ..... ND10)
- form factor (circular, square)
- type (variable ND, Fixed ND)

I recently bought it and i am very happy with the results. I was initially considering top brands like B+W, Singh Ray but eventually decided for this unheard brand called "Haida" and they are really good. Its a chinese company but so what .. even Volvo cars are.

Buying square filter system is advisable in my personal opinion due to the fact that they are easy to slide in contrary to the circular ones which would be a pain to put on and take off every time your composition changes and you have to focus etc.

Another good option is Variable ND where you don't get the darkest filter but flexibility of reducing the darkness while the filter is on the lens and compose, focus etc.

You can google for their india dealer in Kochi (Mr. Riju) who is reliable and offers prices even lower than US or Singapore (strange but true).

Some results from my Haida filters from a recent shoot.

Dear Jai
1) Neither Haida nor Volvo cars are unheard brands. Haida filters were discussed in post 7 of this very thread.
2) Square filters are prone to lights leaks. The biggest deciding factor for choosing square filter over circular ones is ability to use with multiple lens and ability to use with protruding front element of UWA lens which do not have screw on threads.
3) Mr Riju (From vediolinks ??) is a great guy. I bought my stuff from him as well. Camera equipments are costlier in Singapore as compared to India, but US is cheapest (in most of the items, and there will be few exceptions)
4) Wonderful images. I liked first one more