ND Filters

[Ed Vatza]

I'm in the market for ND filter(s). Since all the lenses I would want to use the filter with are 77mm, the same filter will work for all. My initial thought was to go with the B+W - maybe a 2-stop and a 4-stop. But that's around $200 right there. Then I thought maybe something like the Hi-Tech to go with the Cokin P system. At $35/each, that is a much more reasonably priced alternative.

But over the weekend, I was watching a Tony Sweet DVD. He seems to swear by the Singh Ray Vari-ND. Heck, he even had one specially made to fit a Lens Baby. The Vari-ND runs around $350 but gives me anywhere from 2- to 8-stops. I am leaning in the Vari-ND direction but am wondering what you folks think. Any experience with the Vari-ND? Is something like the Hi-Tech enough? Other suggestions?

[Charles Glatzer]

Ed,

The vari ND uses cross polarization, often resulting in darkening one area in the image more than another.

Chas

[Jared Lloyd]

Ed,
never used the varied ND but have heard mixed reviews on it. I use the Cokin P filters without the holder. Most folks either just hold the filter up or as Galen Rowell - the guy who put these filters on the map - would do, just attatch a touch small strip of ducktape to the edge.

Singray is usually considered the best - specifically the "Galen Rowell" collection of NDs. These are glass and are made with a high degree of uniformity and craftmanship.

The Cokin version is plastic, less expensive, but can have varied results in the tappered parts of the ND tinting.

I reccomend getting a 1 stop and a 2 stop grad if you were only going to purchase two at first - a 3 stop if you can get 3 at once. You can always stack the filters as well - a 1 and a 2 = 3. Its also good to have multiple ones with different degrees of tinting for reflections... i.e: a 2 stop grad for the sky and mountains and a 1 stop for the reflection in the water...

Galen Rowell, before he and his wife were killed in a plane crash, wrote extensively about the use of split and grad ND filters. Check out old issues of Outdoor Photographer where he wrote a column as well as his book the Inner Game of Outdoor Photography. He and Franz Lanting also made a couple of movies together which can both be bought on a combined DVD called Creative Outdoor Photography.

Check out www.Mountainlight.com this is Galen's site. You can read his articles there as well as purchase ND filters and the DVD.

Jared

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Ed,
You are comparing 2 very different things. The Vari ND is a solid ND.........no graduation......as Chas says........it uses cross polarisation to get a ND from 3 to 9 stops. I own it......and specifically use it to slow down the SS during day time hours to get long exposures of waves crashing or water moving........to get the blurred silky look. The grad ND......is clear on the bottom...to about 1/2 way up....where it starts to get graduated.....up towards the top. So a 3 stop.......goes from the center.......from about 1/3 stop all the way to 3. I use the soft step/edge........no hard line. Blends better with irregular horizons.........found mostly everywhere but at the beach. Now for the Cokin.......I don't recommend it.......I had it.....it caused a slight gray cast.........I have used the Lee......it is resin.......but very clear and neutral.......and now the Singh Ray..........both the 3 and 2 stop. I would not recommend the 1 stop at all.......and here's why. Every one....from the Lee on to the Singh Ray......I get in 4x6 size. The cokin Pis 3x5. If you were to purchase just one.......get the 3 stop 4x6......because of it's larger size.........you can slide it up where you get only 2 or 1 stop of ND power. Most of the time........if you are within 1 stop......not the end of the world........I find that many times I need more than 3........so thats why I stack the 2.........and hand hold them in front of the lens. Beauty of this........it will fit every one of your lenses in the future also and save you a few $$$.
Do notethat for the Vari ND.......go with the thin mount to avoid vignetting at the wider mm's.
Hope this helps.

[Ed Vatza]

Thanks Jared. Thanks Roman.

A couple of things. Like I said, I already have the Lee 3-stop GND filter and the Cokin Holder and 77mm adapter which fits my 10-20; 24-70 and 70-200. What I am looking for is an ND which will "slow down the SS during day time hours to get long exposures of waves crashing or water moving........to get the blurred silky look" as you say Roman. That's why I was thinking about the Vari-ND.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Ed,
Must be brain dead today.........forgot you had the split ND already.......too much food and fun last night. I also owned the lee ND filters........but had 3 of them......results were good.......but with the Singh Ray vari ND.....i can contol the blur more and the results are excellent. It only comes in 77 mm (you don't want to know what a custom size costs).....but then get step down rings for any of the 72mm lenses. Spend the extra $50........and get the thin mount. Can't attach any more filters in front.......but vignetting shouldn't be a problem with the 10-20. A lot of $$$ for 1 filter.........but it is a very good one for that type of work!

[Ed Vatza]

Hey Ed,
but with the Singh Ray vari ND.....i can contol the blur more and the results are excellent. It only comes in 77 mm (you don't want to know what a custom size costs)..... A lot of $$$ for 1 filter.........but it is a very good one for that type of work!

Thanks Roman.

I had read some of the comments on the Vari-ND in the past. But just recently I was watching a Tony Sweet DVD and he seemed to b really hooked on the Vari-ND. Matter of fact he had one custom made for the Lensbaby!

I know its a lot of dollars but when I thought of two B+Ws at $99 each, the price differential starts to shrink. And I like the ability to dial up as many stops as you need.

Glad to hear the results are excellent.

[Charles Glatzer]

Thanks Roman.

I had read some of the comments on the Vari-ND in the past. But just recently I was watching a Tony Sweet DVD and he seemed to b really hooked on the Vari-ND. Matter of fact he had one custom made for the Lensbaby!

I know its a lot of dollars but when I thought of two B+Ws at $99 each, the price differential starts to shrink. And I like the ability to dial up as many stops as you need.

Glad to hear the results are excellent.

I would borrow the Vari- ND, and try before you buy. I would hate to say I told you ...., but your call. BTW- You can try the effect with two thin mtd polarizers for effect.

Chas

[Ed Vatza]

I would borrow the Vari- ND, and try before you buy. I would hate to say I told you ...., but your call. BTW- You can try the effect with two thin mtd polarizers for effect.

Chas

Thanks Charles. I understand, as best I can, your reservations regarding the Vari-ND. I will continue to dig into it before buying anything. Right now my attention is turned to upgrading my processing capabilities with a new computer, monitor, software combo.

If the solution was something like the Cokin filters for $20 a filter, I might jump on them right now. But when it seems to come down to the Vari-ND or something like B+W 2-stop and 4-stop NDs or other Singh Ray, I want to make sure I am making the right choice.

As I think I've said, I am really a fan of Tony Sweet's work and when I was watching a DVD of his and he seemed to swear by the Vari-ND, it really piqued my interest.