Fireworks w/tokina 11-16 w/o nd filter?

[kgreen]

We have 1 of our 1st local firework displays tonight. I normally use my 18-105mm with my d-7000 and 0.9 nd filter attatched. I was so excited to use my new tokina 11-16mm, and realized I don't have an nd filter that fits this lens. Will I just not be able to keep the lens open as long as I normally would if i were using an nd filter? Settings I normally go with are, Iso-100, f/9 to f/16, and anywhere from 10-30 seconds sometimes longer. Trip-pod and remote shutter. Fireworks are my favorite thing to photograph, but I've always used the same set up. New lens is making me rethink the way I've always done it. Any advice you can send me along with, I'd be really appreciative. Thanks

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

I usually use my lowest ISO, f11 and have a shutter speed of 2-7 seconds (using bulb mode with remote). Manual focus to infinity and then slightly, ever so slightly, back it off. You will not be able to get the multiple explosions with this method. However, you can use a flat black piece of paper/cardboard etc. to simulate a nd filter. You can open the shutter and expose the explosions by removing the paper/cardboard from in front of the lens and then covering it until the next explosions.

 

[kgreen]

Oh Thank you so much, I was in such a panic, I completely forgot about the cardboard/hat trick! For just 1 burst though should I try and stay within the 2-7 seconds, as to not loose all the color. On a side note I did get a 77mm nd filter ordered. Should be here for the displays on the 4th & 5th. Thanks for your quick reply! I've been checking to see if anyone replied every few minuets! ;-)

 

[kgreen]

Deleted double post.

 

[mom2rtk]

I was really disappointed when I got to the Magic Kingdom a couple weeks ago (our only day there) and realized I had left the ND Filter in the room. I really just set my shutter speed by feel. Brighter bursts, less time. Darker bursts, more time.

It did help a lot to shot in raw so I could bring down some of the brighter highlights. I was still pretty happy with what I got.

I won't make that mistake again. I put the ND filter in a case inside my tripod bag now, right along with the tripod plate (that's what I forgot on our 2012 trip) and shutter release cable.

Best of luck!

 

[kgreen]

Great advice! I really like the idea of keeping the nd filter and plate in the tripod bag. Genious! I'm on my way to the display now. I'm really excited to photograph the fireworks in Disney this October. Hence I really want to get a little use with my new lens beforehand. I've photographed Wishes & Illuminations a couple times, but it'll be a first for Mnsshp! And I'm excited to have a wide angle lens this trip. Thank you both!