Neutral density filters

[Coach]

Hi all,

Just a quick question....Does anyone have a suggestion for a good 77mm variable neutral density filter for my Nikkor 16-35 VR lens that my DW gave me as a gift?

Thank you far any suggestions/opinions.

 

[scrapycruiser]

A novice photographer wants to know when to use this filter ? Thanks ! Trying to learn all I can

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Hi all,

Just a quick question....Does anyone have a suggestion for a good 77mm variable neutral density filter for my Nikkor 16-35 VR lens that my DW gave me as a gift?

Thank you far any suggestions/opinions.

I don't have one in my kit, so can't give you any personal experience. The concensus last time this got asked, though, seemed to be that the $15-$20 cheap filters were "good enough," depending on what you'll be using it for.

A novice photographer wants to know when to use this filter ? Thanks ! Trying to learn all I can

An ND filter decreases the amount of light entering the camera, which allows you to use very long exposure times without blowing out the shot or having to dramatically change your aperture settings (which would change your depth of field). Typical uses are for shots of moving water, fireworks, or for using long exposures to remove people from scenes. ND filters can be for either a fixed amount of light or a variable amount of light, adjusted by twisting a ring. They also range wildly in price from about $20 to $1000.

 

[boBQuincy]

From what I have read (since I have not used them) the inexpensive variable filters give light and dark patterns when used at high darkness settings. They are really no more than two polarizers together, that reduce the amount of light depending on how the two are aligned with each other. For 6, 9, or more stops of light a fixed ND may give better image quality. B&W make good ones (and charge for them).

One use for a ND filter would be to get your lens to the maximum sharpness aperture when it is too bright for your fastest shutter speed.

Some uses for a ND filter:

 

[mom2rtk]

Great shots Bob! Which ND filter do you have?

 

[boBQuincy]

Thanks!

I have a B&W 1.8 (6 stops) which I usually use with a polarizer so it ends up being about 8 stops. I know we are not supposed to stack filters...
The Beach Club boat dock photo was a 4 second exposure at f/11, the steam train was about 2 seconds at f/11.

I need a darker filter now because micro 4/3 is not real sharp at f/11.