Variable Neutral Density Filter

[NJGuy3]

Hi everyone...I've been recently shopping for a nd filter. The camera store I was at suggested a variable nd filter. My main purpose would be for fireworks, especially at Disney and occasional nighttime photography. I plan on using it with my Tamron 18-270mm lense.
I narrowed it down to these two:

Genustech #GNDF-62
62mm ND Fader Filter
$79.99

Polaroid #PLFILFDND62
62mm ND Fader Filter
$39.99

Anyone have any experience with these two in particular? Any info, advice, would be appreciated...thanks!

 

[mom2rtk]

For fireworks and night photography, I don't think you'll want a graduated ND filter. My understanding is that the graduated ones are to compensate for big variations in lighting, like a bright sky over a landscape.

 

[WDWFigment]

Hi everyone...I've been recently shopping for a nd filter. The camera store I was at suggested a variable nd filter. My main purpose would be for fireworks, especially at Disney and occasional nighttime photography. I plan on using it with my Tamron 18-270mm lense.
I narrowed it down to these two:

Genustech #GNDF-62
62mm ND Fader Filter
$79.99

Polaroid #PLFILFDND62
62mm ND Fader Filter
$39.99

Anyone have any experience with these two in particular? Any info, advice, would be appreciated...thanks!

I use one that's around $20 on Amazon. Total off brand, but it's fine for fireworks.

I have reviews of a number of ND filters on my blog.

 

[NJGuy3]

Thanks to both for the advice & info!
Will go check out your blog, Tom.

 

[Porktitioner]

I use a Hoya variable neutral density filter:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/857426-REG/Hoya_A62VDY_62mm_Variable_Density_Filter.html

I like the variable filters as they allow me to set the apeture, speed, and iso exactly as I want then use the filter to get the right exposure.



Little River.GSMNP.2013 by Chris Gafford, on Flickr

 

[NJGuy3]

Good to know...thanks for the info! Possibly heading to B&H tomorrow so I'll check out the variable nd filters for myself.

 

[mamaCta]

This guy http://www.scottrobertgallery.com/ says he uses a cheap VND filter. He says he doesn't notice a difference between cheap and expensive ones, and he would rather have one he can throw in his pocket without worrying about scratching.

 

[C&B Young]

I use one that's around $20 on Amazon. Total off brand, but it's fine for fireworks.

I have reviews of a number of ND filters on my blog.

We've got the same Amazon one Tom does, based on his recommendation, and are quite happy with it. Actually picked up a 2nd one for our 2nd body recently.

 

[NJGuy3]

This guy http://www.scottrobertgallery.com/ says he uses a cheap VND filter. He says he doesn't notice a difference between cheap and expensive ones, and he would rather have one he can throw in his pocket without worrying about scratching.

I checked out the link to the site you posted here...couldn't find the brand of the nd filter he uses. If yo uhave the direct link to the article that would be great.

We've got the same Amazon one Tom does, based on his recommendation, and are quite happy with it. Actually picked up a 2nd one for our 2nd body recently.

Good to know that the cheap nd filter is working out well. Have you used it for fireworks yet? And if so, how are the results?

 

[wiigirl]

I use one that's around $20 on Amazon. Total off brand, but it's fine for fireworks.

I have reviews of a number of ND filters on my blog.

Awesome! Thanks!

 

[WDWFigment]

Awesome! Thanks!

Here's a fireworks photo taken with the filter...


Disneyland Magical! Fireworks (57 Seconds) by Tom.Bricker, on Flickr

 

[C&B Young]

Here's a 16 second exposure from Illuminations shot with the filter:


Illuminations at Epcot by Crystal Young, on Flickr

 

[NJGuy3]

Very nice pics to both WDWFigment and C&B Young!
Here's a pic of Wishes from my recent visit last month...no filters used.
This is why I'd like to get an nd filter...

Wishes by Leo, on Flickr

 

[WDWFigment]

Very nice pics to both WDWFigment and C&B Young!
Here's a pic of Wishes from my recent visit last month...no filters used.
This is why I'd like to get an nd filter...

Eh, I wouldn't be disappointed by that. The highlights a bit blown, but a lot of people would die for a shot of the fireworks like that.

With an ND filter, you're going to have to use a really, really low intensity to capture the fan (that set of bursts in Wishes) without additional sets also in the frame. ND filters are great for really long exposures of the fireworks, but if you want each individual set of bursts, your best bet is no filter and adjusting your settings.

My recommendation there would've been to use f/16 for your aperture instead of f/11. That's the easiest fix for photographing the fireworks in single-burst sets.

 

[NJGuy3]

Eh, I wouldn't be disappointed by that. The highlights a bit blown, but a lot of people would die for a shot of the fireworks like that.

To an amateur/hobbyist photographer such as myself, that means alot to me coming from you.

With an ND filter, you're going to have to use a really, really low intensity to capture the fan (that set of bursts in Wishes) without additional sets also in the frame. ND filters are great for really long exposures of the fireworks, but if you want each individual set of bursts, your best bet is no filter and adjusting your settings.

My recommendation there would've been to use f/16 for your aperture instead of f/11. That's the easiest fix for photographing the fireworks in single-burst sets.

In regards to 'really low intensity'...are you referring to a particular 'stop' on a variable nd filter or the .9 filter as you mentioned in your blog?

Thanks for the info...will definetly keep this in mind and readjust my settings next time I shoot Wishes.

 

[mamaCta]

I checked out the link to the site you posted here...couldn't find the brand of the nd filter he uses. If yo uhave the direct link to the article that would be great.

It was a random comment in a workshop he taught that I watched on creativelive.com. He did not give a brand, but he did say he used a $15 one.

p.s. The live streaming workshops are free on Creative Live and are a wealth of knowledge. The one that Scott taught would be worth every penny to purchase.

 

[NJGuy3]

Ok, cool...will check out that site...thanks!

 

[pgowder]

For fireworks and night photography, I don't think you'll want a graduated ND filter. My understanding is that the graduated ones are to compensate for big variations in lighting, like a bright sky over a landscape.

Love having a variable ND for fireworks. You need it to get the finale's.

 

[Experiment_626]

For fireworks and night photography, I don't think you'll want a graduated ND filter. My understanding is that the graduated ones are to compensate for big variations in lighting, like a bright sky over a landscape.

They are, but you may be confusing a graduated ND (darker in one part of the frame than the other) with a variable ND (progressively darker or lighter as you rotate it, but uniform across the entire frame at any given point).

Scott

 

[mom2rtk]

They are, but you may be confusing a graduated ND (darker in one part of the frame than the other) with a variable ND (progressively darker or lighter as you rotate it, but uniform across the entire frame at any given point).

Scott

Yes, that's exactly what I did. To be honest, I was just completely unaware of the variable ones. Sounds like a great item to have though. I'm going to do some research before our next trip.