What Kind of ND Filter for Fireworks?

[Daisy14'sDH]

I see that the new tren for fireworks photos is using ND filters, and I love how they look! Which type do you use? How strong? On what lens?

I am heading back next month and will be using my 12-24mm lens (77mm filter), I'd like to order it in the next week or so. What sucks is that that is the only lens it will fit on! Also what setting sdo you use? I usually shoot between 3-4 seconds, ISO 100, F8-11... but now with the ND Filter I wont have time to "practice" before I go...

 

[ukcatfan]

If you want to save money, then there is a technique you can do instead of having the filter. You use bulb mode, make a really long exposure, and cover the lens with black fabric while you do not want light coming into it. I have seen really nice examples, but have never tried myself.

 

[mom2rtk]

You can get a step down (or up) ring to make your filters fit different sizes. They're really cheap!

 

[Daisy14'sDH]

I just wanna know what people are using lol, I was thinking of one of those ones that twist and let you set your density. But it is too thick for the 12-24mm, it will cause definite vignetting or a black ring in the photo.

 

[Experiment_626]

I just wanna know what people are using lol, I was thinking of one of those ones that twist and let you set your density. But it is too thick for the 12-24mm, it will cause definite vignetting or a black ring in the photo.

It would probably work -- just keep your zoom set to around 14 mm or above and you should be okay, give or take a little. That's what I do with my 10-20.

Scott

 

[WDWFigment]

I use the B+W 1.8. Well, I did use it until I broke it at Disneyland. Need to order a new one soon!

 

[boufa]

If you want to save money, then there is a technique you can do instead of having the filter. You use bulb mode, make a really long exposure, and cover the lens with black fabric while you do not want light coming into it. I have seen really nice examples, but have never tried myself.

Try a baseball cap, so long as it is solid. It hangs nicely on the front of the lens. I do this with lightning. I set the shutter speed to 20 seconds, once I think I got a good bolt, I hang the baseball hat on the lens to keep it from over exposing.