which ND filter for fireworks

[rmdavis]

Which ND filter works best for shooting fireworks a .9 or a .6 or is it more a matter of preference? I am heading to WDW the end of Nov, first of Dec and want to get a filter. Or is it better to get both and stack when needed?Thanks.

Would also love to see some samples of different shots using the filters.

 

[boBQuincy]

I recall that WDWFigment used a 1.8 to get some good results. One of the issues is to get away from using f/16 or f/22 since small apertures cause diffraction and a loss of sharpness. The ND filter allows a wider aperture and a longer exposure.

Stacking is not recommended since it adds more air/glass interfaces and can degrade the image. In practice this may not be that big of an issue but light sources at night can cause reflections with filters, more would only make it worse. Multi-coating helps (and also helps the filter makers bottom line).

 

[WDWFigment]

^Yep. I'm currently using a 9-stop and loving it.

http://www.disneytouristblog.com/neutral-density-filter-reviews-buying-guide/

 

[rmdavis]

thanks guys. WDWFigment excellent article, one question for you is how do you like the darker filters for landscapes and does the darkness of them affect the focusing or view through the viewfinder? (I hope that isn't a dumb question)

 

[WDWFigment]

^Daytime shots are precisely why I got the more intense filters. I usually compose and focus prior to putting on the filter, or enable live view to focus. YMMV.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

^Yep. I'm currently using a 9-stop and loving it.

http://www.disneytouristblog.com/neutral-density-filter-reviews-buying-guide/

Tom, I just bought the B + W 1.8 6-stop filter. Its the newer version of the one you mention in your article. I have been using f11 without the filter with a shutter speed of 2-5 seconds. You mention in the article f-stops of 4-9 and 100 second exposures. Which f-stop gave you your best results? Is the DOF sufficient at f4? TIA.

Terry

 

[Sbunit]

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question (I'm a beginner)...

I understand what ND filters do and their purpose of use....Can you use them during the daytime when the camera is handheld for landscape shots? Or is it really for longer exposures (tripod-necessary). Thanks for helping out!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

They are for longer exposures and you will need a tripod.

 

[boBQuincy]

I'm sorry if this is a stupid question (I'm a beginner)...

I understand what ND filters do and their purpose of use....Can you use them during the daytime when the camera is handheld for landscape shots? Or is it really for longer exposures (tripod-necessary). Thanks for helping out!

The only uses I can think of for those conditions might be:
1 - where you want to use a wide aperture like f/1.4 on a bright day and you are already at your highest shutter speed/lowest ISO and it is not enough.

2 - where you want a slow shutter speed like 1/15 and do not want to use f/22.

I have been in a situation like #2 and a 3 stop ND would have been helpful.

 

[PrincessInOz]

Tom - Thanks for that article. DH used to love Hoya filters in the days of film. Off to do some research!

rmdavis - I'd love to know which ND filter you ended up getting. I'm heading to Hong Kong in April next year and am looking to add 'accessories and filters' to my bag.

 

[rmdavis]

PrincessinOZ, I wound up buying the B + W 1.8 6-stop filter. Now just waiting for it to get here so I can play with it. I leave for Orlando on the 26th and hope to learn it a bit before leaving.

 

[Sbunit]

So, my question now is...

When using the filter with the fireworks, How do you guys figure out how long to keep the shutter open? I've seen ranges anywhere from 30secs to over 100 seconds. Can you give some advice? Thanks!

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

Since I'm going for the first time with a ND filter, I'm probably not the one to give advice. I will choose the old trial and error method knowing I will not get many shots. If I was not going to see the show multiple times this trip, I probably would not use it. I would go with the non-ND filter method that I already know. I also plan on using it for lowlight/night photography involving water and reflections. I got my filter yesterday and hopefully will be off to our downtown river dam for practice tomorrow.