Filter question

[SPDnTRXI]

I've never been a big filter user.. expect for the obvious UV as a protector type. But I'm looking at some MRC and ND filters.. Most of my lenses fall in the 72mm to 77mm range, so what I am looking for is to spend the money and get 77mm filters and use a stepup ring on my 72mm lenses. I generally 2 carry more then 2 lenses on a hike, so I dont mind swapping.

Couple of questions :

1. Stepup ring effect on vignetting, if any ?
2. Is a 2stop ND filter generally enough for the flowing water effect ?
3. Does going past 2 stop ND effect color/contrast too negatively ?

TIA,
J

[scot079]

MRC is just a coating that could be on a UV or Circular Polarizer (CPL) filter. A 2-stop ND will get you the water effect you're looking for, but not in direct sunlight. Choose sunset or sunrise and stop down your lens to f/16.

What lens you using?

[SPDnTRXI]

sorry I meant CPL's.. for those I know what I want...

yes I figured 2stop is not enough in sunlight, but wanted to be sure.. How many do you think.. 3..4..6 stops on the ND ?

have some sigma lenses,35L,85L,70-200L

[scot079]

If you want ultimate flexibility, Singh Ray makes a variable ND filter. I just have a 10 stop B+W and it does the trick;-)

[SPDnTRXI]

wow 10 stops...

checked out the singhray.. 300+ bucks but pretty versatile 2-8 stops

thanks for the info

[scot079]

wow 10 stops...

checked out the singhray.. 300+ bucks but pretty versatile 2-8 stops

thanks for the info

Yeah it's a beast, it's actually too much, but I got to work while at the beach last week.

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u264/scot079/IMG_8081.jpg