Singh Ray Vari ND

[jdizzle]

Hiya! I just bit the bullet on this filter and I can't wait to try this bad boy out. If anyone here has it, I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks! :D

[Faolan]

I own this filter, whilst I don't use it much it's a god send sometimes when working with bright conditions or to create the dreamy water effect. Note you will probably still need a grad grey filter to help with exposure for skys/dark foregrounds. Also it's not compatible with a polariser.

Apart from that it's a great and useful filter.

[jdizzle]

Thanks Faolan! I can't wait to try it! I've seen some great samples on the web with this filter. I would definitely want to use this not only for seascapes but, also for waterfalls and anything that would give me some blur. Thanks! :)

[Tareq]

I ordered this filter and it is delivered to my friend house who ordered the same because i was with him and recommended to him, just i will go later to get it.

[jdizzle]

Cool. I put a big order in today with Singh Ray.

[Tareq]

Cool. I put a big order in today with Singh Ray.

I can see that, and you did the good job, those are what i am gonna get from them as well.

[craiglee]

wow, expensive

[jdizzle]

wow, expensive
Yes it is. :) This is the last type of filter I'll ever buy. Ordering it in 82mm is nothing to sneeze at. :)

[jdizzle]

Hi folks! I finally got the VARI-ND on Monday. This filter is huge and thick at 82 mm. If anyone's interested, I'll post some pics of it with 16-35 II and 24-70. I also have the step-up ring (77-82) so, I'll have no problems when using it on lenses that are 77mm.

[weka2000]

Im getting ready to upgrade from a cokin system as I feel they produce a colour cast.

Looking foward to samples

[Bubble]

Hi folks! I finally got the VARI-ND on Monday. This filter is huge and thick at 82 mm. If anyone's interested, I'll post some pics of it with 16-35 II and 24-70. I alos have the step-up ring (77-82) so, I'll have no problems when using it on lenses that are 77mm.

please do.

[jdizzle]

No problem guys! :) As soon as I get some free time, I'll post some pics.

[RPCrowe]

I have not tried this but, am posting it for information only!

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/create-your-own-variable-neutral-density-filter/

[jdizzle]

I have not tried this but, am posting it for information only!

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/create-your-own-variable-neutral-density-filter/
Cool! I'd never heard of this before but, I've read that stacking filters can degrade image quality. I have nothing against it but, it looks like it can be useful. Thanks for posting this. :)

[jdizzle]

Here are some pics with it on the lenses as promised. I hope this can be helpful for some that maybe looking at this filter. I didn't get the chance to go out and shoot with the filter but, I will post more pics of samples when I get the chance. Thanks! :)

1) The first photo will give you an idea of the size of the filters, in comparison to a slim polariser and your regular standard size CPL. From the top right going clockwise, you have the Singh Ray Vari-ND 82 mm,Hoya Pro Slim CPL 82 mm,Singh Ray LB Warming CPL 77mm, and finally the B+W 10 stop ND 77mm. I put the Lens Pen there just give you an idea of scale. :)
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb83/delarosaIII/3R1I1884.jpg[/IMG]

2) Here are some profile shots of the filter on the 16-35 II and 1Ds MK III.
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb83/delarosaIII/3R1I1887.jpg[/IMG]
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb83/delarosaIII/3R1I1890.jpg[/IMG]

3) Here's a photo of it with the 24-70 and 1Ds MK III. I used a step up ring 77-82 and it worked out pretty well.
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb83/delarosaIII/3R1I1891.jpg[/IMG]

[weka2000]

What is the "shield" around your camera?

[jdizzle]

Shield? I think what you speak of is the RRS L bracket.

[weka2000]

Shield? I think what you speak of is the RRS L bracket.
Do you have a link where you got it.
Yes braket :)

[jdizzle]

Do you have a link where you got it.
Yes braket :)
Yea sure! :) Here you go. I like it alot and going from landscape and portrait is real convenient.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=B1DMkIII%2DL&eq=&Tp=

[weka2000]

Yea sure! :) Here you go. I like it alot and going from landscape and portrait is real convenient.

http://reallyrightstuff.com/rrs/Itemdesc.asp?ic=B1DMkIII%2DL&eq=&Tp=


Cheers been looking for something just like that :)

Right back to your original post :rolleyes:

[Tareq]

WOW, it is almost the same what i will have, 1Ds3 i got it, 24-70 i have it, SinghRay VariND i got it, 16-35II i don't have it, so should i upgrade to 16-35II? and is it important to get SinghRay LB warming filter? i bought B+W CPL and i have Hitech GND filters, so is it good to buy all filters that can be useful, too much filters?
And yes, i have that RRS L also to use with my BH-55, now i need to buy 2-series tripod.

[milorad]

have you vari-ND users tried stacking two polarizers instead? if so, what are you comments?

[Tareq]

have you vari-ND users tried stacking two polarizers instead? if so, what are you comments?

If i am not wrong to my knowledge the ND working different than a CPL, it is not only to reduce the f-stops, any dark glass or sheet can reduce the light off on the lens, but both doing different job, CPL mostly to eliminate the reflections and add more saturation mostly for the skies, and the ND is like absorbing the overexposed light so we can use slower shutter speed, i don't think if you placed two NDs both are 8x or two CPL also 8x you will not get the same results in both conditions most of the time, so i use ND for what it should be and CPL for what it should be.

[Jon]

have you vari-ND users tried stacking two polarizers instead? if so, what are you comments?You need to have at least one linear polarizer to make that work, and it has to go on the outside of the stack.Every time I've done this I've gotten noticeable blue shifting, and it started at more than 2 stops; the Vari-ND runs from 2-8 stops.

[milorad]

thanks Jon... I was concerned about possible colour shift given the nature of what it's doing.

I have a few NDs so I could easily put one on for two or three stops, but I thought it might be nice to have more gradual control without deep-stacking 3 ND filters by using two polarizers. I use my polarizer with a step-down ring, so owning only one didn't let me try this for myself.

I was actually about to order a linear polarizer to stack on top and give it a shot, but then I saw this thread. I suppose I'm glad I asked because the last thing I want is colour-shift, but it does beg the question... how, if not by polarization, does a vari-ND actually work?

Perhaps they're just cleaner because they've been designed with that purpose in mind.

[Tareq]

thanks Jon... I was concerned about possible colour shift given the nature of what it's doing.

I have a few NDs so I could easily put one on for two or three stops, but I thought it might be nice to have more gradual control without deep-stacking 3 ND filters by using two polarizers. I use my polarizer with a step-down ring, so owning only one didn't let me try this for myself.

I was actually about to order a linear polarizer to stack on top and give it a shot, but then I saw this thread. I suppose I'm glad I asked because the last thing I want is colour-shift, but it does beg the question... how, if not by polarization, does a vari-ND actually work?

Perhaps they're just cleaner because they've been designed with that purpose in mind.

isn't that ND gray? so it will not have any affect on color

[milorad]

Tareq, yes mate, the NDs are grey, but so is my polarizer. I'm not sure what you're getting at exactly...

of course filter quality varies, and because people tend to use polarizers to make the sky blue, I'm sure a lot of filter manufaturers allow them to err on the blue side, but in reality, they shouldn't. In an ideal world, polarizers would be just as colour neutral as ND filters, and mine is nice, but I've never tried stacking two of them.

Given the nature of what they do, though, there's certainly more of a chance of aberration in stacking two polarizers... but I'm not really sure how that's any different to what a vari-ND does.

[Jon]

thanks Jon... I was concerned about possible colour shift given the nature of what it's doing.

I have a few NDs so I could easily put one on for two or three stops, but I thought it might be nice to have more gradual control without deep-stacking 3 ND filters by using two polarizers. I use my polarizer with a step-down ring, so owning only one didn't let me try this for myself.

I was actually about to order a linear polarizer to stack on top and give it a shot, but then I saw this thread. I suppose I'm glad I asked because the last thing I want is colour-shift, but it does beg the question... how, if not by polarization, does a vari-ND actually work?

Perhaps they're just cleaner because they've been designed with that purpose in mind.I suspect that's the case. If you're designing the polarizing filters to work together you can tune them; regular polarizers aren't intended for that purpose. My suspicion would be that polarizers in general are slightly less effective at the shorter wave lengths; using a different crystal to effect the polarization you can shift the range of wavelengths slightly. And by overlapping the ranges of the two layers, you can cut off more of the visible spectrum in the final result.

[milorad]

I'd call that fairly sound reasoning. Cheers Jon.

[foxbat]

If it's really a back-to-back polarizer then it ought to appear completely opaque if you hold it up in front of a mirror and try to look through it.

[jdizzle]

16-35II i don't have it, so should i upgrade to 16-35II? and is it important to get SinghRay LB warming filter? i bought B+W CPL and i have Hitech GND filters, so is it good to buy all filters that can be useful, too much filters?

You don't have to upgrade to the 16-35 II. The only difference in the 16-35 II is that it's much sharper in the corners and it controls flare much better. If this is important to you than that's up to you. The Singh Ray LB warming polariser is a nice CPL but, the only difference is that it will add warmth to the photo. This is something that you can do in PS or LR. As you can see, I'm a filter collector :) but, I've become a bit wiser in knowing what I'll use in the field. The only thing left I need to buy is the Singh Ray Color Combo and I've seen some great photos with this filter. It's alot of money for a screw on filter but, you only live once right? :)

[jdizzle]

have you vari-ND users tried stacking two polarizers instead? if so, what are you comments?
I haven't tried yet. So I can't really give you feedback on that.

[Tareq]

You don't have to upgrade to the 16-35 II. The only difference in the 16-35 II is that it's much sharper in the corners and it controls flare much better. If this is important to you than that's up to you. The Singh Ray LB warming polariser is a nice CPL but, the only difference is that it will add warmth to the photo. This is something that you can do in PS or LR. As you can see, I'm a filter collector :) but, I've become a bit wiser in knowing what I will use in the field. The only thing left I need to buy is the Singh Ray Color Combo and I've seen some great photos with this filter. It's alot of money for a screw on filter but, you only live once right? :)

In fact i don't want to upgrade, because my 16-35 I doing a great job and still a great lens, and i don't want to spend more money on filters, even if i will use that adapter or converter for 82-77, so i think i shouldn't think much to upgrade now.
In fact i was also looking to buy some SinghRay filters as well like that LB and color combo and Slo-ND and more, but after thinking i find that i shouldn't use that much filters and i have to be creative with few filters, too much filters will make me confusing, and in fact i will use those filters only when i travel, so i feel it will be wasting money if i buy many filters more than what i need, but i may add more later one by one.

[jdizzle]

In fact i don't want to upgrade, because my 16-35 I doing a great job and still a great lens, and i don't want to spend more money on filters, even if i will use that adapter or converter for 82-77, so i think i shouldn't think much to upgrade now.
In fact i was also looking to buy some SinghRay filters as well like that LB and color combo and Slo-ND and more, but after thinking i find that i shouldn't use that much filters and i have to be creative with few filters, too much filters will make me confusing, and in fact i will use those filters only when i travel, so i feel it will be wasting money if i buy many filters more than what i need, but i may add more later one by one.

To be honest, the Mor Slo ND is a waste of money. Stacking more filters on that Vari ND will give you extreme vignettting esp. on a 16-35 I or II. I assume you bought the slim version in 77mm right? Would you mind posting a pic of the slim version? It be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Tareq]

To be honest, the Mor Slo ND is a waste of money. Stacking more filters on that Vari ND will give you extreme vignettting esp. on a 16-35 I or II. I assume you bought the slim version in 77mm right? Would you mind posting a pic of the slim version? It be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I also didn't think to get it at all, even they wrote that i can't use the Vari-ND and Mor sloND both slim, i will be fine with a Vari-ND and CPL, i have another standard ND which i use all the time before and it was fine [but vignetting if i use another filters], so i was so careful this time to get all the slim and thin filters as much as i can, in i know where and when i can stack two filters or more when i want, i was using two filters or more before and most of them are not slim and i get vignetting on 16-20, but i can crop, but i think now i will get less vignetting than before because they are larger and thinner filters now [i was using P-series and replaced now with 4x5 GND].
Still my Vari-ND is in my friend house and our order for another filters from 2filters didn't complete, too bad we have to call them back and check with them again, and i will buy one more filter from SinghRay soon i hope.
Yes, i always choose that wide slim version of 77mm.

[jdizzle]

Well when you get it, can you post a pic of it please. I just want to see how thin they are since Singh Ray doesn't make this filter in slim for 82mm. Thanks!

[Tareq]

Well when you get it, can you post a pic of it please. I just want to see how thin they are since Singh Ray doesn't make this filter in slim for 82mm. Thanks!

But again, can you till me about which filter you are talking about?

[jdizzle]

But again, can you till me about which filter you are talking about?
The Vari ND you ordered silly. :)

[S-S]

i wanted a singh ray vari nd but it was too expensive...

so i bought a 2nd-hand tiffen linear polariser (stacking 2 CPLs doesnt work and stacking 2 LPLs is not recommended for digital cameras because linearly polarised light will reach the sensor = bad) off ebay and attached it to the outside of my hoya pro CPL... works great, i photographed this through it on my 24-105:

partial solar eclipse, around 3pm
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2247587335_f5472d232e_o.jpg
the first pic is overexposed but all the rest are the sun's actual colour including the dimmer orange edge to the disc
the bg was added later as the sky was just black

[Tareq]

The Vari ND you ordered silly. :)

I will post a shot when i will take it from my friend, but i am sure it will be thin, then why i ordered it, just be patient until i can get it as son as possible [too bad going to Dubai is like you are playing near the active volcano].

[jdizzle]

i wanted a singh ray vari nd but it was too expensive...

so i bought a 2nd-hand tiffen linear polariser (stacking 2 CPLs doesnt work and stacking 2 LPLs is not recommended for digital cameras because linearly polarised light will reach the sensor = bad) off ebay and attached it to the outside of my hoya pro CPL... works great, i photographed this through it on my 24-105:

partial solar eclipse, around 3pm
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2191/2247587335_f5472d232e_o.jpg
the first pic is overexposed but all the rest are the sun's actual colour including the dimmer orange edge to the disc
the bg was added later as the sky was just black
Cool! Thanks for posting this! Looks like it worked well here. Have you tried that combo on anything else? Really curious. Thanks!

[S-S]

yes i have... cant remember when exactly so dont want to hunt the pics out, i think it was for slow shutter & moving water - but i didnt have the filters dialled all the way to black for those shots. it was certainly easier to use than stacking ND filters which ive also done prior - because you can compose & focus with the filters dialled to their most transparent setting and then just turn them until you get the exposure time you want, and shoot.

most of my lenses have 77mm filter thread so its easy to swap my homemade filter set around

[argyle]

...i will be fine with a Vari-ND and CPL...

You just can't use these together at the same time (stacked). The present-day Vari-ND is not compatible with a CPL. However, Singh-Ray is in the process of releasing a new version of the Vari-ND that can be used in conjunction with a CPL.

[Tareq]

You just can't use these together at the same time (stacked). The present-day Vari-ND is not compatible with a CPL. However, Singh-Ray is in the process of releasing a new version of the Vari-ND that can be used in conjunction with a CPL.

Where did you read about that? or you tried that and it didn't work?

[argyle]

Where did you read about that? or you tried that and it didn't work?

That is per the folks at Singh-Ray. Here's a blurb from their website:

"The Vari-ND can be used with most other Singh-Ray filters except Polarizers..."

As I said in my earlier post, S-R is coming out with a new Vari-ND that will be compatible with CPL's...just not sure when. A fellow photog on FM reported this after a telephone conversation with the folks at S-R. You can always phone them to confirm...

[jdizzle]

That is per the folks at Singh-Ray. Here's a blurb from their website:

"The Vari-ND can be used with most other Singh-Ray filters except Polarizers..."

As I said in my earlier post, S-R is coming out with a new Vari-ND that will be compatible with CPL's...just not sure when. A fellow photog on FM reported this after a telephone conversation with the folks at S-R. You can always phone them to confirm...

I also read this same info on FM. It be interesting to see what Singh Ray comes up with.

[Tareq]

That is per the folks at Singh-Ray. Here's a blurb from their website:

"The Vari-ND can be used with most other Singh-Ray filters except Polarizers..."

As I said in my earlier post, S-R is coming out with a new Vari-ND that will be compatible with CPL's...just not sure when. A fellow photog on FM reported this after a telephone conversation with the folks at S-R. You can always phone them to confirm...

I also read this same info on FM. It be interesting to see what Singh Ray comes up with.

Just i have a question, is that meaning that i can't use any polarizer filter with this Vari-ND filter? could be because of front thread is not compatible with another filters, or is it that Singh-Ray polarizer filters are different than another filters like from B+W or Hoya?

[argyle]

Just i have a question, is that meaning that i can't use any polarizer filter with this Vari-ND filter?...

Yes. It has nothing to do with front threads...its has to do with way the Vari-ND filter is designed and constructed.

[Tareq]

Yes. It has nothing to do with front threads...its has to do with way the Vari-ND filter is designed and constructed.

I see, in this case one must have more than ND or CPL filters, so if two not working together we can use another two filters to stack together.

[jdizzle]

I've never tried stacking an ND and CPL together but, if there's one company that can do it, it's Singh Ray.

[milorad]

guys, the vari-ND is basically two polarizers already... which is why it's not compatible with an additional polarizer. Regular NDs don't have that problem.

[S-S]

guys, the vari-ND is basically two polarizers already... which is why it's not compatible with an additional polarizer. Regular NDs don't have that problem.

exactly... hence my ability to 'make' one by just stacking 2 polarisers together... there are no actual ND filters within it

[jdizzle]

Thanks for the clarity guys. I didn't know that. I thought the Vari_ND was two ND filters stuck together. Ya learn something new all the time on this forum. :)

[joeprzybylo]

I've lost my singhray vari nd filter. Anyone know of one for sale.
Joe

[jdizzle]

I've lost my singhray vari nd filter. Anyone know of one for sale.
Joe
Here you go. :)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=1081035