Neutral Density Filter

[dfuccillo]

It was suggested that I purchase a neutral density filter to use when I shoot old Barns. I was told this would help with the detail. I have purchase, but still get better results with my polorixer. What aim i doing wrong?

Thanks

Dave Fuccillo

[ohenry]

A ND filter will allow you to reduce the amount of light entering thereby allowing you to use lower shutter speeds or wider apertures in brighter lighting. I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve by your comments.

[jbradc]

All a ND filter does is block light, for example you can shoot wide open on a sunny day as oposed to having to stop the lens down, if you want shallow DOF in bright conditions a ND filter is a big help. But as for "helping with detail" it will not do that. Stick with your polorizer to cut down on reflections and make the sky darker.

[Citizensmith]

Neutral Density filter can be useful as the previous posters have described. If you want a slower shutter speed for some reason or other for instance. All they do though is make things darker, and that isn't going to bring out more detail.

The polarizer will help as it can reduce reflections. Underexposing slightly can also help. Neutral density though? Nope.

[Jon]

Might the person suggesting ND filters have been referring to graduated ND filters? They'd help darken the sky while keeping the barn exposure reasonable. But I'd lean toward a polarizer first.