Looking to get into some ND filters

[DreDaze]

so I'm wanting to take longer exposures during sunsets...or waterfalls during the day...so I'm trying to look for a decent ND set-up...This is all pretty new to me...but i'm thinking of avoiding the screw on types...I'm also trying to keep it some-what low-budget if at all possible...

so are either of these a good deal:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/162552-REG/LEE_Filters_GSND_Neutral_Density_Polyester_Filter. html

or i was thinking something like this:
http://www.2filter.com/prices/htpackages.html

which would give me a gradual ND filter...and then possibly adding a solid ND filter as well...that'd put me just below $100 which would be nice...

any opinions?...other recommendations?...also how do you know which ND grad to choose?

thanks

[Josh_30]

I'm interested in opinions on this as well. I just picked up a book on hiking trails to local waterfalls, so I'll be getting some ND's soon and would like to know what setups are preferred.

[freddobar]

Are you certain that will let you put in a Grad ND filter? It doesn't look adjustable. Were you planning on hand holding the grad ND

[NYPhotog]

Other than cost, is there a reason you are not considering screw-in ND filters?

[ralff]

Other than cost, is there a reason you are not considering screw-in ND filters?
I am looking for something like that too, the problem with the screw in type is the graduated ND filters, you have to place the horizon (where the sun is setting for example) where the filter changes density, usually right in the middle, which usually is often NOT the best place for a pleasing composition.

[argyle]

When it comes to ND filters, I much prefer the screw-in type, from a personal opinion. Easy to use, no need for any contraptions such as filter holders and adapter rings to carry around. As far as the ND gel filter link that you posted, I'd avoid anything that's considered a "universal fit" when using the included "elastomeric tensioning device", which is nothing but a fancy buzzword for what is most likely nothing more than a rubber band.

If you already have a good quality polarizer, it will do double-duty as a 1.5 to 2-stop ND filter. For starters, I'd recommend that you go with a 3-stop and 6-stop ND filter...these would cover you for most situations.

[DreDaze]

Are you certain that will let you put in a Grad ND filter? It doesn't look adjustable. Were you planning on hand holding the grad ND

are you just talking about the first one?...the 2nd comes with a grad ND, so i assume that one is adjustable...the First i'm not sure

Other than cost, is there a reason you are not considering screw-in ND filters?

i thought i read about them not being as good...if they are then i'll reconsider

When it comes to ND filters, I much prefer the screw-in type, from a personal opinion. Easy to use, no need for any contraptions such as filter holders and adapter rings to carry around. As far as the ND gel filter link that you posted, I'd avoid anything that's considered a "universal fit" when using the included "elastomeric tensioning device", which is nothing but a fancy buzzword for what is most likely nothing more than a rubber band.

If you already have a good quality polarizer, it will do double-duty as a 1.5 to 2-stop ND filter. For starters, I'd recommend that you go with a 3-stop and 6-stop ND filter...these would cover you for most situations.


yeah i don't even have a polarizer yet:o...i've been avoiding any filter/polarizer stuff until now...do you think i should go for that first...?...for now my main interest is longer shutters (15 seconds or so @ sunset), i didn't think a polarizer would let me do that...so my thoughts were ND filters first...then polarizer


thanks again everyone

[NYPhotog]

I am looking for something like that too, the problem with the screw in type is the graduated ND filters, you have to place the horizon (where the sun is setting for example) where the filter changes density, usually right in the middle, which usually is often NOT the best place for a pleasing composition.

I said screw-in ND filters, NOT GND. I use the Lee system for grads, but prefer screw-in ND filters.

[DreDaze]

I said screw-in ND filters, NOT GND. I use the Lee system for grads, but prefer screw-in ND filters.

what brand of screw in filters do you use?...not sure if it's the smart thing to do or not, but i was planning on starting with solid ND filters instead of grads

[NYPhotog]

what brand of screw in filters do you use?...not sure if it's the smart thing to do or not, but i was planning on starting with solid ND filters instead of grads

B+W

[argyle]

what brand of screw in filters do you use?...not sure if it's the smart thing to do or not, but i was planning on starting with solid ND filters instead of grads

B+W

As NYPhotog, I also use B+W threaded ND's. My advice would be to get what you need first...if you don't have the need just yet for GND's, then start with the ND's since longer shutters at dusk is your preference at this time. However, a good polarizer is a must for most, if not all, photog's camera bags...the most versatile filter that, like an ND, cannot be duplicated in photoshop.

[DreDaze]

would you go for the MRC filters instead of the regular B&W?...I'm still not sure to start with a .6 or .9...i would assume i could adjust the ISO in order to get the shutter speed that i was looking for, right?

[D_M_T]

would you go for the MRC filters instead of the regular B&W?...I'm still not sure to start with a .6 or .9...i would assume i could adjust the ISO in order to get the shutter speed that i was looking for, right?

From what I've read on here, always opt for the MRC.

[John_TX]

Yep, MRC is the only way to go with B+W. Almost all of their filters have the MRC coating as an option and it's usually not too much more. Be aware though, they also sell a LOT of uncoated filters.

I'd suggest watching Amazon/Adorama/B&H for a couple of weeks as B+W filters (in general) can fluctuate as much as 25% in price.
I've always found Amazon (through Adorama) to have the best US prices.

I really like the B+W 77mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer (MRC) F-Pro Filter (66045620 or 66-045620). Plug in that 8-digit number into any of the popular photo sites and it should pull up the right filter. Usually Amazon has them for around $145 through Adorama's store (with free shipping). Back in March I picked up a second 77mm Kaesemann CPL MRC for about $119 from Amazon (Adorama).

They're currently about $170 right now, so if you don't need it immediately, I'd probably suggest watching the price for a couple of weeks as I'm pretty sure it will go down.

While I've got no hard data to back this up, it seems like filter prices are MOST expensive during the Canon rebate period and for about a month or so after rebates end. Looking back over my previous filter purchases, I seem to have gotten the best prices in the months before the next rebate period begins.

http://www.amazon.com/Kaesemann-Circular-Polarizer-Coated-Filter/dp/B0000BZLAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1250724923&sr=8-1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=66045620&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

http://www.adorama.com/BW77CPLKM.html?searchinfo=66045620

[NYPhotog]

I'd suggest watching Amazon/Adorama/B&H for a couple of weeks as B+W filters (in general) can fluctuate as much as 25% in price.
I've always found Amazon (through Adorama) to have the best US prices.



2filter.com has the best pricing.

[DreDaze]

thanks for the suggestions on watching the price, i never really realized the price would fluctuate that much...

Yep, MRC is the only way to go with B+W. Almost all of their filters have the MRC coating as an option and it's usually not too much more. Be aware though, they also sell a LOT of uncoated filters.

I'd suggest watching Amazon/Adorama/B&H for a couple of weeks as B+W filters (in general) can fluctuate as much as 25% in price.
I've always found Amazon (through Adorama) to have the best US prices.

I really like the B+W 77mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer (MRC) F-Pro Filter (66045620 or 66-045620). Plug in that 8-digit number into any of the popular photo sites and it should pull up the right filter. Usually Amazon has them for around $145 through Adorama's store (with free shipping). Back in March I picked up a second 77mm Kaesemann CPL MRC for about $119 from Amazon (Adorama).

They're currently about $170 right now, so if you don't need it immediately, I'd probably suggest watching the price for a couple of weeks as I'm pretty sure it will go down.

While I've got no hard data to back this up, it seems like filter prices are MOST expensive during the Canon rebate period and for about a month or so after rebates end. Looking back over my previous filter purchases, I seem to have gotten the best prices in the months before the next rebate period begins.

http://www.amazon.com/Kaesemann-Circular-Polarizer-Coated-Filter/dp/B0000BZLAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1250724923&sr=8-1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=66045620&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

http://www.adorama.com/BW77CPLKM.html?searchinfo=66045620

2filter.com has the best pricing.

maybe but it the circular polarizar John mentioned is actually cheaper on amazon...guess i gotta shop around before making the final purchase for sure..

thanks again everyone

[argyle]

would you go for the MRC filters instead of the regular B&W?...I'm still not sure to start with a .6 or .9...i would assume i could adjust the ISO in order to get the shutter speed that i was looking for, right?

I would get the MRC coatings whenever possible. However, I don't believe that the B+W ND filters are available with the MRC designation...not shown as such in their catalog.

[D_M_T]

Yep, MRC is the only way to go with B+W. Almost all of their filters have the MRC coating as an option and it's usually not too much more. Be aware though, they also sell a LOT of uncoated filters.

I'd suggest watching Amazon/Adorama/B&H for a couple of weeks as B+W filters (in general) can fluctuate as much as 25% in price.
I've always found Amazon (through Adorama) to have the best US prices.

I really like the B+W 77mm Kaesemann Circular Polarizer (MRC) F-Pro Filter (66045620 or 66-045620). Plug in that 8-digit number into any of the popular photo sites and it should pull up the right filter. Usually Amazon has them for around $145 through Adorama's store (with free shipping). Back in March I picked up a second 77mm Kaesemann CPL MRC for about $119 from Amazon (Adorama).

They're currently about $170 right now, so if you don't need it immediately, I'd probably suggest watching the price for a couple of weeks as I'm pretty sure it will go down.

While I've got no hard data to back this up, it seems like filter prices are MOST expensive during the Canon rebate period and for about a month or so after rebates end. Looking back over my previous filter purchases, I seem to have gotten the best prices in the months before the next rebate period begins.

http://www.amazon.com/Kaesemann-Circular-Polarizer-Coated-Filter/dp/B0000BZLAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1250724923&sr=8-1

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=66045620&N=0&InitialSearch=yes

http://www.adorama.com/BW77CPLKM.html?searchinfo=66045620

Thanks for the info, but how annoying when you can't wait around for prices to drop!

[Stevie@JC]

I would love some information on ND's im not really worried about the price though i just want the best that i can get, any help would be greatly appreciated

Regards
Stevie

[John_TX]

I sent an MRC related question to B+W last week and they sent me a link to this chart (which I have not seen on their website before).

Here it is for those who are interested:

http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/pdf/filter/buw_programm_e.xls

http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/pdf/filter/bw_filter_programm_e.pdf (this also has a nice filter/feature chart at the end of the pdf)

http://www.schneiderkreuznach.com/pdf/filter/bw_filter_transmission_curves.pdf

I don't work for B+W nor sell their products. I've been happy with all of the B+W filters I own so I thought I'd pass on helpful information.

[D_M_T]

If anyone is selling a B+W CPL, please pm me. I need it before my Alaska trip (9/5) so I'm probably gonna have to suck it up and overpay.

[KayakPhotos]

Sorry to hijack...

I am wanting to use a graduated neutral density filter for sunrise/sunset shots. It seems like the "Cokin P" system might be the best due to its relatively cheap cost and compatability with multiple filter systems. Is there a recommended place to buy this and what filters should I buy to go with it? I was thinking of Lee or Hitech, using the Cokin system.