3.0 ND filter or something close to it

[Depth]

So I'm looking for a 3.0 4x4 ND filter or something near it (within a stop or two). I've searched and haven't come up with anything besides the B+W screw-in filters (I don't want to use the screw-in filters since it will be a pain to compose shots with.)

So, anywhere where I can get such a filter within the US?

[argyle]

Does your camera have Live View? If so, you can thread the 10-stop ND filter onto the lens and meter in Live View (manual mode). No need to meter/focus first, then attach the filter and make the exposure adjustment. I haven't seen any 10-stops in 4x4 or similar sizes. You can try the folks at Singh-Ray...they can custom make rectangular filters in some densities. Or, you can always stack two 4x4's to get to 10 stops (but handholding the filters may not work at extended shutter speeds...you'd need a holder)

[Depth]

Yeah, I've been using Live View. 1.2 already seems pretty dark when the suns setting, so I was expecting 3.0 to basically be impossible to see through while in live view. But if it's not then I guess there's no reason not to get a screw-in.

My other concern is with it fitting. I want to be able to use a GND but have no clue how far the screw-in filter will protrude. As long as I can use the second slot on my filter holder, then I'm good.

[Jason Kim]

Have considered Singh-ray Vari-ND? You compose, focus and dial in desired strength and shoot. I don't think it does 10 stops tho. I use 2 polarizer filters, one reversed to achieve similar effect but 6 stops is about max with my home made Vari-ND before color cast creeps in.

[argyle]

Yeah, I've been using Live View. 1.2 already seems pretty dark when the suns setting, so I was expecting 3.0 to basically be impossible to see through while in live view. But if it's not then I guess there's no reason not to get a screw-in.

My other concern is with it fitting. I want to be able to use a GND but have no clue how far the screw-in filter will protrude. As long as I can use the second slot on my filter holder, then I'm good.

I use the Singh-Ray Vari-N-Duo...this is an 8-stop variable ND filter mated to a polarizing filter. When used at max ND and max polarization, I get close to 10-stops of light reduction. No problem at all "seeing" through it using Live View.

Using the filter in Live View is fairly simple:

1.) Set the camera metering mode to 'Manual', set lens to MF
2.) Select your required lens aperture
3.) Turn on Live View, go to 10x, and use joystick to select the primary subject
4.) Manually focus on your subject
5.) Adjust the shutter speed dial until the exposure meter on the rear LCD zeroes out (centered)
5.) Press the shutter

I normally meter the scene first before going through the above steps to make sure that my non-filtered shutter speed is at least 1/30-second. Reason being, when using a 10-stop filter if starting at 1/30-sec, you'll be at a 16-second shutter speed after attaching the filter. If your non-filtered shutter speed was say 1/15-second, the 10-stop filter would drop you down to a 32-second shutter speed (which would then put you into 'Bulb'). If my filtered ss is longer than 30-seconds, I'll just use my wristwatch to monitor the shutter speed. Just something to be mindful of...

[Depth]

Oh, I already know how to meter using live view. That's what I mainly use for landscapes.

What I need to know now is if I can use the GND with screw-ins.

[argyle]

Sure...no reason why you couldn't. Depending on the focal length of the lens, you may get vignetting after attaching the holder. If that happens, just handhold the GND in front of the ND. Pretty simple to do, and a lot of shooters use this method.

[RovinHoot]

4x4 10-stop ND filter would be pretty useless due to the light spill around the edges (unless you're willing to gaffer-tape it). At this level, the screw-on type is your only option.