Question on ND filter

[USER876]

I am about to buy a 6 stop B+W ND filter for my trip to Hawaii. I will use it mostly to photograph waterfalls and obtain a slower shutter speed. Question though, I noticed the 6 stop only transmits 1% of the light. Will this make my viewfinder unusable and very dark?

[jrader]

Yes, you're viewfinder will be very dark. If you use live-view, though, you'll be fine.

One solution is to compose your scene without the filter on, set the focus, turn off auto focus, then mount the filter and choose the appropriate settings then. Just remember, if you move the camera, you'll have to start this all over again.

I honestly don't think you'll need a 6 stop filter though for "silky" waterfalls. I shoot at f\8 or higher, ISO 100 or lower, and I only use a 3 stop and it is more than significant to get exposure lengths of 0.5-1 second in daylight, which most waterfalls you see will be in some form of shade. Of course, you may want a different effect as well. You can get some really cool cloud effects with a 6 stopper.

What island are you going to?

Hope this helps.

John

[USER876]

What are these cloud effects you are talking about?

I figured a 6 stop would be more useful, I could always go up to ISO 400 to gain 3 stops back. I might also want to use it for ocean surf pics to get that dreamy flow look. In those instances, I may be in bright sun.

BUT....if a 3 stop will allow me to use the viewfinder, maybe I will just get that. what do you think? 3 vs 6...how much darker is the viewfinder?

[jrader]

The cloud effects I am referring to is the "streaming effect", just like with moving water. The cloud gets "dragged" through an exposure. It's pretty sweet.

The difference between a 3 stop and a 6 stop is 2^3=8....so a 6 stop lets 8 times less light through. Hence, through the viewfinder, you'll be able to see 8 times as much light with a 3 stop versus a 6 stop.

John

[argyle]

Start off with your polarizer, if you have one. This will give you about 2 stops of light reduction. Dial in a low ISO and go from there. You only need to get down to the 1/2-second to 2-second range to get the silky effects...too much and you get the cotton candy effect, which really doesn't look very good. The 'silky' effect is nice, but it's also very easy to overdo. Plus, you can really blow out the whites...

[USER876]

I'm prob going to have to do all handheld, so with IS can get down to around 1/3-1/4 second and still get sharp images. I am going to go with the 3 stop (don't want to deal with teh dark viewfinder issues with the 6 stop). I am also getting a CP, should I be using that for waterfalls too where there is no sky in the picture?

[jrader]

My opinion: if you're not using a tripod, there is no point in using an ND filter, especially if you are going for the effect you are talking about.

Maybe that would be a better investment: a good tripod. Then get the ND filter.

John

[RyanTan]

Agree on the point for the tripod.
Compose focus then apply the filter before the shot

I find the Vari-ND to be really useful and flexible

Ryan

[USER876]

I have a tripod, I just don't want to lug it to Hawaii. I think I can handhold at 1/4 with no issues, def 1/16 and that will make the falls look a lot better than 1/100.

[argyle]

Originally Posted by USER876

I'm prob going to have to do all handheld, so with IS can get down to around 1/3-1/4 second and still get sharp images. I am going to go with the 3 stop (don't want to deal with teh dark viewfinder issues with the 6 stop). I am also getting a CP, should I be using that for waterfalls too where there is no sky in the picture?

The CPL is not just for 'sky' shots...it can also be used to eliminate reflections on wet rocks or also to enhance/control the reflections on the water's surface. Just some advice...filters can get expensive, especially if you build up a collection of high-quality filters. Its best to read up on them and their effects/uses before plunking down a lot of money.

I agree about taking the tripod...why go all the way to Hawaii and try to come back with good results if you're handholding at very slow speeds?

[jrader]

Originally Posted by USER876

I have a tripod, I just don't want to lug it to Hawaii. I think I can handhold at 1/4 with no issues, def 1/16 and that will make the falls look a lot better than 1/100.

That sounds like a good reason to buy a lighter tripod!! :P

I think it would be a shame to not have it with you. You haven't mentioned what island/s you are going to, but I can say with certainty that the majority of waterfalls you will be taking pictures of are within 100s of feet from the parking lots, with just a few exceptions in mind (island-dependent), unless you decide to go "off the beaten path". Let me know what island/s you are planning on going to and I can give you more advice, if you'd like.

I look at it this way: I would rather have it than not have it.

Just my 2 cents again.

John

[USER876]

I may bring it, I have a compact one.

I am going to Maui for 7 days and Kaui for 4 days.

In maui we plan to do travel the road to Hanna, and also take a treck around the north end of the island.

Not sure what we are going to do Kauai yet because I have not read the book yet! lol. We are staying in on the south end.

[North of Auckland]

Originally Posted by USER876

I'm prob going to have to do all handheld, so with IS can get down to around 1/3-1/4 second and still get sharp images. I am going to go with the 3 stop (don't want to deal with teh dark viewfinder issues with the 6 stop). I am also getting a CP, should I be using that for waterfalls too here there is no sky in the picture?

If you are going down this route I can recommend the Singh Ray Vari-N-Duo filter. I have one and it's amazing.

Some test shot's HERE all taken at midday in New Zealand which has no ozone and the day time colour temp is ~6500k which is very harsh.

[jrader]

Originally Posted by USER876

I may bring it, I have a compact one.

I am going to Maui for 7 days and Kaui for 4 days.

In maui we plan to do travel the road to Hanna, and also take a treck around the north end of the island.

Not sure what we are going to do Kauai yet because I have not read the book yet! lol. We are staying in on the south end.

Ok, well on Maui you are going to see tons of waterfalls, 99% of which are within walking distance to your car (the notable exceptions that I can think of are Waimoku and Kipahulu Falls at Seven Sacred Pools, which is about a 2 mile roundtrip hike, and totally worth it). The road around the north end is pretty treacherous, and lacking in waterfalls (I remember seeing 2, not counting I'ao Valley, which I suggest checking out). You should go upcountry as well to Haleakala National Park. It's definitely worth seeing.

On Kaua'i, there are lots of waterfalls to see as well. Some are merely inaccessible due to distance and geography, so you may want to bring a moderate zoom lens. As for things to do, there are some incredible hikes in Koke'e State Park (i.e. Waimea Canyon area), and I highly suggest cruising through there. Absolutely beautiful! Then, of course, is Na Pali coast. If you can afford it, I would suggest a helicopter tour, or a sailing tour along Na Pali. The views are incredible.

As for the tripod, if by compact you mean sturdy, then by all means bring it. I have a feeling, though, by the way you said it that it isn't.

If you'd like more suggestions or have any questions, let me know.

John

[USER876]

Yeah, it's a 50 dollar sunpack tripod. Not the best but doesn't the job. It's reasonably sturdy.

Thanks for the tips! We are planning our days out now.