Can I use Circular Polarizer + Vari ND Filter together?

Hey guys,

I have a 77mm Hoya variable ND filter and am also interested in getting a circular polarizer so I can have deeper blue skies. I like to take pictures of models, often with ocean/sky in the background.

I understand the CP is variable and rotating the filter will +/- effects. However, that is the same with Variable ND filter. Is it possible to use both together? Or am I basically forced to buy a single density ND filter to use with the CP?

CP is already killing 1+ stops itself.

It is possible, but a real PITA. Trying to rotate one whilst keeping the other still is incredibly frustrating. Personally I'd dump the VND and get a decent CPL and a 3-stop proper ND.

The variable ND filter is a CP itself (in fact 2 CPs). Adding another CP here would have weird effects. I guess at some angles it would add to the density effect and at other it would do nothing.

tkbslc wrote in post #15660357
CP is already killing 1+ stops itself.

I understand that, but 1-2 stops of reduced light is not enough when I want to use OCF outdoors in bright sunlight (to stay within sync speed).

hollis_f wrote in post #15660476
It is possible, but a real PITA. Trying to rotate one whilst keeping the other still is incredibly frustrating. Personally I'd dump the VND and get a decent CPL and a 3-stop proper ND.

That's what I'm assuming I have to do. I shoot in all settings outdoors, so I'll need multiple solid ND filters to cover each situation (all together costs more than 1 VND). Now I'm wishing I went with multiple solid NDs instead of the vari.

ivanatora wrote in post #15660604
The variable ND filter is a CP itself (in fact 2 CPs). Adding another CP here would have weird effects. I guess at some angles it would add to the density effect and at other it would do nothing.

Are you sure about this? I'm asumming ND and CP filters are made differently. Let's say a CP filter cuts out 1.5 stops of light, and I get an ND filter that specifically cuts out 1.5 stops also. I'm guessing the CP filter will have more saturated colors?

You may be right though. If you can double check, lemme know!

fashionrider wrote in post #15662427
I

Are you sure about this? I'm asumming ND and CP filters are made differently. Let's say a CP filter cuts out 1.5 stops of light, and I get an ND filter that specifically cuts out 1.5 stops also. I'm guessing the CP filter will have more saturated colors?

You may be right though. If you can double check, lemme know!

Variable ND's are made of two polarizing disks, when you turn the opposite each other it restricts the light passing through them. Adding a CP on top of a variable ND would be adding a third layer of polarizing material which would be unpredictable at best. You can add an traditional ND with a CP as the ND is just darkened color neutral glass.

You can stack them. Singh-Ray has a Vari-N-Duo and a Vari-N-Trio which are their Vari-ND stacked with a warming polarizer (and a color enhancer for the Trio). You set the polarization on the closest ring then dial in the ND effect with the farthest ring.

In general use it works and, quality of filters used depending, works well. Obviously vignetting can be an issue and so can keeping the orientations organized. Also, you are still at the mercry of the quirks associated with variable NDs at wide focal lengths. With a little care and practice this can really streamline the use of intense ND effects.

A variable ND filter is essentially one (non-rotating) circular polarizer behind one (rotating) linear polarizer. The problem you'll encounter with trying to add a polarizer, functioning as a polarizer, to the mix is that you'll end up with a fairly thick stack and may well get vignetting at wider angles. Singh Ray makes a combo VND+CPL that's slimmer than two separate filters would be, so less likely to vignette. They also offer it as a "thin" model.

You CAN do it, but the easiest (not cheapest) solution is the Vari-n-Duo that James and Jon mention above. I've used one frequently for the last 2 years or so and it works quite well. I don't use it as much, now that I have my Lee filter kit, though.

I do find that even on the 7D, 24mm can cause some strange artifacting when the strongest ND effect is dialed in with it, though.

There is interesting thread about variable ND on wider lenses here: http://photo.stackexch​ange.com …utral-density-filter-poor

Thanks for all the info guys. Whenever I do shoots, I use my 70-200... so at least I'll never use a wide lens with the stack. I'll probably borrow a friend's CP and stack it with my VND and see how it behaves and performs. If I'm not happy, I'll just buy a set of solid NDs.

Hi there, can I just check if using a CPL and and variable ND filter did work well for you? I am thinking of the same tactic.

Yanniy wrote in post #17728695
Hi there, can I just check if using a CPL and and variable ND filter did work well for you? I am thinking of the same tactic.

Using a variable ND with the CP is a pain since it's hard to keep the variND from rotating. I had to use a solid ND filter + CP instead. After a while, I stopped using a CP and just stuck to my variND.

Thanks for this! I don't have any filters right now. So if I get the Singh Ray Vari and Duo filter, that should provide the benefit of up to 9 stops for the ND filter and a circular polarizer. Sounds like a good all in one

Yanniy wrote in post #17733430
Thanks for this! I don't have any filters right now. So if I get the Singh Ray Vari and Duo filter, that should provide the benefit of up to 9 stops for the ND filter and a circular polarizer. Sounds like a good all in one

Singh Ray Vari is very expensive but also good quality. I use the Hoya 77mm Variable ND filter, it's only $129 on Amazon.com with free shipping. I've had it for YEARS and it works perfectly still, no complaints at all! Very very good quality. Some reviews and comparisons between the two show that the Hoya has less of a color cast than the SR, so some actually prefer the cheaper HOYA and believe it outperforms the SR.