ND filters

I need some.

I know I definitely need more than one for the range of shooting I'm going to be doing. I'm going to need at least one to cut down on power for portraiture and one for automotive photography.

What's the best solution with keeping money in mind?

There's a Tiffen kit on B&H that has a 1, 2, and 3 stop filter for $120. That's fairly cheap, but I don't think that those filters are going to cover the range I need.

I know I don't want a cheap filter, so looking at B+W 77mm ND filters, they're about $80 each, so two filters would cost me about $160, three would be about $250. Is there a cheaper brand that is a good quality that won't give me negative results when using it?

The last option is a bit expensive. Singh-ray makes an adjustable ND filter that's $340. I may be able to find it cheaper, but it adjust from 2-8 stops with just one filter. Would I be better off in the long run with something like this?

I'd recommend the B+W NDs since they're reasonable in budget.

I have no use for variable ND filters, since i need the filters to be static as my sole purpose is to use them in conjuction with flash. I own several B+W ND filters and they are invaluable for when i want to shoot shallow dof with my strobes in the sun.

MR do little wrote in post #11223703
I have no use for variable ND filters, since i need the filters to be static as my sole purpose is to use them in conjuction with flash. I own several B+W ND filters and they are invaluable for when i want to shoot shallow dof with my strobes in the sun.

I think he wants to use them for long exposures. Not some fashion shoot.

jdizzle wrote in post #11223722
I think he wants to use them for long exposures. Not some fashion shoot.

Portraiture/fashion/ed​itorial/glamour.

My next lighting purchase is a 2400w/s Speedotron pack, and I'm going to need something to cut that down on occasion.

The other is automotive rig photography. I need something somewhat precise so I can get the settings I want. Say, shooting in the middle of the day?

A 2, 5, and 8 stop would probably suffice. That's going to be over $250 is I purchase B+W filters though. Fortunately, I bought the 17-40 instead of saving for the 16-35 and can use the same filter on the 24-70 and 70-200.

Is there a company that's cheaper than B+W without sacrificing a lot of IQ?

Hoya's 2x, 4x, and 8x filters are very reasonably priced. They are certainly not as well made as the B+W filters, but are an excellent value. I have noticed some color casts which may be a major issue in portraiture (especially with multiple light sources).

I have a B+W 6 stop ND and love it! All my other filters are B+W too. Theyve never let me down.

Village_Idiot wrote in post #11223862
Portraiture/fashion/ed​itorial/glamour.

My next lighting purchase is a 2400w/s Speedotron pack, and I'm going to need something to cut that down on occasion.

The other is automotive rig photography. I need something somewhat precise so I can get the settings I want. Say, shooting in the middle of the day?

A 2, 5, and 8 stop would probably suffice. That's going to be over $250 is I purchase B+W filters though. Fortunately, I bought the 17-40 instead of saving for the 16-35 and can use the same filter on the 24-70 and 70-200.

Is there a company that's cheaper than B+W without sacrificing a lot of IQ?

Disregard my reply.

I love my B+W filters (77mm all CP,3 UV's, ND110 )
Highly recommend them

I hate you guys.

I may end up with a 6 stop and a 3 stop. I'll use the 6 stop to start out with. $93 on B&H and Adorama.

Village_Idiot wrote in post #11223098
I need some.

The last option is a bit expensive. Singh-ray makes an adjustable ND filter that's $340. I may be able to find it cheaper, but it adjust from 2-8 stops with just one filter. Would I be better off in the long run with something like this?

There is a dirt cheap alternative to the Singh-ray idea.
Stack a Linear PL on top of a Circular PL a decent one of each will give you a variable ND used in any direction to the sun. However really cheap ones you will have to color correct in post.

I ordered a 6 stop B+W. I'll have it to test out this weekend. I think it may be a bit much for my current light, but if it is, I'll get the 3 stop as well.

Can't go wrong with B+W.

Village_Idiot wrote in post #11229266
I hate you guys.

I may end up with a 6 stop and a 3 stop. I'll use the 6 stop to start out with. $93 on B&H and Adorama.

Thats pretty much what Im working towards. I have the 6 stop already, but the 3 AND 10 stop would be nice to have as well!