Advice on ND filters

johncook

johncook

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john
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Hi guys,

Need some advice on ND filters. Just been on holiday to Santorini and found I had to either stop down the lens or have shutter speed of 1/8000th of a sec for some shots so they weren't overexposed. Obviously this has effects of creativity because some shots I want a wide aperture and some a slower shutter speed (all handheld shots)

So my question is what strength ND filter would help here and what makes do you use / recommend (I know you get what you pay for)

Thanks
 
It's completely variable - depending on what aperture you want, what your lowest base ISO is, the light conditions... a 2-3 stop should be sufficient for most uses.
 
Ok, I though I might need more than that.

I was at f 2.8, ISO lo1 (I think that's ISO 100 equivalent, the lowest I could go) and had to use a 1/8000th shutter speed and sometimes it was still too bright.
 
Suggest use the minimum ND you need to get by, as obviously it makes the viewfinder darker and harder to see clearly, especially in very bright light.

Avoid the Lo setting as it's artificial and you'll lose one stop of dynamic range at the highlight end.
 
johncook said:
So my question is what strength ND filter would help here and what makes do you use / recommend (I know you get what you pay for)

Thanks
Click to expand...

I normally carry a ND2 and a 4 and sometimes stack them. How you mount them is another matter.

You could go for a filter holder system but personally although I have one I find them too much of a faff on for anything other than a dedicated photography only occasion. I certainly wouldn't take a holder system on holiday. Screw on ones are IMVHO less faff and create less bulk although obviously you may have to think about step up adapters if you intend to use them on more than one lens.

I just use cheap ones bought from a well known named brand shop off ebay and I haven't any image quality complaints.
 
Thanks all, I think I'll buy some and try it on, screw on ones for convenience, probably 4 or 6 stops.
 
johncook said:
Thanks all, I think I'll buy some and try it on, screw on ones for convenience, probably 4 or 6 stops.
Click to expand...

Why do dark? See post #4. From you've said, you should be able to work with 2 stops, or 3 max.

I have 4-stops ND and that makes the viewfinder pretty dim, even with a nice bright FF camera. With 6 stops, you'll be needing a tripod and cover the viewfinder.
 
Personally I think 3 stops won't be enough at that sort of ambient light. Forget the Lo so theoretically you would be shooting at iso 100 f2.8 an 1/16000...so 3 stops would only fetch the shutter speed down to1/2000 or an f stop at 1/8000 of 5.6... I'd go for a 6 stop. After re-reading your post though a 3 stop will definitely give you more creativety than without here in 'sunny' Manchester
JohnyT
 
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