ND filter stacking confusion help!

Daymouse

Daymouse

Messages
876
Name
Simon
Edit My Images
No
I've bought a couple of ND filters off amazon which were no good one of them being a variable ND filter which was rubbish even on its darkest only giving about 3 seconds at f32 iso 100!

So im now looking at square filters and stacking them but i need help if it will be enough. I basically went nice long exposures in the daytime (30 secs plus)

Ive found this kind of thing but even stacking all 3 filters works out at ND14 which is approx only 4 stops, is that correct?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-Filter-G-ND2-Cokin-Canon/dp/B009GTM6H6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376991781&sr=8-1&keywords=nd+filter+set
 
If you are trying to achieve 30 sec plus exposures during the day then the set you linked to will not do it for you.
Furthermore stacking multipe ND's only serves to reduce IQ severely especially if they are cheap ones to begin with.

What you are looking for is a 10 stop filter to achieve your desired effect.

10 stop filters come in either square (slot in) or circular (screw in) format.
Which you choose is very much down to how you want to use them e.g. stacking, ease of use, use across different lenses etc.

If you want to keep it cheap have a look at the Cokin ND slot in filters.
Hi-tech also do a 10 stop slot in filter which is reasonably priced.

The creme de la creme of slot in's is the Lee system which comes at a premium but gets the job done with minimal fuss.

B+W, Heliopan, Hoya, Lightcraft, Haida all do ND filters as screw in systems as an alternative to slot ins.

For more info check out fellow TP'r Mark Mullens blog below -
http://www.markmullenphotography.co.uk/blog/2012/8/long-exposure-photography---my-tips
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Daymouse said:
Ive found this kind of thing but even stacking all 3 filters works out at ND14 which is approx only 4 stops, is that correct?
Click to expand...

ND2 is 1 stop (50% transmissive)
ND4 is 2 stops (25% " )
ND8 is 3 stops (12.5% " )

So, 6 stops in total.

Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top