ND for beach photography

[philthejuggler]

Hiya

I'm on hols next week and want to take some shots on the beach with nicely blurred water - probably near sunrise or sunset.

Should I go for a 10-stop special or is an ND8 or ND32 etc going to be better at this time of day?

I like the super-blurred look. I might occasionally want to use the filter for portraits to allow thin dof with flash outdoors.

Thanks in advance!

Phil

 

[kennysarmy]

What shutter speeds are you likely to be getting without the filter and what shutter speeds are you aiming for to create the blur effect?

Then match the filter you need....

This page might help with that:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutral_density_filter

 

[philthejuggler]

What shutter speeds are you likely to be getting without the filter and what shutter speeds are you aiming for to create the blur effect?

Hiya - thanks for the reply - I guess these are exactly the questions I don't know the answer to - wondered what other people use!

Phil

 

[kennysarmy]

Try this lol

http://www.calculator.org/calculate-online/photography/exposure.aspx

 

[redddraggon]

I have a 3stop and a 10stop, because depending on the light at the time you can either end up with a shutter speed that is far too long or too short if you have just the one filter.

 

[philthejuggler]

Thanks both - going by the calculator I think a ten-stop might be best.

Phil

 

[markmullen]

I have a 3stop and a 10stop, because depending on the light at the time you can either end up with a shutter speed that is far too long or too short if you have just the one filter.

Exactly the same as I use, a Lee Big Stopper and a Cokin 3 stop which has an added benefit of a warm cast to it, ideal for sunrises and sunsets!

 

[kennysarmy]

I personally found the screw in 10 stop filter a pain in the axxe.....

I went down the hitech route....100 x 150 nd grads and their own brand 10 stop....
Expect to part with some pennies though....

 

[philthejuggler]

Is it worth considering a fader? I tried one for a portrait session and it either softened the shot too much or three off AF (wasn't sure which). For landscapes it might be fine though.

The local camera shot has a Hama Vario (allegedly professional series) - anyone know if they are any good?

Phil

 

[ecniv]

Welding glass

 

[simonkit]

I have a 3stop and a 10stop, because depending on the light at the time you can either end up with a shutter speed that is far too long or too short if you have just the one filter.

Same here although must admit I've hardly used the 10stop...a polariser reduces light by 2 stops typically too so handy to take along with the rest

Simon

 

[philthejuggler]

Bought a 8x B+W ND today - will see how I get on with that. 10 stop puts me off due to prospect of removing it to compose / focus.

Thanks for the help.

Phil

 

[kennysarmy]

Look forward to seeing some photos