Step-down rings - to use or not to use?

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Kevin
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I am looking to purchase a Light Craft Workshop filter (Fader MkII) to use on a couple of different lenses.

My largest lens thread is 82mm so I think I will purchase this.

What I would like to know is whether there are any problems with using a couple of step down rings to 77mm and 67mm? Will these interfere with the operation of the filter?

Thanks,
 
Potential vignetting problems of course, but they won't affect the operation of the filter.

You should be aware though that all vari-ND filters produce a dark cross shape right across the image when used at high density with wide angles. IMO this makes them unusable (and I'm not the only one!).
 
HoppyUK said:
Potential vignetting problems of course, but they won't affect the operation of the filter.
Click to expand...
Vignetting was one worry I had but did think it could be sorted out in PP so wasn't a major issue.
You should be aware though that all vari-ND filters produce a dark cross shape right across the image when used at high density with wide angles. IMO this makes them unusable (and I'm not the only one!).
Click to expand...

This I was not aware of :(

I will have to read up on this - any pointers to where I can find more information?

When you day "high density with wide angles" - how high and how wide?

Would a "big stopper" or B+W 110 be better than a vari-ND.

Thanks for any help.
 
Quoth said:
Vignetting was one worry I had but did think it could be sorted out in PP so wasn't a major issue.
Click to expand...

You can't PP out mechanical vignetting - the corners of the image will be black.

This I was not aware of :(

I will have to read up on this - any pointers to where I can find more information?

When you day "high density with wide angles" - how high and how wide?

Would a "big stopper" or B+W 110 be better than a vari-ND.

Thanks for any help.
Click to expand...

There are a few threads on here about it, but last time I looked I think the sample images were no longer hosted. Anyway, google threw up this link http://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/...ories/89051-neutral-density-filter-faq-2.html Told you it was bad :eek:

Lee Big Stopper is good, if you want square.
B+W is a bit orange and only up to 77mm I think.
LightCraftWorkshop ND500 is good and cheaper, but also 77mm biggest.
Heliopan looks favourite for 82mm. I've not used it, but it appears to be only slightly orange and is coated. Good prices here http://www.teamworkphoto.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=10221
 
Stepping down large diameter filter to smaller ring isn't usually a problem. If you really have a problem stepping down that large filter onto your fisheye lens, where a few mm is a problem, then blutac is your friend:lol:
 
Thanks for the replies; will check out the options in a little more detail before making a decision.

Cheers.
 
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