Which first ND filter?
- Thread starter ados
- Start date
- Messages
- 2,886
- Name
- Greg
- Edit My Images
- Yes
If its a 10stop you're after I'd recommend the Haida one. They're not expensive, and give surprisingly good results.
Search for Haida on this section of the forum and you'll find a thread about them.
Search for Haida on this section of the forum and you'll find a thread about them.
- Messages
- 506
- Edit My Images
- No
I'm guessing you've already got ND grads? I'd definitely suggest getting some before a plain ND if not, they're fantastically useful for landscapes.
As for plain NDs, it depends if you're using a filter system or not. I'd suggest investing in one, they'll stand the test of time as you upgrade your lenses - all you need is adapter rings after the initial investment. I'd try not to so what I've done and repeatedly buy different sizes for different lenses - it's far more expensive! Hitech are a good balance of quality and price, and have a decent 10-stopper of their own. Cokin produce reasonable results at an even cheaper price point, but you won't find a Cokin-branded 'big stopper'. Don't worry about the Cokin doom-mongers, they're really not that bad. If you're feeling flush, Lee are the filters to go for.
As for screw-ins, I've had great results with the B+W 110 10-stop filter. If you're after something less strong, there are loads of options, but try to get multicoated ones if you can afford it. Stacking filters is not usually a good idea, so think about what you want it for and pick accordingly.
And if you're really feeling ghetto-cheap, lots of people have success with welding glass held against the lens. Strong colour casts, so you might be restricted to moody black and whites, but good fun nonetheless.
As for plain NDs, it depends if you're using a filter system or not. I'd suggest investing in one, they'll stand the test of time as you upgrade your lenses - all you need is adapter rings after the initial investment. I'd try not to so what I've done and repeatedly buy different sizes for different lenses - it's far more expensive! Hitech are a good balance of quality and price, and have a decent 10-stopper of their own. Cokin produce reasonable results at an even cheaper price point, but you won't find a Cokin-branded 'big stopper'. Don't worry about the Cokin doom-mongers, they're really not that bad. If you're feeling flush, Lee are the filters to go for.
As for screw-ins, I've had great results with the B+W 110 10-stop filter. If you're after something less strong, there are loads of options, but try to get multicoated ones if you can afford it. Stacking filters is not usually a good idea, so think about what you want it for and pick accordingly.
And if you're really feeling ghetto-cheap, lots of people have success with welding glass held against the lens. Strong colour casts, so you might be restricted to moody black and whites, but good fun nonetheless.
- Messages
- 164
- Name
- Andy
- Edit My Images
- No
What lens are you looking to use it with?
I'd agree with the comment above about using a filter system, as then you only buy the filters once, and can just buy a new adaptor ring for each lens - much cheaper in the long run. If you're using a filter system with an ultra wide angle lens, it's worth considering the Lee filters, or at least another system that uses the 100mm filters (Cokin Z?). The 'P' series 85mm filters are fine, but you start getting big vignetting problems on UWAs if you start stacking filters.
I'd agree with the comment above about using a filter system, as then you only buy the filters once, and can just buy a new adaptor ring for each lens - much cheaper in the long run. If you're using a filter system with an ultra wide angle lens, it's worth considering the Lee filters, or at least another system that uses the 100mm filters (Cokin Z?). The 'P' series 85mm filters are fine, but you start getting big vignetting problems on UWAs if you start stacking filters.
OP
- Messages
- 132
- Name
- Adam
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Only have kit lens and 35mm f/1.8 at present, no plans to buy a 10-24 or similar....yet!