lee big stopper equivalent

[jameslongstrong]

I was looking at long exposure shots and like the look of the Lee Big Stopper. Having done some research I have seen they are not widely available due to them being hand made and the demand the company have.

Is there an alternative which some recommended?

 

[HoppyUK]

Lee Big Stopper is the only square one worth having.

Screw fit options include the Light Craft Workshop ND500, Hoya X400, B+W ND110 and Heliopan 3.0. They're all good. LCW is cheapest, and the one I use, from Premier Ink. Heliopan also looks nice.

 

[jameslongstrong]

Does it matter if it is square or not? I understand the size would bedifferent and a circular one would have to fir the lens but apart from that?

 

[HoppyUK]

It makes no odds and screw-in is much easier and cheaper. But if you have a square system and want to use it with grads, then the Lee is the way to go.

 

[jameslongstrong]

Got you. I have looked everywhere and no one seems to have a Lee Big Stopper in stick. I guess they're pretty much made to order?

 

[Darthchaffinch]

Welding glass?

 

[Digifrog]

I guess they're pretty much made to order?

They are pretty much. The lead time is about 2-3 months upon placing the order. I wouldn't let that put me off from ordering one though, it's becoming normal.

Alternatively, opt for the 77mm B+W ND110, which would obviously fit a 77mm filter sized lens, if you have a smaller filter size then a step up ring will do. This would therefor be more preferable and cheaper than buying ND110's in various filter sizes.

Rgds

It makes no odds and screw-in is much easier and cheaper. But if you have a square system and want to use it with grads, then the Lee is the way to go.

Oh? I think the Lee BS is far easier.

 

[HoppyUK]

They are pretty much. The lead time is about 2-3 months upon placing the order. I wouldn't let that put me off from ordering one though, it's becoming normal.

Alternatively, opt for the 77mm B+W ND110, which would obviously fit a 77mm filter sized lens, if you have a smaller filter size then a step up ring will do. This would therefor be more preferable and cheaper than buying ND110's in various filter sizes.

Rgds

I think the main problem with the Big Stopper is that it was only launched last year and they are still trying to catch up with demand. Which they appear to be doing rather slowly!

Oh? I think the Lee BS is far easier.

I should have qualified that If you already have a Lee system fitted then the Big Stopper is a breeze to use. But it is quite expensive, especially with the hood option, bulky (takes up half your bag!) and takes a moment or two to put on. But once you're underway, you can slide the filter in and out easily, or unclip the holder/filter front component in a flash, pop in a grad etc. If you're into landscapes and go out fully prepared, the Lee is a superb system

But if you just want to use the one filter, shoot and go, screw-in is the cheaper/faster/easier option. The key to making life easier with a screw-in filter is to just fit it once, take the shot, and that's done. If you are fiddling about and have to take it on and off a few times, that will drive you mad and the chances are it will end up in the sand before long (because you'll probably be on the beach ). Several good threads on here about using them.