ND filters (screw in or square?)

monkeyleader

monkeyleader

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Nigel
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Howdy,

Just looking for some feedback on ND filters .. if people prefer or have feedback on screw in vs. square. My current ND filter (ND 110 from B+W) is a screw in but I'm just about to drop for a new wide lens for my Fuji (the Samyang 12mm) and have been torn between a screw in again (which would of course limit usage to similar sized thread) or perhaps square which with the correct kit could be used on other lens sizes ..

Thoughts, comments, feedback?

cheers,

Nige
 
One of the advantages of a square filter system is that you can add other filters to it for an example a polariser and a ND filter, or even an extra ND filter. On The subject of NDs if you have a linear graduated filter ( I.e half graduated / half clear) you can slide it up or down to match the landscape. It works better with a flat landscape. You can't do this with a circular filter.

Another thing to remember is that at very small apertures f16 < you can begin to see the line so a smaller aperture can reduce this. However, by using a depth of field preview button you can check this before you press the shutter.

Returning to the question of square or circular. The main consideration is if you intend to buy more filters then the square filter system is a more flexible option. Most of the square filter systems will also take a circular polarising filter which apart from a ND is probably the most useful filter.

Again, like most things in photography it comes down to personal choice and budget.
 
There are several things to consider here. Firstly, by using screw in filters you are not limiting yourself. As long as you've got the largest thread you'll ever need (typically 77mm or 82mm), you will able to use that same filter on most other size lenses through the purchase of cheap step up rings. Secondly, although you do not say what strength ND filters you intend to use, if you're talking about 10, 13, or 16 stop for long exposure work, then I would suggest going for circular to prevent light leakage without having to faff about with gaskets. If, on the other hand, you're thinking along the lines of ND Grads then square is probably best for getting your horizontals straight and level.

In fact, if you're going to do a lot of filter work, you would probably benefit from having both in order to cover all bases.
 
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Sorry should have explained a little more - yes, my question was more in relation to ND filters (solid cast) rather than graduated .... for sure it is the light leaks that concern me most with the 10, 13 or 16 stop type stuff .... for graduated filters, then yes .. I've already been using square format ... (although I still struggle to justify the faff vs. multiple exposures and blending in post)
 
I originally started with a screw in. Plus Lee grads (square). What I often found was, if I had the ND screwed in with the filter holder on the front, it was a pain if I wanted the ND out. As you have to un-clip the filters off the front then unscrew the ring, then the ND, then screw the holder adapter back on the lens.

So, IMHO if your using a square system, I would buy a square ND, that way if you want to drop the ND out and leave the grads in position it's not so much hassle. I have both now, if I need an ND and I'm not using grads I'll use the screw in. If I'm using grads I'll use it Lee's.

I think if I'd have not had a screw in first, I might have got the square filters and not bought a screw in.
I've never had issues with light leakage, I know a friend that did but that was with a cheap square filter holder, never had problems with the Lee system.
Good luck
All the best Steve
 
Cheers folks for all of the replies ... so I'm considering filters (squaere) from the Formatt-Hitech range ... I was planning on a filter kit ... noticed that the sizes of the holders are 85mm and 100mm ... Then I noticed on their website they also have a 67mm adapter .. the main difference (apart from size) being 2 slots vs 3.

So with the 67mm ring (Samyang 12mm) I assume this will allow attachment of either the 85mm or the 100mm .... what I'm confused about is which size to get ... and why ? Given the 67mm adapter seems to work with Fuji X series would 100mm be overkill .. or would 85mm be the best of both worlds with coverage for my Fuji X series (with the appropriate adapter ring) and also my Canon when used with perhaps the 24-105 lens (again with appropriate adapter size ..

Thoughts?

Nige
 
I'm interested in Nigel's thread as well... I've come to the same conclusion re: the Hitech range and also debating the 85mm vs 100mm but as I understood it the 85mm holds 3 filters as well?

My largest lenses (for my Mamiya) are all 77mm and my DSLR has 49mm through to 67mm so my intention is currently to get the 85mm. It sounds like Nigel is in more or less the same boat?
 
On the 85 vs 100mm bit - it depends which wide angle lenses you want to use. 85mm being narrower will start showing within the frame earlier than 100. A friend has an 85mm setup (a cheapy no-name one I can't remember) and that is definitely visible at 17mm on a Canon 5D full frame. I have the Lee 100mm setup with 2 filter slots and that doesn't show in the frame at 17mm (using the wide angle adapter ring) although if I add the polariser on the front it's just visible at the corners (the polariser holder on it's own doesn't).

So based on that I'd say if you want to go as wide as 16-17mm on FF or 10-12mm on crop then a 100mm filter system is probably the better bet.
 
Unfortunatly cant actually speak for Hi Tech, but Teamwork are quite helpful if you ring them.
The main reason for the wider holders, is to allow you to use ultra wide angle lenses without vignetting occurring.
The Lee Filter mountings which i imagine are much the same allow filter holders to be fitted to the adaptor ring. In the case of Lee they have a Wide Angle adaptor ring which allows the filter holder to be brought much closer to the front element, important for UWA lenses.

The things that are important are to make sure that the size of the filter you use is sufficient to do the job on your widest Lens without causing vignetting. So its no point buying an 85mm filter kit if it causes vignetting on your 12mm lens, you would need to use a 100mm kit. Likewise if you plan to buy UWA lenses with large front elements you probably need 100mm. I would give Teamwork a ring before you jump and ask them for advice.
Also 2 other things, one is you want the holder as close as poss to the element with a good light seal incase you want to use an ND stopper type filter, and a holder with 3 slots will allow you to use for example a stopper and a stack of 2 graduated filters.
Now although you may not envisage doing this sort of stuff now, its all about future proofing, (Unless you have deep pockets). Think about it carefully although 100mm might appear overkill you actually have to think about the widest lens you are going to use, it matters not that it looks big stuck on the front of the Fuji.
My view is 100, with adaptors for the lenses as required.
Hope my 2d was a little helpful

PS most of my Lenses are on 77mm front elements and i use all 100mm Lee filters.

Cheers
Steve
 
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