Neutral Density Filters Question

gramps

gramps

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I see ND filters in various 'strengths' e.g. ND2, ND4 ND8 ... and of course the 'Big Stopper' and its equivalents.
My question is, if using the Cokin filter system, what would be the disadvantages of stacking 3 x ND8's (for example) ... I'm guessing image quality due to 3 filters rather than 1 but how significant is that likely to be ... or am I missing something?

TIA
 
Crazy idea. Just don't.
 
If you need a long shutter speed it's a good idea. I've used all my ND's plus a circular poloriser chasing long shutter speeds and I've been happy with the result.
 
HoppyUK said:
Crazy idea. Just don't.
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Why not??

I've stacked filters and the shots have been fine.

The thing is, you don't really need to stack loads.

Use the lowest ISO Canon is generally ISO 50 or 100 and Nikon varies depending on which camera you have.

f11-16 is generally a good landscape f-number...

Circular polariser, & a 0.9ND (Lee) filter(3stop) works well enough for cotton wool type water shots, add a second one for cloud whispers.

I am on the big stopper waiting list which is about 20months long..... :0(
 
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John Doran said:
Why not??

<snip>
Click to expand...

How many reasons would you like for not stacking three Cokin ND8 filters!?

Poor sharpness
Bad flare
Vignetting
Light leaks
Colour cast
Cost
 
Cost?

Come on, these are Cokin filters.

I haven't encountered any of the negatives you've listed there and I can't understand why vignetting would be an issue caused by stacking filters... after all that's why the holders have slots.

I guess image quality is a personal thing but I personally havent regretted stacking filters, even Cokin ones.

Here's a 100% slice cut from a shot taken with three Cokin ND's stacked + CP at f25, sharp and artifact free enough I think. Sorry for the boring nature but the subject is cut out for privacy...

ftr.jpg
 
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You think 3x ND8 filters in a Cokin holder is okay? That's nine stops, six filter surfaces, and half an inch thick pile of plastic on the front :eek:

I notice that you have a Lee Big Stopper on order.
 
woof woof said:
Cost?

Come on, these are Cokin filters.

I haven't encountered any of the negatives you've listed there and I can't understand why vignetting would be an issue caused by stacking filters... after all that's why the holders have slots.

I guess image quality is a personal thing but I personally havent regretted stacking filters, even Cokin ones.

Here's a 100% slice cut from a shot taken with three Cokin ND's stacked + CP at f25, sharp and artifact free enough I think. Sorry for the boring nature but the subject is cut out for privacy...

ftr.jpg
Click to expand...

Interesting, thanks a lot - didn't realise the subject would be so controversial! As you say the Big Stopper seems to be hard to get hold of, not to say stupidly expensive, so other options are worth considering.
 
gramps said:
Interesting, thanks a lot - didn't realise the subject would be so controversial! As you say the Big Stopper seems to be hard to get hold of, not to say stupidly expensive, so other options are worth considering.
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:lol: It's just a thing of mine... I almost never post personal shots on line especially not if they include other people and in this case it doesn't really matter as it's f25 and everything is pretty much in the same focus and we're talking about technical aspects not subject.

I've had Cokin's darkest thingy on order a couple of times but in each case gave up hope of getting it as the decades passed...
 
HoppyUK said:
You think 3x ND8 filters in a Cokin holder is okay? That's nine stops, six filter surfaces, and half an inch thick pile of plastic on the front :eek:

Maybe so but it's not the end of the world and neither will SWAT teams dive through your bedroom window.
Click to expand...
 
HoppyUK said:
You think 3x ND8 filters in a Cokin holder is okay? That's nine stops, six filter surfaces, and half an inch thick pile of plastic on the front :eek:

I notice that you have a Lee Big Stopper on order.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's a gamble but it should be ok. Add some PP and the images should still be useable.

The Lee back order is horrendous nut for £91.99 from Warehouse Express it's not too bad a price.... Considering flea-bay is priced at £179.00 (ish)...
 
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Great stuff. I might treat myself to one too.
 
gramps said:
Decided to buy a ND10 from eBay ... it cost me £6.99 inc postage from Shanghai! :lol:
I'll let you know how I get on with it ... 10-20 days delivery

Anyone else want one - try here!
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A filter factor of ND10 would normally mean a bit over three stops, rather than ten stops. It's not clear exactly what it is. Ten stops is technically ND1024, often rounded to ND1000, or 3.0 in optical density.

This is the cheapest ten stopper I've seen, Haida £38. They also do a slimline version. Never tried one though - from Camera Gear UK in Norwich, recommended supplier http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Haida-77m...es_CameraLensesFilters_JN&hash=item4cf89e3476
 
Im very inpressed with ND500MC posted above. Great bit of kit for the money.

I had the B&W but got a really strong colour cast with it so decided to go with the LCW. I get a slight blue cast with it but its very minor.
 
Biggest problem is softness caused by reflection between the filters, that is the light passing through the first filter will strike the surface of the second filter and reflect back to the rear of the first filter giving a 'feather' to highlights in particular. Put multiple filters and the thing gets out of hand... Just don't do it!
 
I've seen tghe effects of a home made ND filter - UV filter sprayed with car tail light tinting spray. It worked too.
 
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