Variable ND filters

[commjo]

£17.99 for a 77mm variable ND filter. Not sure of the quality, but looks like a bargain. They have other filter sizes aswell I think.

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_1&products_id=111258

 

[hollis_f]

I wouldn't give 17p for one - Review.

 

[Bennp2000]

I thought Vincanet La Foret found them fine for video use?

 

[CSB]

I have three of the 7 day shop variable ND filters (58mm, 67mm and 77mm), I've used them for video plenty of times and had no problems. None of my variable ND filters are plastic, all have metal rings. For the price I don't think you can go wrong tbh.

 

[Alastair]

I thought Vincanet La Foret found them fine for video use?

There are VNDs and there are VNDs.. I doubt Vincent LF used the 7DS version..

 

[macs]

Sorry to hijack someone elses thread but are there any decent VND filters that would fit into the 'budget' category?

I have about £30-40 to spend on a filter. Can you buy a good VND for that money?

Thanks

 

[Alastair]

Have you got a circular polariser filter?

If so, buy a linear polariser filter the same size and put it on the front. Cheap as chips.

 

[Bennp2000]

There are VNDs and there are VNDs.. I doubt Vincent LF used the 7DS version..

The comparison is here:
http://blog.vincentlaforet.com/2010/11/24/fader-filters/

I may have been pulled in by the 7ds ND Faders, rather than 'Faders ND' but I can't be certain either way.

 

[macs]

Have you got a circular polariser filter?

If so, buy a linear polariser filter the same size and put it on the front. Cheap as chips.

So if I already had THIS LENS and then bought THIS LENS I would be able to achieve the effect of a variable ND filter?

Out of interest, what sort of f-stop value would that set up be able to achieve?

 

[Alastair]

Yes, except the linear polariser on Amazon is about 2-3x the price you'll find for on Ebay.

I've not worked out how many stops I've got with this before the image quality breaks down (which it does quite suddenly if you push the effect too hard)..


2.5 secs, f/16, ISO 100 on a reasonably sunny day - so perhaps 6-8 stops?


1 sec, f/8, ISO 100 - so again 6-8 stops


1/10, f/11, ISO100 - 4 stops or so, just the amount that was needed

Using a VND you set your exposure slightly differently. You choose all your usualy settings (aperture, shutter, ISO) and then adjust the filter to bring the metering to match the values you've chosen. It's a little odd, but you get used to it.