Which ND filter brand?

GHP

GHP

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Gary
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As per title really.
I want to get a good ND filter for shooting wide open in bright daylight.
Either a 3 or 4 stop I think.
It needs to be a 72mm screw in, and wondered what people's real world experience is with regard to colour cast, vignetting etc.
I'm thinking Tiffen, B&W, Hoya pro, or Marumi, but any other recommendations would be welcome.
For use in portraits mainly. Cost not really a consideration, just want the "best".

Any thoughts?
Cheers,
Gary.
 
As Stuart says the SrB filters are pretty good and excellent value but if you want the best those breakthrough ones take some beating.
 
The SRB 10 stopper has quite a big magenta colour cast. I've not noticed on thier 3 stopper, but I rarely use it on its' own.

A couple of considerations:- If you are shooting in bright daylight make sure that your lenses hood still fits even with the filter attached, Filters can be very prone to flare.

From my experience the Hoya Pro NDs when stopped down ie f16-->f22 show some coating effects in the image, this is very noticable on the 10 stopper, but since you are intending to use probably with the lens realtively open (shoot in bright daylight), this shouldn't be an issue.
 
I've had both the SRB and Hitch 10 stoppers and they both had pronounced colour casts. Easy to correct in PP.
I'm now using the Hoya PRO screw in filters and these have minimal colour cast.
 
As per the above my SRB 10 stopper does cast slightly on the warm side so guessing the 3 and 4 stops will do similar.
As stated though it is easy fixed in PP or in camera with a custom WB.
In fairness though a slight cast from SRB should not be used to undermine the product, after all the super expensive lee system casts on the cool side.
 
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I've got the Hitech one and it casts badly! I end up black and whiting 10 stop shots anyway so no problem
 
When you guys are saying you have the HiTech and get colour cast, can I assume these are not the Firecrest filters?

I had a set of Hitech Firecrest that were absolutely brilliant with no colour cast at all. Even the 16 stop has no cast.
I sold mine as they were a 67mm set and I need larger now, but I will be buying the same range again as in my opinion they are the best.
I mean a lot of people have changed from Lee to Hitech Firecrest.

I had the slot in ones, but my Missus uses the screw in ones and they are perfect. Here's a link to their page:

http://www.formatt-hitech.com/filters/circular-firecrest-nd-filters2

EDIT - if it helps I don't mind taking a shot without filters, then the same shot with a SRB 10 stop and then a Firecrest 16 and upload with no PP done.
 
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I think (but not sure so happy to stand corrected) that normal hitech ND filters were resin where as the firecrest range are glass and also classed as IRND (I think) so my presumption would be that the new materials used is the main contributing factor to less cast.
 
stupar said:
I think (but not sure so happy to stand corrected) that normal hitech ND filters were resin where as the firecrest range are glass and also classed as IRND (I think) so my presumption would be that the new materials used is the main contributing factor to less cast.
Click to expand...

They do at least 3 ranges Stuart. The standard resin (which I haven't tried), the Prostop IRND which are more than the standard, but still resin (had a 6 stop which was okay, but a bit of a cast) and the Firecrest which are excellent IMO but a lot more money. The Firecrest's are the (Schott) glass versions.
 
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Wissel said:
They do at least 3 ranges Stuart. The standard resin (which I haven't tried), the Prostop IRND which are more than the standard, but still resin (had a 6 stop which was okay, but a bit of a cast) and the Firecrest which are excellent IMO but a lot more money. The Firecrest's are the (Schott) glass versions.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clearing that one up for me.
 
I have a Heliopan 10-stop ND which produces a minimal colour shift.
Heliopan are made with Schott glass and have a brass mount, which seems much less prone to getting stuck than aluminium.

Before and After:
MountsBay_01.jpg1/400 sec MountsBay_02.jpg15 Sec
 
Thanks to all of you for the replies.
@SsSsSsSsSnake I have recently been reading about these, but cannot find a supplier anywhere. Even on their website, they are "sold out" of the size I want (72mm).
Unless you know where I can get one?

Just to re-iterate, I will be using this purely for portraits, on my DC 135 with a D750. As the shortest shutter speed is 1/4000th, and I want to shoot @ F2.
Obviously colour cast is a big consideration, although I know it is correctable in PP.
The lens hood on the DC 135 is built in, and slides forward in use, so won't be a problem.
Hadn't considered the Hitech firecrest, but will look into these too. Thank you.
Surprised no-one has mentioned Tiffen, B&W, or even Singh-Ray.

Any other thoughts?
 
B+W are good as a brand and their filters appear to use schott glass too.
They cast slightly on the warm side but as you know by know a minimal cast can easily be remedied.

Another one to consider is Haida. Their multi-coated NDs are also good bang for buck.
 
Trying to find a UK supplier of the Breakthrough, but having difficulty.
I've emailed them so will see if direct ordering is a possibility.
If not, I might go for a B&W.

Still looking though, so keep the suggestions coming.
 
GHP said:
Thanks to all of you for the replies.
@SsSsSsSsSnake I have recently been reading about these, but cannot find a supplier anywhere. Even on their website, they are "sold out" of the size I want (72mm).
Unless you know where I can get one?

Just to re-iterate, I will be using this purely for portraits, on my DC 135 with a D750. As the shortest shutter speed is 1/4000th, and I want to shoot @ F2.
Obviously colour cast is a big consideration, although I know it is correctable in PP.
The lens hood on the DC 135 is built in, and slides forward in use, so won't be a problem.
Hadn't considered the Hitech firecrest, but will look into these too. Thank you.
Surprised no-one has mentioned Tiffen, B&W, or even Singh-Ray.

Any other thoughts?
Click to expand...
I ordered mine from their website fantastic seevice but if oos i do t know where else, sorry
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
I ordered mine from their website fantastic seevice but if oos i do t know where else, sorry
Click to expand...

It seems they have the X2 3stop, but not the X3 3stop in stock.
Any idea what the difference is ?
It's not clear on their website. I have emailed them, but obviously there is a time difference.
Having looked into them, they seem a good bet.
 
I did know but ive forgotten let me see where i found the info when i ordered that decided me
 
I've got a Hoya pro ND 200 (7 2/3 stop) filter and it was fairly cheap on amazon and best of all has no detectable colour cast at all.The ND16 4 stop is almost as cheap too and should be the same quality, far better value than the 2 or 3 stop versions.
 
Kei said:
I've got a Hoya pro ND 200 (7 2/3 stop) filter and it was fairly cheap on amazon and best of all has no detectable colour cast at all.The ND16 4 stop is almost as cheap too and should be the same quality, far better value than the 2 or 3 stop versions.
Click to expand...

Thanks Kyle, I will look into these too, and maybe get one as a stopgap until I can get the breakthrough one. Who knows, might satisfy anyway.

SsSsSsSsSnake said:
Here you go Gary,seems to be the glass mainly have a read of this,ive also messaged Graham to ask him.


http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/11/19/breakthrough-photography-x1-x2-and-x3-uv-filters-review/
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Thanks for that Chris, appreciated. It's not clear whether the filter I'm after (3 stop x3) is going to be available in the future.
Some filters are showing as available on back order, and some say out of stock.
I will take a look at the link you posted though.
Thanks for the help.
 
Gary Graham apart from you can message him,a box comes up bottom right of website,also you can talk live to him at certain times ,ive had a few chats with him last year helping me decide on which filter,hes very helpful
 
Gary Bobsyouruncle bought mine,he was online today,ask him what he thinks,i sold my camera so i never got a chance to try it,but tge build looked great.
 
Steer clear of Tiffen.

I bought a 10 stopper and had to send it back as it gave a pronounced purple colour cast.
Bought a Hoya HD and it's brilliant. (My mate's B&W even gave a cast, he went with Hoya too)
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
Gary Graham apart from you can message him,a box comes up bottom right of website,also you can talk live to him at certain times ,ive had a few chats with him last year helping me decide on which filter,hes very helpful
Click to expand...

Thanks again Chris, I have seen the live chat box, I will keep my eyes open for him to be online.
Really grateful, thanks again.

GreenNinja67 said:
Steer clear of Tiffen.

I bought a 10 stopper and had to send it back as it gave a pronounced purple colour cast.
Bought a Hoya HD and it's brilliant. (My mate's B&W even gave a cast, he went with Hoya too)
Click to expand...

Strangely enough, I almost ordered a Tiffen, because I thought they were one of the better ones. Only when I did my research did I find so many negative reviews.
Tiffen are off the list for sure.
Hoya will definitely get a look in if I can't get the Breakthrough one I want.

Again, thanks for the help and advice, this is the sort of thing that makes this forum great.
 
Hi Chris,

Differences between X2 ND and X3 ND

Color neutrality


Glass:
X2 = Critically sharp H-K9L optical glass made in Japan
X3= SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass made in Germany

Coating:

X2 = MRC8 vs. X3 = MRC16 


Frame:

X2 = aluminum 3.5mm vs X3= brass 3.1mm

Both have ultra-slim double-threaded matte black traction frame

Yours,

Kathy
 
I have a ND Grad filter can I ask if you find they degrade over time ?
 
CAN I REMOVE COLOR CAST IN POST-PROCESSING?

Not completely.

Let’s say you’re shooting a sunset and you have lots of reds, oranges and ma- gentas, and the ND is covering your image with a strong magenta cast. By removing the color cast you’re also stripping away the layers of hues that were of similar hues in the color cast. You saw them with your eyes, the color was in the real world, but of course it’s impossible to differentiate in post-processing.

But more importantly you should strive to shoot everything in-camera as much as you possibly can!
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
Hi Chris,

Differences between X2 ND and X3 ND

Color neutrality


Glass:
X2 = Critically sharp H-K9L optical glass made in Japan
X3= SCHOTT Superwhite B270® optical glass made in Germany

Coating:

X2 = MRC8 vs. X3 = MRC16 


Frame:

X2 = aluminum 3.5mm vs X3= brass 3.1mm

Both have ultra-slim double-threaded matte black traction frame

Yours,

Kathy
Click to expand...
Thanks Chris, I just got a reply from Graham answering the same.
Also, they have got an X3 ND 3stop in stock, so it's ordered !
Thanks again for the help.
Cheers,
Gary.
 
Thats great Gary , im sure youll love it, have you got the free 52 page book off his website, its good
 
Lee filters unless u feeling rich NiSi are fab
 
SsSsSsSsSnake said:
Here you go Gary,seems to be the glass mainly have a read of this,ive also messaged Graham to ask him.


http://the-gadgeteer.com/2014/11/19/breakthrough-photography-x1-x2-and-x3-uv-filters-review/
Click to expand...

It seems a bit random to judge the performance of a ND filter based on the results of tests on a UV filter.

As one of the respondents to the UV filter review says "It bugs me when companies make and sell UV filter for digital camera. The only filters that I think make sense for digital are ND, polarize, or clear (to protect the lens)."
Which is exactly what I feel. Anyone who routinely uses a UV filter on a digital camera clearly has no understanding of the subject.
If you want to compare different with different this review of CPL's is equally relevant, and also includes some quite revealing flare tests: http://www.lenstip.com/115.1-article-Polarizing_filters_test.html
 
yes that was my error posting the UV filter difference,the ND filter difference was what graham sent and is relevant
 
wakarimasen said:
Gary - you've re-ignited my interest in this subject! This one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hoya-77-Pro...=1456047015&sr=8-1&keywords=Hoya+77mm+10+stop) looks good value.
Click to expand...
Be careful with Hoya - I have one of their "Pro1 Digital Filter" CPL's (in the mainly blue packaging) and it is extremely difficult to clean.
Others have reported the same problem with this range, although I think the one linked to is a new design which is supposed to be better.
Hoyas have an aluminium mount, which seems more prone to getting stuck than a brass mount, which is one of the reasons I went with Heliopan for my 10-stop.
I also have a B+W polariser which has a brass frame.
 
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The hoya pro ND seem to have coatings similar to the HD filter series which are significantly easier to clean in my experience. The rings on these are reasonably good as the coating is smooth so they go on and come off nicely.
 
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