ND filters

@thepalalias i just received the Marumi 58 mm Fader ND2-ND400 filter here is a test with and without filter with the olympus 45mm it's changing the colors a little bit but i must say i am very happy with the result the highlights are repaired.

danyyyel

@Swiss_Boy Hi thanks for the test, I have been looking at lot at this Marumi Filter for some time but had no feedback and test on it on the internet. From your test there seems to be quite a difference. The image with the filter seems to be warmer and ... strangely less contrasty. The highlight seems to be tamed. My only explanation is that it is the polarizing effect producing that. In fact it is not bad, some would say a more organic look. In terms of sharpness it seems a little less sharp even if you factor in the difference in contrast. I think a little sharpness in post could put them on par for those that like very sharp image.

If ever you have time it would be very nice to do some example as above at different ND level to see about any colour cast and usable range. The second thing is longer focal length like at least 100 mm, because most of the time this is where the image get softer. These two are the main problem in those Fader ND filters. I am getting fed-up by the internet scam of these pseudo review site that are just there to get referral money and advertising. This name brand filter could be the first good affordable Fader ND to the mass.

feha

I want to buy this: http://www.filmtools.com/tiffen-77mm-indie-plus-hv-kit-w77indndpkt.html

But the problem is I can't find any selling in Eu, ordering from US gets too expensive (import tax etc ...)

nomad

If you use any polarizer under daylight, the colors are changed, since skylight is partially polarized. I'd expect it to be warmer, since some blue gets suppressed in the shadows or on slightly glossy surfaces like the roof.

If you want a neutral test, compare under controlled artificial lighting.

kazuo

Just bought a set of Century Optics (Schneider) 4x4 filters. There is soft edge/half grad ND0.6, full gradND0.9 and a polariser. Not too bad for just slightly under $400, comes with a nice 4 slot pouch. Now to test the quality. One piece of MP true vision glass by Schneider otherwise is about $550!!!!!!

Vitaliy_Kiselev

Thi is wrong topic, use 4x4 one.

rapsoe

I've never used an Heliopan filter, but from this test:

http://www.lenstip.com/115.16-article-Polarizing_filters_test_Heliopan_ES_Pol_circ._SH-PMC_72_mm.html

it seems clear that Heliopan's skill at making circular polarizers are sub par. So allow me to be a bit skeptic about Heliopan's ability to deliver "the best" variable ND.

peternap

Is anyone using Cokin ND's?

feha

Anyone tried : Kenko 77mm Variable NDX Digital Multi Coated Filter ND2.5 - ND1000 ? Any reviews ?

adamquesada

some users have reviewed it on bandh

feha

@adamquesada , thank you, I have upgraded all my lenses to 77mm rings from Cordvision , so now need filters in 77mm ... but that one above is the most expensive I'm not sure if its worth the money ...

adamquesada

Heliopan seems to use zeiss glass.

feha

I ordered this one : http://www.fotomayr.de/webkat98/index_fi.htm

Hope to get it soon and test it ... Heliopan Variograufilter (mit Frontgewinde) - ND 0,3 - ND 1,8

adamquesada

Cant understand much of that site.. is this the one you ordered? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/765517-REG/Heliopan_707790_77mm_Vario_Neutral_Density.html

DanDOF

Does anyone know of a store in Jakarta, Indonesia or Yogyakarta, Indonesia where I can buy a 77mm Fader ND? I would also need a 58-77mm step up ring.

I'll be surprised if anyone can suggest a store. :)

mee

Just picked up my first real filter. A 77mm Marumi NEO MC-ND8 I am not at all an expert, but I am very pleased with the results and price. I used this filter in the top video in this link for everything until the sun was down. All the elevation shots were from behind thick glass. http://www.personal-view.com/talks/discussion/3945/driftwood-settings-series-6-comp-apocalypse-now-cluster-galaxian-gx1-sedna-canis-etc...#Item_371

arknox

I'm doing the whole going around in circles thing trying to decide on ND filters as well. At the moment I'm also liking the look of the Tiffen set of filters that Shane Harlbut talks about:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/729107-REG/Tiffen_W77INDNDKT_77mm_Indie_Neutral_Density.html

However, a couple of thoughts. He developed the indi set with Tiffen so may not be completely unbiased in his views - if people who follow his site religiously (which I don't) know that this isn't the case, please chime in with your thoughts.

My other concern is he's mad about Canon cameras. There was comment on his page about using these filters on the GH2 but he dodged the question. Okay, so Canon cameras have a strong IR filter already in place, does that hold true for the GH2. Does anyone know if the IR thing holds true for cameras other than Canon DSLRs? Would hate to drop the cash on these filters and then realise that the IR version was a better choice.

tommy

Does anyone have a good solution for reducing light ( variable ND/ filter holder) on the AC90, where the lens hood can not be removed? (see picture)

Explanation: I want to purchase the AC90. I will buy an UV filter (49mm) to protect the lens, and as there is no ND filter I thought of putting a variable ND (when necessary) on the UV filter. But as the lenshood is fixed, I suppose it will be very difficult to reach and 'turn' the variable ND. I've also read a single ND is better for the buck (and better quality for the money). A mattebox is maybe a bit big for me, so perhaps 1 (or 2) ND filters in a nice 'holder' is more easy.

Because I don't have experience with filter holders or a mattebox and because the lenshood is fixed I was hoping to hear some suggestions. Many Thanks!

goanna

@tommy

I'm still incredulous as to decisions to neglect ND filters in Professional* cameras like the AC90 and Sony's F3 .

Unless you want to claim the camera as your own on day one and get handy with a hack-saw and Dremel, All I can suggest is maybe a Cavision mini matte box (85mm rear circular clamp mount) will fit over the existing hood and allow two 3" square filters at a time.

http://www.cavision.com/matteboxes/3x3hs/3x3new.htm

*Professional, unlike amateur, broadcast and cinema, is used to describe the needs of promo and wedding videographers. Typically, cost and time-saving factors are built -in. (ie an ND should be in the top ten of what's included!)

tommy

@goanna I will claim the camera as my own, the first day I have it. But saw the hood off... mmm So (how do) you know for sure the 85mm circular clamp mount will fit over the existing hood? (without knowing the measurements of the hood). You also would suggest/ prefer 1 or 2 ND filters in stead of a Variable ND in this case. Thanks!

goanna

@tommy

I don't know the diameter of the AC90's hood. If you don't know it yourself you might like to find out :-)

Good glass filters with a fixed ND are better than a variable ND. Matte boxes are *supposed * to be faster to use for filters than screw-types, but somehow I don't trust that rule when it comes to what you want to do with that kind of camcorder.

I use the Cavision mini matte box (But then, I use a GH2). I am currently using a .6 ND Cokin P which fits in. I have a 3" Cavision graduated ND (.3) and have ordered a Cavision 3" .6 - which will be my most used filter.Of course, I can double-up on filters in the 2 slots.

Anyway, all this is a moot point, diameter-wise. I'm just raising the possibility because sometimes you can get lucky.

goanna

@tommy

In fact, the matte box has another 4-5 mm of adjustment either way. Here's mine attached to an 82mm step-ring (outer diameter 84.3mm).

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