Nd filters

[yorkie]

Looking to extend my adventures in photography I am thinking of buying an ND filter.
Initially, what strength filter should I begin with?
Or, I am leaning towards buying a variable filter to start and experiment with.
Is this my best option?

Thank you for any advice.

(I have just started a small portfolio of my early efforts on Flickr, all comments to help me improve are welcome)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yorkiepeter/

[Rob Trek]

Hi. Get a variable nd filter to start. They typically give you 5 stops to work with. Once you get a feel for it, you can start adding fixed nd filters at the strengths you need.

Below is a link to one that I bought and others that have bought this on my recommendation say it's great.
https://amzn.to/38ph39y

Be sure to buy one that fits the largest lens you'll use it on. Then buy a set of step rings so you can mount it on other lenses.
https://amzn.to/35cQNNO

You may need this one as well since the above step ring set is missing this size:
https://amzn.to/3n7WnHa

Note: I am an amazon associate and will earn a small fee on qualifying purchases when you use the links above.

Hope that helps,
-Rob

[neobluepill]

Looking to extend my adventures in photography I am thinking of buying an ND filter.
Initially, what strength filter should I begin with?
Or, I am leaning towards buying a variable filter to start and experiment with.
Is this my best option?

Thank you for any advice.

(I have just started a small portfolio of my early efforts on Flickr, all comments to help me improve are welcome)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/yorkiepeter/

Hello,

I think as said Rob to start you can get an affordable variable ND-filter. I'm bought mine on Aliexpress, the brand is ZOMEI and it's good bang for bucks.

I've also bought a ND1000 for very long exposure.

And finally I have also bought a Polarizer Filter from Marumi, it's not cheap but for the pola filter you have to buy a good one.

Also don't forget to get the largest diameter filter, so you can adapt it to all of your lenses using cheap rings.

Here are some link of what I'm using :

ZOMEI Glass Slim ND2-400
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3280586 ... 4c4dbAI5Ip

Zomei Filtro ND1000
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3283497 ... 4c4dbAI5Ip

Marumi DHG Super Circular Polarizer

[yorkie]

Thank you both for your answers, very helpful.
Rob, as I live in Thailand, a successful delivery by Amazon from the US to here is questionable (customs delays and import taxes etc) so I shall probably buy from Lazada whom I have used before.
In place of that I will definitely be buying you a coffee.
Thanks again.

[Randy]

I have a question. I want to photograph wind turbines during the day, and make them look like daisies in the desert. I was thinking of live ND, with a polarizer, or use hires mode with long shutter speeds, I need to be in the desert during the day to get high winds to make the turbines turn. variable ND or ND filters alone. What are your thoughts.

[Rob Trek]

I would use a variable ND filter. Then go into aperture priority mode to dial in your aperture and iso. Now simply adjust your nd filter until you get the shutter speed that provides the effect that you want. You could combine that with Live ND if needed.

[Randy]

I tried live composite with ND filters, but it was too weak to show the blades. I finally ended up taking about 350 shots and then stacking them in Starstax, which is for astronomy start stacking.

[WalterRowe]

There are also graduated split ND filters for use with sunsets / sunrises. Vari-ND filters affect the entire frame. Split ND filters effect only part of the image. They come with a holder that lets you slide them up or down, and rotate, to adjust where the line hits in the frame. You can stack them. I have a 1-stop and a 2-stop soft line, and a 1 stop hard-line. These are tricky to use because it can become obvious if you don't place the split line well. Fortunately with digital you can practice and get it right in camera.

I use Singh-Ray. Exceptional brand. They also make Vari-ND filters. If you look for Vari-ND filters, make sure you check whether they also include polarizing and make your own decision as to whether you want that. I use a circular polarizer on all outdoor pictures.

https://singh-ray.com/product-category/camera-filters/neutral-color-density-filters/

[Richard Francis]

I'd say go for a 10 stop ND filter. This will typically give you exposures from a few seconds to 1 minute if you close the aperture right down.

[Thai-Mike]

Thank you both for your answers, very helpful.
Rob, as I live in Thailand,

Shopee or Lazada has great offers. I usually look first in Lazada than compare the same product in Shopee. When I look up, I select Thai cos when you select from China ity takes a bit longer.

With Konzept Filters I am 100% satisfied.