 Brett M |
Neutral Density Filters? Hi everyone, I am thinking of getting a ND filter. From what I gather, if reduces the amount of light passing through the lens, forcing you to use larger apertures. The benefits? I believe that, in doing this, you'll achieve a nicely blurred background and a crystal clear subject all while keeping the same shutter speed. Is this right? What else does it do? Con's, pro's, lemme hear 'em! -Brett
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Pete H |
Brett, Sounds like you have a case of "filter-itis" LOL..Just kidding. There are a few reasons to pack one or two of these babies. I'll give ya one; perhaps others will lend a few more. 1) Slower shutter speeds Ever see that classic babbling brook shot in bright sunlight with the water in blurred motion? ND filter. Cons?..same as all filters; image degradation, ghosts, flares. Pete
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- Dennis Flanagan Contact Dennis Flanagan Dennis Flanagan's Gallery |
The biggest "pro" I know of for used a ND filter is for situations (waterfalls for instance) that have too much light to slow the shutter speed enough to get the veiling effect you want. You don't need a ND filter for a wider aperture and the blurred effect since a fast shutter speed/f stop combination will do the trick. For landscape photography where bright sky or snow covered peaks are involved, a Graduated neutral density filter is invaluable.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Brett, Spend the $$ and get B&W. I use my circular polarizer more than my ND but they do a great job. Carlton
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W. |
A 'veiled waterfall'? The 'flowing brook'? If they haven't been done a hundred thousand times, they've been done a million times. It'll be tough to build a better mousetrap.
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A C |
Dennis said: You don't need a ND filter for a wider aperture and the blurred effect since a fast shutter speed/f stop combination will do the trick. and he's right for the most part. But it doesn't work for what I want to accomplish. I use my flash unit wirelessly, and my transmitter and receiver for my flash unit only allows me to sync at 1/200 or slower. I could get a Canon ST-e2 and sync faster, but for various reasons I decided I'd be better off with Alienbees or Pocket Wizards. So for me, I think a ND filter is what I need because of the equipment I chose to use for outdoor portrait lighting. now if they'll come out with a reliable and affordable wireless setup that performs like an alienbee or pocket wizard and will allow me to sync faster, I won't be as inclinded to put on a ND filter. I'm sure I won't have to wait very long.
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