I want to take more photos of water, or blur things that are moving. But apparently iso100 and F22 don't work so well with even a 5 second exposure. (and yes i know I don't need THAT much to blur water) Problem is, I can't find many good reviews or filters. I have gathered that the variable one's aren't nearly as good as a set one. But, that's about it. Any recommendations? Brand name and how dark I should get one? Currently using the Canon 24-105 77mm Thanks!!
Hi Chris, If you want the BEST, go for Lee filters 100mm filters; they are what all the pros use as well as the motion picture industry. You'll need a holder, correct rings for each lens and an all over ND (Neutral Density = Grey) filter to allow longer exposures Otherwise, the Cokin Z 100mm system should be OK, their filters aren't as good as Lee, but you may save on the hardware and could fit Lee 100mm filters in the Cokin holder. Just to reiterate, Lee make the best filters; particularly the ND graduated filters which are made and tested to be properly neutral. Used to find that Cokin 'Grey' grads were slightly green or magenta in colour. I was in the trade until a few years ago, and I've got out of touch, I think that Lee do a very dark ND called the 'Big Stopper' that is very popular for what you're doing at the moment. If you don't want to get into a system (which is the best route if you have multiple lenses and a definite for graduated filters) Another option would be a 77mm screw in ND filter which would be a single solution to the long exposure need - try 3 stop/0.9ND/8x as the start point, you may need a stronger filter. # Long exposure blur is SO much easier these days with a DSLR and post view screen, no waiting for film to come back to see if you got it right. HTH - good luck and enjoy the creativity!
This is what you want, don't break the bank and does the job. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Haida-PRO...es_CameraLensesFilters_JN&hash=item4d0bf0d54a I used that exact filter to achieve this: Rustic by wuyanxu, on Flickr My thinking is that strong ND are only used once in a blue moon, so why spend so much on it? Only filter I'd spend big bucks on would be the circular polariser, because it makes photos awesome and can't be achieved post process. So all other filters can't be more than CPL, that means £70 on my CPL then £100 on a Lee big stopper isn't worth it.
Tried welding glass? I got a bit last year but I've not had a go yet. It leaves a hideous colour cast so it ends up being a b&w tool only and the optical quality isn't brilliant but for £3 it might be worth investigating. http://www.diyphotography.net/use-welding-glass-as-10-stops-nd-filter
Hi guys, Thanks for all of the info so far. That picture, wuyanxu is exactly the kind of shot I want to be able to take. This is a butchered photo, that area had some great landscape for pictures. But i'm still learning how to use the camera to it's potential to take better shots. I think that a screw in filter would be the best option for me. I've read in other places that the lee ones are the best. will likely go that route. Thanks for the advice!
should also note that a circular Polarizer will give you 1.5 to 2 stops of ND. I quite often use my CP to blur water a little, plus it clears reflections from the rest of the non rushing water. in fact my range of ND cokin filters now gets left at home and I only carry a good CP and a 8 stop screw in ND. At the 8-10 stop range the screw in worked better at stopping light leaks than an 8stop i used with the cokin P type range
Finally arrived! And we have three days of rain coming up.... oh well. means there will be lots of water around!
