HockeyFan12 Posted December 12, 2019 Share Posted December 12, 2019 I should probably just get an ND fader, but I'm looking into other options too. With most cameras around base 800 ISO in log profiles, you'd need something like a 13 stop ND to shoot wide open on f1.4 lenses in broad daylight, or maybe my math is wrong. Anyway, absent an ND fader, that would normally mean 13 different ND filters. But I'm okay working in two-stop or even three-stop increments... What are the best affordable 10 stop NDs? Something like this: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1500970-REG/haida_hd4501_72_72mm_nanopro_nd_filter.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrtme_o2x5gIVj4TICh20MwFMEAkYASABEgJU2fD_BwE ? And are any of these thin enough that you can stack filters? If I could stack 1, 2, or 3 stop filters on top of those three that would be all I need.... Also worried about stacking diffusion (or polarizers) on top of that, I might want to shoot with Classic Softs, which have very thick filter rings. Well now I see why people buy matte boxes. Or are there any really good ND faders? I worry about the polarization effects, still, even though I like most footage I see shot with them it concerns me still. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mako Sports Posted December 12, 2019 Share Posted December 12, 2019 10/13 stops is a fucking lot. Most video cameras with built in NDs have a 2, 4, and 6 stop nd filter switch. Maybe start with 6.. Outside of using in built in NDs I strongly advocate for the use of fixed nds vs variable/faders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fuzzynormal Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 1 hour ago, Mako Sports said: strongly advocate for the use of fixed nds vs variable/faders. If you have the time/collection, always use a single filter to give you what your want. Especially ND. That said, I shoot run-and-gun and I use a variable ND. It mucks with the sharpness of the image, but the trade off of being able to grab exposure in a split-second makes it worthwhile, imho. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HockeyFan12 Posted December 13, 2019 Author Share Posted December 13, 2019 Thanks, I was tempted by the kit's lower price and figured I could stack. But 2, 4, 6 would make a lot more sense. Any brands that are affordable and good? I'm seeing surprisingly good reviews on those Haida NDs. I was disappointed in the Firecrest not being the neutral and B+W and X4 are too expensive. 10 stop is pretty useless for video maybe but could be fun.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thebrothersthre3 Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 With the right vari ND sharpness doesn't really get reduced, not noticeably at least. It can mess with the look of skin though as well as color shifting, but for run and gun its a must, unless you don't care about getting an exact Fstop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leslie Posted December 13, 2019 Share Posted December 13, 2019 i found this two days ago. mat granger did a review on a bunch of 10 stop nd filters he chose screw on for his review. hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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