I'm totally confused in filter selection

[pluque]

Hey guys,

I have an xt-5 with xf33 and xf16-80. I maybe planning to buy a xf70-300 as well eventually.

But for now, Im looking for an all around ND filter, you know one that might fit most of the situation. Im not looking for a variable, or maybe I should, but anyway. 

If I had to buy only one ND filter, considering that i already have a CPL, what would you go for ?

thanks in advance :D for your input all!

[SGinNorcal]

I'm not a filter expert at all.  But I don't really what "most situations" would be that involve an ND filter.   The ND seems like a specialty filter to me.  What is it you want to use it for?

[jerryy]

On 7/11/2023 at 2:23 PM, pluque said:

Hey guys,

I have an xt-5 with xf33 and xf16-80. I maybe planning to buy a xf70-300 as well eventually.

But for now, Im looking for an all around ND filter, you know one that might fit most of the situation. Im not looking for a variable, or maybe I should, but anyway. 

If I had to buy only one ND filter, considering that i already have a CPL, what would you go for ?

thanks in advance :D for your input all!

Since you are not wanting a variable ND filter, it will be tricky to justify just one filter without adding in so many, many disclaimers that you might end up spending more time reading the disclaimers than being out using the gear. 😀 Try a light weight, a medium and a hard core big stopper type. That is three, but you will have a versatile set to start and be able to build depending on the type of images you want and the lighting you encounter.

Note: That CPL will help you in a pinch.

Also Note: Be very careful to read reviews looking for any hints of color casts, you will be far better off trying a different brand, even if it costs a bit more than trying to remove the cast in your editor.

p.s. Welcome to the forum.

Edited July 18, 2023 by jerryy

[jerryy]

4 hours ago, SGinNorcal said:

I'm not a filter expert at all.  But I don't really what "most situations" would be that involve an ND filter.   The ND seems like a specialty filter to me.  What is it you want to use it for?

You may have seen waterfall images or ocean or lake images with silky smooth water. Those are made using long exposures, but depending on the time of day, there may be too much light  -- the image will blow out before you can get the water flow just right. A ND filter cuts back the light amount hitting the sensor, so you can leave the shutter open longer.

You can also take images during the brightest day time without worrying all that glare or harsh light will ruin the image, some images do not do so well cranking the shutter speed up as high as the camera will let you (this is called the digital camera effect) -- ND filters let you get the shot at more reasonable shutter speeds and f-stops.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutral-density_filter

https://petapixel.com/nd-filter/

 

Edited July 18, 2023 by jerryy

[BobJ]

Unfortunately it's not possible to recommend just one strength of filter. You will probably need several. However, to start with, try an nd64. I would stay clear of variables. The cheap ones should definitely be avoided. Also, they don't work very well with wide angle lenses. Something to bear in mind in case you buy such a lens in the future.