Fader ND filters

-|ScottFree|- · 25 Jun 2011 at 08:03

I have been searching the net for a definative answer, but finding varied results.

I'm looking into purchasing a Fader ND for my 16-35mm mk11 lens. I have heard of issue regarding vignetting when you are at the widest angles of my lens... thats not so much of an issue as I believe the sweet spot is around 24mm anyway. I have read that the best thing to do, to completely, or near as damn it erradicate the issue altogether is to purchase the 86mm filter and purchase a step down ring to 82. Do any of you have any experience regarding these filters...

juno_first · 25 Jun 2011 at 10:58

Ive never used a ND filter, though could have done with one yesterday when I was shooting water: 2secs just didnt cut the mustard..
I dont see how vignetting could occur as the lens should be designed to cope with a filter at its widest, unless its an extreme fisheye or something. ...I dont presume you're shooting with a large sensor?
In the past I used a polarizing filter to knock it down a couple of stops and have one on order now actually.

Zogger · 25 Jun 2011 at 11:47

Not sure about the vignetting, but do you know about the other issues with faders? See pictures below..
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/light-craft-workshop-fader-nd-mk-ii-filter-filter-review-14321

juno_first · 25 Jun 2011 at 11:58

Hey that site was interesting... I was wondering why long exposures with digital had no exposure fall-off when you shoot into the seconds and thats because only film suffers from reciprocity law failure.

-|ScottFree|- · 25 Jun 2011 at 13:45

juno_first said:
II dont presume you're shooting with a large sensor?

Canon 5D mkii so its full frame... which exaggerates the vignetting.

Thanks for the link, interesting read!!

I film @ 24p so I tend to set my shutter speed to 1/50. The Fader ND will allow me to adjust and more importantly, limit the exposure so that I can retain the filmic/cimematic 24 frames. It also allows me to create a better depth of field in my shooting as I can open up the aperture increasing the cinematic look and feeel to my projects. I am aware that the filter has issues, particularly vignetting when using wide angle...reducing this can be achieved by increasing the filter size to 86mm and using a step down ring. I was just wondering whether others had experience of their own.

-|ScottFree|- · 28 Jun 2011 at 22:00

Hi guys

Just thought I would update this thread for people who are interested in the Fader ND. I ordered the 82mm for my Canon 16-35 L mkii. The front of the filter is 86mm to reduce vignetting. This should allow me to reduce light by about 5-6 stops on this lens, which is absolutely great. It arrived today, but I am yet to fully test it.

I bought it from Premiere ink and photographic as there are several rip offs around, particularly on the auction sites etc....so be careful!!!

Anyway, Im hoping this allows me more creeativity with my video's as I will be able to have increased DoF in a wider variety of light situation!!!