Filters

Amp34 · 15 Dec 2014 at 10:11

I was looking for a 4(ish) stop circular ND filter but they seem to have died a death recently.

I'm now thinking of a set of square filters. What would people recommend? I know Lee are the best, then there are Cokin and Hitech (the latter better?).

Looking to get an ND or two and a couple of grads as a starter kit for the GF this Christmas.

robj20 · 15 Dec 2014 at 12:15

Plenty of 4 stops here.

http://srb-photographic.co.uk/neutral-density-12-4-stop-filter-1297-c.asp

Jase · 15 Dec 2014 at 12:19

I can't comment on Hitech as I haven't used them however I have tried the Cokin kit and I hated it as the build quality is cheap and I just didn't like the system at all.

I use the Lee system and that's what I recommend but if the budget doesn't allow maybe Hitech will be a bit better than Cokin as I can't imagine anything worse.

Amp34 · 15 Dec 2014 at 13:30

robj20 said:
Plenty of 4 stops here.

http://srb-photographic.co.uk/neutral-density-12-4-stop-filter-1297-c.asp

Are they actually any good though? B&W used to do one but don't do any more.

With these systems I'm assuming you can't use a standard polariser with them?

Cokin is out then, just lee and Hitech then.

robj20 · 15 Dec 2014 at 13:41

Yes the SRP are good ones. Big thread on talkphotography about them and the Camdiox ones.

Phal · 15 Dec 2014 at 17:57

I saw this filter mentioned on TP recently and thought I'd give one a go

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Xcsource-...es_CameraLensesFilters_JN&hash=item2ed746f0ec

Mine arrived today and seems alright. For £10 it's hard to complain

D.P. · 15 Dec 2014 at 18:41

Avoid Cokin like the plague, nasty color cast that is hard to correct.

For a standard ND I would try to find a circular filter if possible, they are more compact and easier to use. Square filter holders are mandatory for ND-Grads though, so it might make sense and work out cheaper to get square ND filters.

also have a think about the need for a 4 stop. If you add a CPL then you will loose 2 stops straight away, stopping down a little is rarely an issue except: 1) you are already at f/16 and don't want to go further, 2) you are at f/1.4 and you REALLY want razor thin DoF. Also depending on the scene then ISO 50 can work very well if you are careful of highlights.

IMO, 4 is borderline useful, 2 is fairly pointless (just use a CPL), above 4 are required if you want long exposures.

Amp34 · 16 Dec 2014 at 10:22

We always have the issue towards sunset when it's not quite dark enough to get long exposures with just a CPL and its too dark for a 10 stop. I don't find going to f/16 particularly great either. There is just a gap at the moment where the 2 second evening exposure is just that bit out of reach.

I'm still trying to decide whether to get her a grad set or just another ND filter. Lee are glass and Hitech are resin are they not? I'm guessing the latter is slightly more resistant to breaking? They would be used a lot while hiking etc., although I'm guessing when put in cases they are both pretty robust for travel?