Neutral Density Filters

nomore · 23 Jun 2006 at 18:40

I've ordered a Canon 17-40 f/4 lens. I would like to get a neurtal density filter (77mm). I guess that the ND number is how dark they are.

I only want one, so what would be a good all rounder to get?

Thanks.

JBuk · 23 Jun 2006 at 19:52

i have a cokin P kit for my lenses and I bought an ND8 (3 stop) and an ND4 (2 stop) , although I find for really bright days i can always use both together

Johnny|lucidcomposure · 23 Jun 2006 at 21:09

get you're self a few. 4,8 maybe ?

rpstewart · 24 Jun 2006 at 08:40

JBuk said:
i have a cokin P kit for my lenses and I bought an ND8 (3 stop) and an ND4 (2 stop) , although I find for really bright days i can always use both together

What do you think of the Cokin filters? I've got an ND2 & an ND4 and while the 2 is fine I seem to get a nasty colour cast with the ND4.

JBuk · 24 Jun 2006 at 11:10

rpstewart said:
What do you think of the Cokin filters? I've got an ND2 & an ND4 and while the 2 is fine I seem to get a nasty colour cast with the ND4.

I think theyre ok , theyre not the best but then again I didnt pay much for them ,
I havent used them much to be honest, but I did take a shot of the local river to test them and used the ND4 & 8 together for a 6 second exposure, the shot turned out kind of washed out, with little contrast, I dont know if that was just because of the filters or my inexperience

I think if I knew i was going to need them more often then I would invest in something better, but for now they will do the job

milou · 24 Jun 2006 at 11:18

Before I had Lee filters, I used HiTech ones - almost the same price as Cokin but no colour casts. And they fit in Cokin P Holders etc.

rpstewart · 24 Jun 2006 at 11:18

That sounds very similar to what I'm seeing. The results remind me of old, badly processed wet film - lacking in contrast with a brown/pink cast.

JBuk · 24 Jun 2006 at 11:34

it reminds me of a recent shot i took lately out of my bedroom window of a little bird sitting on a telephone pole, that too came out washed out and lacking contrast becasue of the window, the cokins give a very similar effect

also I`m not keen on them being that plastic type of material, it seems to love dust sticking to it, and i scratched my ND grad using a lens cloth on it :rolleyes: