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I would like to take long exposure shots in the day, but I just can't imagine how to do it because even fireworks (night shot) exposed for more than five seconds are too bright.

I did some research, and I guess it's because I have no filter. What do you recommend to me for night and for day for long exposure shots?

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You're looking for ND (as in Neutral Density) filter. They're usually marked as ND2, ND4, ND8, ..., each step indicating 1-stop change in your exposure settings. For example if you were shooting at f/2,8, 1/100, ISO100 then adding ND2 filter will give you options to shoot either at f/2,0, 1/100, ISO100 or f/2,8, 1/50, ISO100.

Most of recognized filter manufacturers have ND filters in their lineup, including Hoya, B+W, Singh Ray, Lee, Cokin.

Should you already own a polarizing filter you might use it to get rid of 1-2 steps of light or even combine it with the second polarizer to create a variable density ND filter.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ +1: for referencing that article. Random story: I posted a comment on that blog post on Feb 29th, 2008. \$\endgroup\$
    – Alan
    Aug 18, 2010 at 21:05
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    \$\begingroup\$ A word of caution - in theory you should be able to combine ND filters to get even longer exposures, but when you do this with Cokin filters the photos take on a pink cast. I've no idea why this is, but it is a common problem, so if you've not already bought into the Cokin system I'd go for Lee instead. \$\endgroup\$
    – user456
    Aug 19, 2010 at 10:48
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In addition to the ND filters Karel mentions, a circular polarizer will also reduce the light by 2 stops and, as an added bonus, cut down certain types of glare and reflection from things like glass, water, and other bright surfaces.

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  • \$\begingroup\$ +1 Useful additional tip that might not require any extra purchases (I tend to use CPLs as lens protectors, as they're so useful outdoors anyway) \$\endgroup\$
    – Rowland Shaw
    Aug 18, 2010 at 15:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ Interesting choice, though there are times I'd prefer not to have the light loss, but I can see the benefit for certain types of outdoor photography. Mind you, I use the Cokin system, so my lenses aren't normally filtered until I need it anyways. \$\endgroup\$
    – Joanne C
    Aug 18, 2010 at 15:57
  • \$\begingroup\$ I've read that you can use two (Non circular IIRC) Polarizers stacked on top of each other to create a variable ND filter. As you might be aware, two polarizering filters that are set to filter light perpendicular to each other will completely block light (try it with a couple of sunglasses!). I thought this was a unique solution. The obvious downsides are needing two non-cpls, vignetting, and possible ghosting. \$\endgroup\$
    – Alan
    Aug 18, 2010 at 17:24
  • \$\begingroup\$ I've heard of that technique as well, which I always thought was interesting though I've never tried it since I actually only have one linear polarizer. I would think the other downside would probably be effect on autofocus, linear polarizers can mess that up. \$\endgroup\$
    – Joanne C
    Aug 18, 2010 at 17:42
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    \$\begingroup\$ @Alan @John - only one linear polariser, the one in the front. CPLs are just linear polarisers with a quarter-wave plate on the back. Typically, though, this setup takes you pretty far from "neutral" in terms of colour. \$\endgroup\$
    – ex-ms
    Aug 18, 2010 at 18:41

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