Frequent 'neutral-density' Questions

27 votes

3 answers

7k views

What are neutral density filters and how do I use them to create long exposures in daylight?

I've seen a few related posts on the site but nothing specifically on this point: I'd like to be able to take long exposure photos during daylight (like the examples in this Flickr group). I'm told ...

Mark Whitaker

8,910

asked Aug 28, 2011 at 20:08

19 votes

2 answers

4k views

How do I use Graduated Neutral Density filters?

I want to improve my photos of landscapes with high contrast (sunset/sunrise). What are good selections for GND filters and what are some techniques for using them correctly?

Ian Felton

453

asked Jul 9, 2011 at 17:00

16 votes

1 answer

10k views

Why are my results with a variable neutral density filter poor?

I bought a inexpensive variable neutral density filter, this ND2-ND400 variety. I wasn't expecting a whole lot because of the very low price point, but I think I'm either using it incorrectly or my ...

dpollitt

46.4k

asked Feb 15, 2013 at 2:26

11 votes

4 answers

2k views

What filter should I buy if I wanted to do 5 min shutter speed in daylight?

What type of filter would I need to create an image such as the following: http://500px.com/photo/10158205

ben birdsall

201

asked Aug 3, 2012 at 22:21

15 votes

5 answers

52k views

How to read ND filter description?

When I search on Amazon for eg. neutral density 67mm, I get long list of different filters. Some of them are marked like: ND2, ND4, ND8 etc. I'm guessing this means 2-, 4- or 8-stops filter, am I ...

Tschareck

787

asked Dec 1, 2012 at 14:28

18 votes

4 answers

9k views

Screw-in or square filters in the field?

I currently carry a circular polarizer and a screw-in 4X ND with me in the field. I've decided it's time to upgrade my filters, because there are too many times when I really need an 8X ND (or more) ...

chuqui

9,336

asked Feb 4, 2012 at 22:09

29 votes

6 answers

3k views

When should I use graduated ND filters and when should I use HDR processing?

I'd really like to stop blowing out the sky and/or underexposing the ground in my pictures. The traditional solution would be to use graduated ND filters, but taking multiple exposures and applying ...

Matt Bishop

3,350

asked Jul 20, 2010 at 15:02

27 votes

6 answers

7k views

Do ND filters increase the dynamic range that a camera can 'see'?

I am attempting to work out, conceptually, how the use of a neutral density filter effects the resulting captured image. Do ND filters allow a camera to capture higher contrast scenes (without ...

Sean

3,837

asked Sep 1, 2011 at 21:30

23 votes

8 answers

4k views

What ND filter would you recommend? [duplicate]

I'm thinking about getting an neutral density filter to shoot some silky waterfalls and smooths waves on the beach. What would you recommend in terms of: 1. Brand - quality, durability, price 2. ...

Piotr Zurek

2,202

asked Jul 15, 2010 at 22:26

13 votes

5 answers

67k views

Can I photograph a solar eclipse using a 10-stop Big Stopper (+ extra ND?)

Will a 10-stop ND filter (Big Stopper) allow me to photograph a solar eclipse? I read in another post here that solar filters are around 14-stops - presumably I would need around this strength even ...

Barn

313

asked Mar 18, 2015 at 9:56

12 votes

4 answers

3k views

Whats the difference between Singh-Ray Vari-ND and cheap Fader-ND filters?

I think the Singh-Ray Vari-ND variable ND filter sounds great, but is really expensive. There are way cheaper variable ND filters from some chinese sites. I wonder: are the cheap ones worth the ...

Sam

3,146

asked Nov 1, 2010 at 19:10

19 votes

6 answers

2k views

ND Filter not Dense enough - How do I get long exposures in very bright situations, where my ND filter isn't enough?

What is the best way to achieve very long exposures in very bright, sunlit conditions? Right now, I have a Hoya ND-400 X filter (9 stops reduction), and even with my camera set to ISO 50, and F22, my ...

Fake Name

3,330

asked May 6, 2011 at 5:55

18 votes

2 answers

5k views

What's the result of stacking ND filters in terms of total stops?

If you stack two 3-stop neutral density filters, does it reduce the exposure by 6 stops or 9 stops?

rmart

305

asked Apr 1, 2011 at 23:49

7 votes

1 answer

1k views

How are neutral density filters in compact cameras implemented?

I've read here on this very site that some compact cameras don't use aperture blades to stop down the lens and limit the amount of light hitting the sensor. Stopping down increases diffraction. ...

gerikson

4,260

asked Aug 9, 2011 at 20:19

6 votes

4 answers

8k views

How does a variable ND filter work?

If you simply take two polarizers (the old fashond pre-autofocus kind or simple polarizing media, at least for the front one) and use an angle between them, you get the effects of polarizing filters, ...

JDługosz

4,372

asked May 22, 2015 at 9:10

1 vote

4 answers

6k views

What ND Grad to buy first?

What would you recommend for the first ND Grad to buy, in terms of F-Stops intensity? 2, 3, 4? I live near the shore, so I'll mostly be taking photos of seascapes in the golden hours. I already have ...

Vítor Sousa

19

asked Feb 15, 2017 at 16:43

22 votes

3 answers

40k views

Will stacked ND filters perform as well as a single 10 stop ND filter?

I have the Tiffen 0.9 ND filter which gives me approximately 3f stops reduction. I like to really slow things down and although it's sufficient in low light it just won't do in daylight. Should I get ...

Jakub Sisak GeoGraphics

6,277

asked Apr 18, 2012 at 13:35

19 votes

3 answers

1k views

Why should I use a Graduated ND filter as opposed to the digital equivalent(software)?

With options like Nik’s Color Efex Pro 4 allowing me to digitally apply a Graduated Neutral Density filter, why would I choose to use a piece of equipment that I have to buy and carry around? Related ...

dpollitt

46.4k

asked Oct 14, 2011 at 18:35

15 votes

3 answers

3k views

Why did my ND filter produce washed out exposures?

So I bought a set of (pretty cheap) ND filters a couple of years ago and took them on holiday to Canada with me last year. I managed to get a couple of OK shots but most of them looked something like ...

Andy Furniss

377

asked Jun 26, 2018 at 18:16

14 votes

0 answers

645 views

Is it possible to use two polarised filters to create a variable ND filter? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: What is the difference between using an ND filter versus 2 polarizers? I was reading that by attaching two polarised filter we could create a variable ND filter. Has anyone ...

Julien Gagnet

515

asked Sep 22, 2010 at 17:20

13 votes

1 answer

24k views

Can I stack ND Filter and Polarizer together?

I've seen some images of long exposure photography with a polarizing filter. I was wondering if I could use an ND and a polarizer together. Will the polarizer have the same effect? Will the image ...

Alec Attie

133

asked Apr 30, 2018 at 1:39

11 votes

3 answers

5k views

Will a variable neutral density filter produce similar results to a fixed neutral density filter?

I've decided to look at experimenting with neutral density filters and I found this variable neutral density filter on Amazon here in the UK. It's a lot cheaper than buying a set of filters of ...

ChrisF

1,398

asked Mar 28, 2012 at 15:22

8 votes

3 answers

4k views

Is it possible to use a polarizer and a ND filter at the same time?

Is is possible to use two filters (one polarizing and one ND) at the same time on a 18-55 kit lens from Canon. I am new to photography and wanted to work with filters. Do you suggest me buy these ...

sul4bh

183

asked Jun 30, 2011 at 12:27

6 votes

2 answers

3k views

What are the uses of Neutral Density (ND) filters?

Apart from silky water effects and pics of crowded places what are other uses of ND filters? Almost every blog I have read mentions only these two situations. What other uses are their for ND ...

GoodSp33d

821

asked Feb 20, 2013 at 8:02

3 votes

1 answer

889 views

Any recommendations for square/rectangle filter starter kit?

Context I've been using circular polarizes and related filters for my pictures using the screw in system. I've used the step up filter ring to fit larger filters on my smaller thread lens. I'm ...

unsignedzero

2,043

asked Oct 3, 2015 at 22:01

3 votes

1 answer

1k views

Can I use a 10 stop + 8 stop ND filter to photograph a solar eclipse?

I don't have a solar filter but I have a 10 stop, 8 stop, 4 stop and a 2 stop ND filters can I take the 10 stop + 8 stop and combine them to make a 18 stop filter or the 10 stop + 4 stop + 2 stop to ...

user67251

31

asked Aug 4, 2017 at 5:25

3 votes

4 answers

3k views

Why are my long-exposure photos (with ND filter) overexposed?

I am using a Nikon D90 and this is my first time trying to take long exposure photos. I have set the camera to Manual mode, exposure compensation to -5, Bulb mode, f/22 aperture, ISO 100, 6-stop ND ...

Natalie

31

asked Jan 22, 2017 at 6:02

2 votes

1 answer

2k views

How to mount a circular ND filter in front of the ND graduated filter?

Recently I'm into landscape photography and trying to build a convenient and practical setup. I have the Cokin Z-Pro filter holder, Lee ND Grad filters and as solid Hoya ND16 filter. However, to set ...

Greg

855

asked Nov 15, 2013 at 2:34

1 vote

4 answers

425 views

What type of ND filters should I buy for landscape photography?

I am looking to get some ND filters for landscape photography but am totally confused on what is best to get. I have a budget of around £100 but am firstly confused whether I would be better off with ...

George

11

asked Apr 14, 2016 at 15:05

0 votes

2 answers

557 views

Are neutral density ratings in 1/3 stops or are they really in 0.3 stops? [duplicate]

I have a set of neutral density filters that are rated as .3, .6, and .9 stops. Are they actually multiples of 0.3, or are they really multiples of 1/3? For example 1/3, 2/3, and 1 stop? If I stack ...

user1118321

2,883

asked Dec 13, 2015 at 18:13

15 votes

5 answers

19k views

How do welder's glass shades translate to stops when used as an ND filter?

I've been inspired by this to try using Welder's glass as an ND filter. For welders' glass, they use values of "shade" from about 4 up to 11 or so. I know 11 is really dark. Does anybody know if ...

Octopus

1,858

asked Apr 26, 2013 at 18:48

11 votes

10 answers

30k views

If I'm buying a single ND filter, which stop is most versatile?

I'm going on holiday to Hawaii in November and would like to take some photography that will require an ND filter. Following the holiday it'll mostly be used for photography around the UK with maybe a ...

Richard

457

asked Oct 3, 2015 at 11:40

5 votes

1 answer

530 views

What's the history of neutral density filters instead of aperture diaphragms in compact cameras?

Some compact cameras use neutral density filters to control light rather than aperture blades, to avoid the effects of diffraction in tiny sizes. I first heard of this as a feature of the Nokia N8 ...

mattdm

142k

asked Aug 9, 2011 at 20:42

4 votes

2 answers

227 views

Do I still need filters for photographing landscape under an eclipse, if I'm not zooming in on the sun itself?

Context: I find myself due to be in the path of the upcoming annular solar eclipse. This was unplanned and I am unable to get a proper filter delivered on time. The general consensus on the internet ...

Semaphore

143

asked Jun 19, 2020 at 7:55

4 votes

2 answers

354 views

For a given lens/camera, will a ND filter always need same WB correction in all conditions?

I've taken a few photos with a new B+W ND 6-stop filter and found that it leaves them quite warm. I'm able to correct this in ACR using temperature/tint sliders. For the few photos I've taken so far, ...

The111

205

asked May 29, 2020 at 2:08

3 votes

3 answers

2k views

Choosing between 9-stop and 10-stop ND filter for flowing water long exposures

I'm planning to photograph flowing river water with long exposures for a blurry effect. I currently have a 4-stop ND filter which may be good for shooting wide open in sunlight, but is probably not ...

juhist

6,543

asked Apr 7, 2019 at 7:32

2 votes

3 answers

4k views

How do I chose a vari-ND fader filter without color cast?

I would like to buy a vari-ND fader. I have maximum $70 for it so i can't buy the high end faders. I try to get every information about: Polariod 67MM Neutral Density Variable Fader Nature 67mm ...

Holian

53

asked Apr 10, 2012 at 18:55

2 votes

2 answers

112 views

is using a screw on ND filter along with GND filers which require a holder possible?

I have a screw on 3 - 7 stop variable ND filter which screws on to the lens. I want to buy some GND soft grads which require a filter holder (This holder needs to screw on to the lens). Am I right ...

user91798

asked May 25, 2020 at 14:15

2 votes

3 answers

391 views

How do I practice with a ND filter?

I am headed out soon (a few weeks) on a trip that will include waterfalls, beaches, and a volcano. I've read about neutral density filters and got a set for my camera. But I'm sure there's a ...

Kate Gregory

123

asked Jun 21, 2015 at 13:28

2 votes

2 answers

531 views

How bad will the vignetting be if I use a 67mm ND filter on a 82mm lens?

I'm currently looking at the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 lens for my Canon EOS 80D (APS-C). However, one potential problem I see is that my ND-filter set is for 67mm while the Sigma lens has a diameter of ...

MoritzLost

992

asked Mar 6, 2017 at 20:44

1 vote

1 answer

2k views

Which filter would I use for daytime lightning long exposure? [duplicate]

I'm new to the photography scene and although I managed to take a reasonable night time lightning strike on long exposure, during the daytime, I can't seem to get it right (too bright) and a friend ...

Steve Morgan

11

asked Feb 28, 2015 at 5:44

1 vote

1 answer

124 views

Which of these ND filtered images do you think is more accurate? (sample images included)

As a followup to my previous question; there has been interest expressed in the results of my ND filter tests. First, I should clarify that the heavy color cast shown in that post was from a single ...

The111

205

asked Jun 10, 2020 at 21:07

0 votes

4 answers

298 views

Effective filters for daytime landscape photography?

I do landscape photography, mostly shooting at dawn or dusk, but I never shoot during the day, the light is just too harsh. I've got a single polarizer and a few ND grads, but nothing else. What ...

SAFX

443

asked Aug 29, 2013 at 2:51

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