Questions tagged [neutral-density]
In photography, a neutral density filter (ND filter) can be a colorless or grey filter. An ideal neutral density filter reduces and/or modifies intensity of all wavelengths or colors of light equally, giving no changes in hue of color rendition. The purpose of a neutral density filter is to allow the photographer greater flexibility to change the aperture, exposure time and/or motion blur of subject in different situations and atmospheric conditions
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Which filters would be useful for long exposure photography?
I'm a beginner hobbyist who wants to take long exposure shots of lightning, fireworks, the beach, etc., during both daytime and night time. I would also love to take shots like this. So basically ...
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Does focal length correlate to the required ND filter in sun photography?
I got my hands on an M42 500mm lens and want to try sun photography. I also have a 2x and a 3x converter, thus I'm able to get a focal length range of 500-3000mm. Back in the day I bought a Baader ...
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Is there an optimal order when using both polarized and ND filters on a lens? [duplicate]
I'm using Sony a6500 with Sigma f1.4 16mm lens and I have recently bought a ND 6-stops filter and a polarizer filter.
I have read that in some cases it is recommended to use both of them.
Is there any ...
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What ND filter strength should I use when visiting Iceland?
I'm about to visit Iceland and I would like to use a ND filter for the first time (mostly for the waterfalls). From what I see, Iceland is pretty much cloudy. My setup is Sony a6500 with Sigma f1.4 ...
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Why I am unable to focus at all while using ND filters
Lately, I am unable to focus with ND8 AND ND10 filters put over the kit lenses of my Canon1300D camera. Whenever I try to focus, it allows me to only reach to a point where the subjects are only ...
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ND filters issue - washed out pictures
I have the following issue with my ND filters 100x100 square (K&F concept), I am using them with my Sony A7 and with several manual lenses: when I am using the ND1000 alone I do not have any issue,...
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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 ...
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Improvised neutral-density filter
I teach physics at a community college, and due to the covid-19 epidemic, we're developing a lab kit for our students so that they can do labs at home in the fall. It's challenging but also kind of ...
user21068
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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 ...
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Can I use a screw-on variable ND filter together with a square filter holder?
I have a K&F variable ND screw-on filter. I want to buy the Cokin Z series holder for graduated ND filters.
Is it possible to use the Cokin Z holder with GNDs together with the variable ND screw-...
user91798
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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, ...
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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
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step up ring for multiple filters
I saw that there is a technique to use a square holder for nd filter and then place in it x stop filter + graduate folter.
Since it is pretty expensive I was wondering is there is something like this ...
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Do i need more than one filter holder for different brands?
I am currently looking for ND and Grad ND filters for my camera for long exposures. Im a beginner and new to all of this and im slighty confused. Question is
Lets say i bought a Cokin P series filter ...
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Can Xray plates be used as ND filter?
Can the material used to print Xrays be used as an ND filter ? I would like to do some long exposure photography and since I am stuck at home , so was thinking if it is possible.
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How do I meter with a split ND filter?
As a present1 to myself I am renting a Mamiya RB67 kit for 2 weeks. One of the things I want to try is to take some sunsets using a split ND filter.
The kit doesn't come with a metered viewfinder, ...
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When using ND filter, do I need to use full stop, 1/2 stop, or 1/3 stop?
For example, when I use ND1000 filter, I know theoretically I have to increase shutter speed by 10 stops. Does this apply regardless of different stop increment settings (full stop vs half stop vs 1/3-...
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How does using an ND filter compare to using HSS for freezing subject motion in daylight?
I know one can use a ND filter, to be able to get the background right even with big apertures (during daylight and shooting at synch speed) and using the flash/strobe to light the subject in the ...
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Etching a ND filter to reduce OD
What is the most common absorbing material used for professional quality ND filters, and can that material be etched away with acids or bases, while leaving the substrate (BK-7?) intact?
Basically, ...
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Does a large scratch in an ND filter affect image quality?
I noticed a used 10-stop ND filter for sale, at exactly the size I want, at a price of 15% of a new filter, except with shipping it's 21% of the price of a new filter with shipping.
The catch? It has ...
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What is a good example for artistic ND filter applications?
Perhaps one of the most iconic uses for an ND filter is using it outside with a slow shutter speed to catch a motion blur effect -- suppose mover water (waterfall, river, creek, ect). So I'm familiar ...
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How to determine strength of ND filter needed?
I'm currently shooting with a Sigma 30mm f/1.4 lens for Canon. I love its wide open aperture, especially in low light. But I realized that using this open aperture is next to impossible in brighter ...
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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 ...
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What is the difference between IR and ND filters?
What is the difference between an infrared filter and an ND filter? I have a big stopper and I would like to take some images to show the infrared spectrum I have seen images where green foliage shows ...
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What is the formula to calculate aperture ("diaphragme" in French)?
Let's say I have these data for my camera:
t : Exposure time in seconds ("temps de pose" in French)
C : Incident-light meter calibration constant ("constante lumière incidente" in French)
S : ISO ...
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Is my ND4 filter really ND4?
As I understand, ND4 filter should transmit about 25% of the incident light. I have measured transmittance spectrum of my Fujimi ND4 58mm filter, and got the following result:
So, transmittance is ...
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Does using long exposure together with ND filter make the scene look more evenly lit? [duplicate]
Suppose I try to shoot a piece of forest with trees casting dense shadows during daylight. It looks something like this to a human eye (part of larger and more detailed image from here)
In the image ...
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Will all square/rectangular filters fit into the slots of a given filter holder?
I am researching square/rectangular ND/ND grad filters and holders. I don't own any yet. I am wondering:
1) Are all filter holders' slots - into which you slide square/rectangular filters - and all ...
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How to photograph laser show with long exposure while outdoors?
I want to take an image of a laser show projected in a wall. Indoors in low light I use longer exposure 1/8 or 1/25 second.
Outdoors the images are completely washed out. I want to know if there is a ...
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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 ...
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Will a ND filter help me blur the background better (Example pictures)
I took a few pictures on a bright sunny day, and my thought was to get motion blur in the background.
So I had an exposuretime of between 1/60 and 1/30, ISO 100 and a polarizing filter.
Because of ...
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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 ...
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Sony A7* ND filter app
Has anybody ever used a software ND filter?
I recently bought a Sony A7RII and I've seen in their marketplace an in-camera app which is supposed to be an ND filter for about 30$.
Is there any ...
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Why is my 2 second long exposure shot overexposed?
I have the Olympus PEN Lite E-PL5 and I’m kind of getting frustrated because whenever I try to do a long exposure shot it’s always blown out.
I put the ISO to 200 because that’s the lowest I can go, ...
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Does it make sense for an ND filter to be less reflective on the front than the back?
I recently noticed that my Haida 10-stop ND filter, when viewed from the front, has similar reflection-suppressing behavior as my B+W 2-stop filter (both are multicoated). However, unlike the B+W, the ...
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How does the optical performance differ between glass and gel ND filters?
This is a specialization of this question.
When there is the option to use glass or gel filter on certain wide-diameter lens: How would the optical performance of these two types of ND filters ...
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When stacking filters, how much larger than the lens thread diameter should they be to avoid vignetting?
I want to do long exposure photography but I am not willing to shell the dollars for a good 100mm filter kit.
I am now considering a cheaper solution using circular filters. I want to be able to ...
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If I have two ND filters both strong enough to get smooth blur in the way I want, is there a reason to pick one over the other?
If I have two neutral density filters (e.g. 5 & 10 stop) and the effect I'm after can be achieved with either (blurring of water/clouds) with differing exposure times using either, is there any ...
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What will happen if a use an ND filter with a step-down ring?
I have a 58mm ND 1000 B+W Filter. I want to use it with my 77mm 24-105 lens. What problems will I face if I use a step down ring?
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Would filter holders like Lee / Cokin be usable for panning?
I find that my variable ND isn't all that great in terms of quality (imparts a green tint), so I'm dreaming of replacing them.
I could get a screw on, but then I also like having access to graduated ...
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Why do my pictures with a 100000 ND eclipse/solar filter have purple haze?
I bought a Marumi 100,000 ND filter in anticipation of tomorrow's eclipse, and while testing the filter today I noticed the photos have an uneven but consistent purple haze, but only with the filter.
...
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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 ...
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Why do i get Lens reflection in final photo with Lee Nd filter super stopper 15 stops
Why do i get Lens reflection in final photo with Lee Nd filter super stopper 15 stops 100x100mm
I have attached photos of final picture and the set up i am using a 77mm adpater ring and holder
Lens-...
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How do I calculate film ISO compensation for non–through-the-lens metering when using an ND filter?
I have a Yashica Electro 35 film rangefinder camera. I usually load some higher sensitivity film so I can easily take pictures indoors, but now in summer I ran into trouble shooting outside on several ...
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What are the different use cases for medium- and hard-transition graduated ND filters?
I already own a Lee Little Stopper for the 100mm System and I am extremely happy about Lee's quality. I am planning to buy one or two graduated filters (0.6 and 0.9), but I am not sure whether to opt ...
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Dark spots when using a 52mm variable neutral density filter [duplicate]
I recently bought a variable ND 52mm ProMaster filter for around $70 but I got some strange results when I tried to take pictures with it.
This is a shot I took at 18mm when the filter was at its ...
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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 ...
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Do I need more than one ND filter?
I am asking myself whether I need more than one ND filter for my desired areas of application, which are:
portrait photography in (very) sunny environments (no wedding etc.;
basically familiy ...
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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 ...
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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 ...
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