Variable ND with 24-70?

[rxb dc]

I do a bit of long exposure (10-30 seconds) as well as panning (1/30) photography.

I was wondering if a Variable ND filter would be useful for those scenarios? I realize that I may only be able to get to 5-6 stops before X banding becomes an issue.

The other options is just get a fixed ND filter.

For a Variable ND, Hoya seems to have a bit lower cost options ($129) compared to others which seem to be $150 and higher. Any suggestions on the specific brands?

 

[MarshallG]

I don't like Variable ND filters. I think they have a place in videography, where you might want to use them to either hold or modify aperture.

But a Variable ND filter works by combining a pair of polarizers. This can cause all kinds of problems: The appearance of your image will change depending on how much reduction you're dialing in, and in wide-angle, the effect will change across your image.

Instead, just buy a solid glass 4x or 6x ND. I just looked at B&H and they have a lot of 10 stop filters, probably because of the eclipse? But 10 stops is an awful lot I think.

 

[rxb dc]

I don't like Variable ND filters. I think they have a place in videography, where you might want to use them to either hold or modify aperture.

But a Variable ND filter works by combining a pair of polarizers. This can cause all kinds of problems: The appearance of your image will change depending on how much reduction you're dialing in, and in wide-angle, the effect will change across your image.

Instead, just buy a solid glass 4x or 6x ND. I just looked at B&H and they have a lot of 10 stop filters, probably because of the eclipse? But 10 stops is an awful lot I think.

Thank's MarshallG.

I use my 77mm 10 stop filter for long exposures in bright light.

The (82mm) VND might have been interesting for slowing shutter speeds down for things like panning where sometimes you cannot get down to 1/30 or so.

But yes, I am also worried about the impact, especially say at 24mm and high f-stops.

Your suggestion of a set of regular NDs may be a better approach.

 

[Tazz93]

I have a Genus 10 or 8 stop vari-ND (I can't remember which it was 10 or 8 stops) I bought about 5 years ago. I also have a B+W 10 stop. I actually prefered the Genus Vari-ND for a couple reasons.

First and foremost... I could actually see what I was doing. With the B+W 10 Stop, I literally had to remove it to compose a shot, compared to simply dialing back the effect. The B+W was a PITA.

Secondly, I preferred the color cast of the Genus. The B+W was very warm, and while that's not a big deal I just prefer to not deal with it.

That said... I've migrated to the Lee filters and holders and never use either of the other two. The Lee filters (big and little stoppers) have a more neutral color and are nearly as easy to use as the Vari-ND. They also provide an option that the Vari-NDs generally don't, the ability to mount a circ-polarizer as well.

 

[BlueRay2]

I have a Genus 10 or 8 stop vari-ND (I can't remember which it was 10 or 8 stops) I bought about 5 years ago. I also have a B+W 10 stop. I actually prefered the Genus Vari-ND for a couple reasons.

First and foremost... I could actually see what I was doing. With the B+W 10 Stop, I literally had to remove it to compose a shot, compared to simply dialing back the effect. The B+W was a PITA.

Secondly, I preferred the color cast of the Genus. The B+W was very warm, and while that's not a big deal I just prefer to not deal with it.

That said... I've migrated to the Lee filters and holders and never use either of the other two. The Lee filters (big and little stoppers) have a more neutral color and are nearly as easy to use as the Vari-ND. They also provide an option that the Vari-NDs generally don't, the ability to mount a circ-polarizer as well.

+1, i have Lee filters (GND and CPL), although i haven't used them that much but they are wonderful for sunset shots! i have Lee 10 stop (4X4) also and it is very effective for slowing water movement and other applications! BTY, Lee filter system is very flexible and high quality and they maybe a little expensive in the beginning but life time usable, fun to use!!!

 

[rxb dc]

I have a Genus 10 or 8 stop vari-ND (I can't remember which it was 10 or 8 stops) I bought about 5 years ago. I also have a B+W 10 stop. I actually prefered the Genus Vari-ND for a couple reasons.

First and foremost... I could actually see what I was doing. With the B+W 10 Stop, I literally had to remove it to compose a shot, compared to simply dialing back the effect. The B+W was a PITA.

Secondly, I preferred the color cast of the Genus. The B+W was very warm, and while that's not a big deal I just prefer to not deal with it.

That said... I've migrated to the Lee filters and holders and never use either of the other two. The Lee filters (big and little stoppers) have a more neutral color and are nearly as easy to use as the Vari-ND. They also provide an option that the Vari-NDs generally don't, the ability to mount a circ-polarizer as well.

+1, i have Lee filters (GND and CPL), although i haven't used them that much but they are wonderful for sunset shots! i have Lee 10 stop (4X4) also and it is very effective for slowing water movement and other applications! BTY, Lee filter system is very flexible and high quality and they maybe a little expensive in the beginning but life time usable, fun to use!!!

Thank you Tazz and 1Dx4me.

Glad to note that you found the Genustech VND reasonable. Agree with you on the straight 10 stop - I have a 77mm one and focus is a real pain. That was one reason to consider the VND. I actually have a B+W VND as well but that is again 77mm hence the specific question for the 82mm. I might just use by 77mm lenses for now and see how it goes.

Lee option is definitely something to consider for all the reasons you mention, and not for the one reason - cost - that also mentioned!