New to Long Exposure: Please recommend a budget 58mm 10-Stop ND Filter (set)

[red sled]

I'm getting into long-exposure photography with my Panasonic G85 and overwhelmed by the sheer volume and $$$ price of ND filters. Not sure I want a "variable" filter. I think I want a 10-stop for daytime use but would also want something for early morning and evenings.

There is a 3-filter set on amazon made by ICE that is 3, 6, and 10 stop each, priced at $48 . Decent ratings but only 2 reviews.

Recommendations/suggestions for a budget-friendly set or single filter that are decent quality would be very welcome. Thanks.

 

[PhotoMac503]

After years of accumulating bad filters I now use Formatt Hitech exclusively.

I would not advice Amazon-branded anything.

 

[NickZ2016]

Hoya ProND isn't overly expensive. Locally right now the 1000 aka 10 step is €41 for 58mm.

 

[Confused of Malvern]

After years of accumulating bad filters I now use Formatt Hitech exclusively.

Another vote for Formatt Hitech - I've found them to be excellent. I know it's not fashionable to use square filters these days but I use their 85mm filters in a Cokin 'P' holder.

 

[Richard B99]

Hoya ProND isn't overly expensive. Locally right now the 1000 aka 10 step is €41 for 58mm.

I’d endorse the ProNDs too. I also acquired and use the 10, 6 and 3 stop ones over time as needed. I’ve found them to be a useful ‘set’.

I also use 77mm size filters and have 2 step rings for my 72mm and 67mm lenses. I don’t really want to buy additional sets for different lenses (both cost and packing size). I only use brass stepping rings too. It’s a little more expensive but brass to aluminium doesn’t stick! I dumped the aluminium ones as they were always problematic in the field. I only have one other filter; a polarising filter, again Hoya HD. Super useful when photographing water (more so than for sky).

 

[BBbuilder467]

I'm getting into long-exposure photography with my Panasonic G85 and overwhelmed by the sheer volume and $$$ price of ND filters. Not sure I want a "variable" filter. I think I want a 10-stop for daytime use but would also want something for early morning and evenings.

There is a 3-filter set on amazon made by ICE that is 3, 6, and 10 stop each, priced at $48 . Decent ratings but only 2 reviews.

Recommendations/suggestions for a budget-friendly set or single filter that are decent quality would be very welcome. Thanks.

The ICE should be okay for a starter set to get familiar with long exposures.

They might not be the right increments and you haven't stacked them with a CPL yet.

For sunrise/sunset, you might want GNDs. That's not the same thing.

 

[john isaacs]

I'm getting into long-exposure photography with my Panasonic G85 and overwhelmed by the sheer volume and $$$ price of ND filters. Not sure I want a "variable" filter. I think I want a 10-stop for daytime use but would also want something for early morning and evenings.

There is a 3-filter set on amazon made by ICE that is 3, 6, and 10 stop each, priced at $48 . Decent ratings but only 2 reviews.

Recommendations/suggestions for a budget-friendly set or single filter that are decent quality would be very welcome. Thanks.

I use ICE (mostly) and Breakthrough (for really large diameter). I recommend the 6-filter set over the 3-filter set; I find the finer gradation of density is useful. I frequently take a variety of exposure durations and sort out which I prefer later (or even blend among different durations).

The ICE filters are very slim, which limits the vignetting on some of my ultra wide angle lenses.

 

[PhotoMac503]

If you plan to stay in photography you may want to consider getting filters larger than what you need.

I bought the size I needed for years, most of which I never use because my newer lenses have larger filter Diameters.

I now buy 72mm. I have a box full of 62mm, 58mm, of all varieties.

 

[john isaacs]

If you plan to stay in photography you may want to consider getting filters larger than what you need.

I bought the size I needed for years, most of which I never use because my newer lenses have larger filter Diameters.

I now buy 72mm. I have a box full of 62mm, 58mm, of all varieties.

I prefer filters that do not interfere with lens hoods. I will use larger filters if needed for vigneting or commonality, but that introduces issues with flare.

Besides, my filter size requirements run from 39mm to 105mm; one-size-fits-all is not going to happen.

 

[PhotoMac503]

If you plan to stay in photography you may want to consider getting filters larger than what you need.

I bought the size I needed for years, most of which I never use because my newer lenses have larger filter Diameters.

I now buy 72mm. I have a box full of 62mm, 58mm, of all varieties.

I prefer filters that do not interfere with lens hoods. I will use larger filters if needed for vigneting or commonality, but that introduces issues with flare.

Besides, my filter size requirements run from 39mm to 105mm; one-size-fits-all is not going to happen.

Of course, one size won't fit all. It's your choice/money.

 

[john isaacs]

If you plan to stay in photography you may want to consider getting filters larger than what you need.

I bought the size I needed for years, most of which I never use because my newer lenses have larger filter Diameters.

I now buy 72mm. I have a box full of 62mm, 58mm, of all varieties.

I prefer filters that do not interfere with lens hoods. I will use larger filters if needed for vigneting or commonality, but that introduces issues with flare.

Besides, my filter size requirements run from 39mm to 105mm; one-size-fits-all is not going to happen.

Of course, one size won't fit all. It's your choice/money.

Well, I've been photographing since the '70s, so I reckon I will be staying a few more years. And I prefer spending my money on photo gear than alimony.

 

[red sled]

Thanks everyone for the helpful recommendations. Due to budget restrictions I have purchased the ICE three filter set and also the Hoya ProND 1000 filter to try and compare them.

 

[Richard B99]

Thanks everyone for the helpful recommendations. Due to budget restrictions I have purchased the ICE three filter set and also the Hoya ProND 1000 filter to try and compare them.

Good shooting, it would be good to see your findings in due course.

 

[red sled]

Thanks everyone for the helpful recommendations. Due to budget restrictions I have purchased the ICE three filter set and also the Hoya ProND 1000 filter to try and compare them.

Good shooting, it would be good to see your findings in due course.

Thank you Richard. Received my new filters and this morning I had planned to shoot a timelapse of the sunrise with some fog/low clouds in the area but in a short time it seemed like photos would be a better choice. I started out with the stack of three filters and removed some due to light changing quickly. But I am pretty sure I removed the stack and for this photo installed the Hoya ProND 1000 only and with these settings on my G85: 23mm, 200 ISO, f/11, 8 second exposure. Would love to hear constructive criticism on composition or settings. Thanks.

Shadows lightened and blacks decreased in Lightroom is only editing.