ND Filter Set Advice: what should I buy for first time use?

[mistercat]

I'm looking to buy a set of ND filters as I experiment with different photography techniques.

I'd like to buy a set of 77mm non-variable screw-in type filters (although am open to other suggestions). These filters would be used on all 3 of the zoom lenses (wide to telephoto) I intend to use (all 77mm).

However, I'm not sure what to look out for/what to avoid, so I'm hoping for a bit of guidance: on good or decent brands and products (& what to avoid), what constitutes reasonable pricing (cheap or mid tier? I might want drop in filters down the line?), and also which filters are worth having (e.g. the increments).

- I have Hoya UV filters as lens protectors. Are Hoya ok? Other brands: Neewer, K&F, B+W also come up in internet searches. Any good? Kase, Lee are out of my budget.

- I don't really want to spend a great deal of money (£200+) on a set of filters. Happy to buy used, second hand to keep costs down but also don't want to put crap and/or damaged filters in front of good lenses. What would be a reasonable price to spend per filter/for the full set?

- Does it make sense to get ND2, ND4, ND8 etc. all the way up to ND1000? Or can I skip e.g. ND64 (6 stops) by combining ND4 (2 stops) and ND16 (4 stops)? If so, any recs on which to get/which to skip for cost effectiveness and versatility?

Although I do want to play around and experiment with ND filters, my intention is to mainly (or initially) use these for traditional landscape use: long(er) exposures of water and clouds.

As I say, I may end up using drop-in ND filters later down the line - it all depends on how I get on with these, really. For now, I think I'll get the most benefit from screw-in filters.

Any other pointers are welcome e.g. I'm aware a polarising filter is useful for water.

 

[BAK CDN]

You could start with a circular polarizer, which should knock a couple of stops off your exposure, and see if cutting light is beneficial.

I would buy any filter today in its magnetic version.

B+W is the brand I think of as premium, but I don't think any filter that's in the middle of the price range would be a bad choice.

BAK

 

[Martin_99]

I would not buy the whole set. I would start with ND64 and maybe also ND1000. After some time of experimenting you will see if it's enough for you.

 

[ZilverHaylide]

Will you be doing video, or is this just for still photography use?

 

[mistercat]

You could start with a circular polarizer, which should knock a couple of stops off your exposure, and see if cutting light is beneficial.

I would buy any filter today in its magnetic version.

B+W is the brand I think of as premium, but I don't think any filter that's in the middle of the price range would be a bad choice.

BAK

Thanks. I already have a circular polariser. Magnetic filters seem more expensive. Not that I'm against that, but I don't want to be spending loads initially.

 

[mistercat]

I would not buy the whole set. I would start with ND64 and maybe also ND1000. After some time of experimenting you will see if it's enough for you.

Thanks.

 

[mistercat]

Will you be doing video, or is this just for still photography use?

Photography for now, perhaps some very minor video stuff in future. Initial aim is to use them for standard landscape techniques e.g. waterfalls, reflected water. But also for much longer exposures on shorelines, minimalist/plenty of negative space, to wash out the scene. An example: