Variable ND and CPL advice

[wordforword]

My gear:

XT-5 + Smallrig grip

35mm f1.4 + Glimmerglass. (52mm thread diameter)

16-80mm f4 + Clear filter. (72mm thread diameter)

As I'm doing a little more video with the 35 lately and the weather has been nicer I'm wondering what the best affordable option would be for for an ND and CPL filter setup that's somewhat futureproof in case I add or change lenses in the future.

I was about to look at 52mm diameter filters but it seems going larger and using step up rings makes more sense.

I suppose the 16-80 won't have much need for an ND with it's aperture being what it is but I thought maybe I shold get a 72mm filter anyway just in case plus CPL could be useful here.

I think the largest Fujifilm lens diameter is 77mm (16-55 and 100-400)

If I ever get either of those (or their succesors) then that diameter makes the most sense.

With all that in mind I started wondering about lens hoods fitting these different setups

Vignetting at wide end and colour cast etc are concerns too.

I would like to be able to keep using lens hoods. Will I need a screw in or universal rubber one? Can you even adjust a VND/CPLwith a hood on.

So many options so I'm a bit overwhelmed.

Anyone got a good set up they can recommend or am I missing anything important here?

 

[William the X-T5 guy]

I went with the largest filters I would need and stepping rings. The upside is lower equipment cost and less stuff to keep track of. For me the primary factor is carrying less accessories with me.

The downside is mounting a 77MM filter on a 52mm lens thread is a flare magnet, so you might want to consider lens hoods as well if you go that route.

Consequently I went with really good filters. In some cases I've spent more on filters than I have on the lenses they will be primarily used with.

For a camera that is as sensitive to bad optics as the X-T5 is, I didn't think this was a bad idea. I don't see much point in buying a 40mp sensor camera and then putting a filter on it that will cut the effective resolution down to the point I wasted my money on the camera.

I do admit to being fortunate enough to be able to afford expensive toys and realize I am probably in a relatively unique position that way.

I settled on Breakthrough filters as their ND and Polarizers seem to be at the top of the heap for not introducing color casts.

--
Bill.
Proud user of Pentax and Fuji camera gear.

 

[Morris0]

Variable ND filters are very expensive and depending on your needs it might make more sense to get a couple of ND filters and stack them. You can use a CPL as a ND filter to add to this stack and have one less filter to carry. A CPL is usually a 1 stop filter yet some are 1.5 stops.

Morris

 

[The Banks]

Im using the NISI Swift variable ND and it is highly recommended. Not sure how its priced where you are? Everything camera related is expensive in RSA.

i bought the 77 and use the nisi brass step up rings on my smaller thread lenses.

i am still waiting for stock on the swift CPL.

i went for the NISI and they found a workaround to not get the infamous X on a 1 to 9 stop variable ND

 

[MattPointZero]

My gear:

XT-5 + Smallrig grip

35mm f1.4 + Glimmerglass. (52mm thread diameter)

16-80mm f4 + Clear filter. (72mm thread diameter)

As I'm doing a little more video with the 35 lately and the weather has been nicer I'm wondering what the best affordable option would be for for an ND and CPL filter setup that's somewhat futureproof in case I add or change lenses in the future.

I was about to look at 52mm diameter filters but it seems going larger and using step up rings makes more sense.

I suppose the 16-80 won't have much need for an ND with it's aperture being what it is but I thought maybe I shold get a 72mm filter anyway just in case plus CPL could be useful here.

I think the largest Fujifilm lens diameter is 77mm (16-55 and 100-400)

If I ever get either of those (or their succesors) then that diameter makes the most sense.

With all that in mind I started wondering about lens hoods fitting these different setups

Vignetting at wide end and colour cast etc are concerns too.

I would like to be able to keep using lens hoods. Will I need a screw in or universal rubber one? Can you even adjust a VND/CPLwith a hood on.

So many options so I'm a bit overwhelmed.

Anyone got a good set up they can recommend or am I missing anything important here?

I like the Kase or K&F magnetic filters and would get the 77mm set and some stepping rings - but you would be limited to using their magnetic and quick-but-ugly collapsible rubber hood - though you would only need one I guess. The filters are so quick and easy to use and stack.

I have never been a fan of variable ND and would always favour a stackable set

 

[The Banks]

For me it depends on subject. I use a 100mm square system for scapes but for outdoor portraits i love the convenience of the variable system. I figure the magnetic filters are just as convenient. I don't shoot video but i can just imagine you need something to be able to change easily as light can change drastically with small angle changes.

Couple of considerations with filters:

- flaring

- color cast

- Vignetting

- impact on sharpness

- well and the X across the photo from many variable NDs

 

[Meeces]

I've been running Michael the Maven magnetic filters and been quite happy. If you're worried about lens hoods, they make magnetic hoods that can attach to the filter itself (instead of having to fit over it).

The magnetic adapter goes on the lens, the filter is placed on the adapter attached to the lens, and then attach the hood after. It's a little more elegant than trying to fit a hood over the filters, or working with a hood already rigidly attached to a lens. Something like a CPL can be attached to the lens and adjusted, and then the hood magnetically attached once the cpl is in the chosen orientation. Or, the cpl with the hood attached can be rotated together if wanted.

 

[Morris0]

I've been running Michael the Maven magnetic filters and been quite happy. If you're worried about lens hoods, they make magnetic hoods that can attach to the filter itself (instead of having to fit over it).

The magnetic adapter goes on the lens, the filter is placed on the adapter attached to the lens, and then attach the hood after. It's a little more elegant than trying to fit a hood over the filters, or working with a hood already rigidly attached to a lens. Something like a CPL can be attached to the lens and adjusted, and then the hood magnetically attached once the cpl is in the chosen orientation. Or, the cpl with the hood attached can be rotated together if wanted.

Some people use their hat to shade the filter stack when they can't use a hood or a hood is not enough.

Morris

 

[markgv]

I have the 16-80 and am using the 72mm K&F magnetic filter set which includes the base ring, a CPL, a ND1000 and a UV filter. It includes a very nice lens case too. (I got it for under $100.) Quality is excellent. I mainly use the CPL, and I can't tell a decrease in quality at all.

I like using the lens hood, so staying w/ the 72mm made the best sense for me. (And it works with the 10-24 lens too, and the magnetic bit makes switching around quite easy w/ an extra base ring.)

The only thing I don't like w/ the CPL and the Fuji hood is that it is hard to adjust the CPL without touching the filter. (I wish Fuji had little removable doors like Pentax hoods have precisely for this reason.)

 

[dgbarar]

I think the largest Fujifilm lens diameter is 77mm (16-55 and 100-400)

Largest FujiFilm lens diameter is 105 mm on the XF 200mm f/2. I have an XF 150-600 which has a 82 mm filter threads. I have a NISI 82 mm VND 1-5 stop on this lens if I think I am going to be shooting stills, video and 240 FPS. If I am just shooting stills, then I put on a UV filter. If strictly video (no 240 FPS), then I use a 3 stop ND.

VNDs are OK for long focal length lenses. However, on a short focal length lens, they tend to result in uneven sky tones--same issue with polarizers. Why? Because there is a band of polarized light that runs 90º to the position of the sun. At sunrise and sunset that band runs across the meridian.

The other thing is if you choose to go the VND route, none of the FujiFilm lens hoods will fit. You will need to purchase a separate lens hood.

To the fairest,

Eris

 

[MarcosV]

My gear:

XT-5 + Smallrig grip

35mm f1.4 + Glimmerglass. (52mm thread diameter)

16-80mm f4 + Clear filter. (72mm thread diameter)

As I'm doing a little more video with the 35 lately and the weather has been nicer I'm wondering what the best affordable option would be for for an ND and CPL filter setup that's somewhat futureproof in case I add or change lenses in the future.

I was about to look at 52mm diameter filters but it seems going larger and using step up rings makes more sense.

I suppose the 16-80 won't have much need for an ND with it's aperture being what it is but I thought maybe I shold get a 72mm filter anyway just in case plus CPL could be useful here.

I think the largest Fujifilm lens diameter is 77mm (16-55 and 100-400)

If I ever get either of those (or their succesors) then that diameter makes the most sense.

With all that in mind I started wondering about lens hoods fitting these different setups

Vignetting at wide end and colour cast etc are concerns too.

I would like to be able to keep using lens hoods. Will I need a screw in or universal rubber one? Can you even adjust a VND/CPLwith a hood on.

So many options so I'm a bit overwhelmed.

Anyone got a good set up they can recommend or am I missing anything important here?

Consider giving up on lens hoods when using filters. I tried going with third party lens hoods that seem to be more compatible with my filters; and it just wasn't worth the space/effort.

If I'm using a tripod, I like going with a set of high quality filters sized for my largest lens and use step up rings.

Recently I bought a set of Urth magnetic filters for my current most used lens (Sigma 18-50/2.8) for which Like the ND8 and CPL. Really compact and worked great.

I don't do a lot of video and so don't know how well variable NDs will work out in my travel setup.

 

[Rightsaidfred]

...

As I'm doing a little more video with the 35 lately and the weather has been nicer I'm wondering what the best affordable option would be for for an ND and CPL filter setup that's somewhat futureproof in case I add or change lenses in the future.

Go for your largest filter thread and use step-up rings for the rest.

I was about to look at 52mm diameter filters but it seems going larger and using step up rings makes more sense.

Yes.

I suppose the 16-80 won't have much need for an ND with it's aperture being what it is

Don't understand. Waaaay too much light is a common issue in outdoor video taking. This is independently from the lens. You will need an ND filter if you want to do video outdoors.

I think the largest Fujifilm lens diameter is 77mm (16-55 and 100-400)

XF 16-55 is an excellent video lens and also my lens with the largest filter thread. Therefore, 77 mm is my standard filter size. For all the rest, I use step-up rings.

If I ever get either of those (or their succesors) then that diameter makes the most sense.

Absolutely.

With all that in mind I started wondering about lens hoods fitting these different setups

Vignetting at wide end and colour cast etc are concerns too.

I would like to be able to keep using lens hoods. Will I need a screw in or universal rubber one? Can you even adjust a VND/CPLwith a hood on.

I just skip the lens hood when using an ND filter. I am an occasional video shooter only. YMMV.

So many options so I'm a bit overwhelmed.

Making good videos takes much more resources than stills. You will also need a good mic. And there is all the editing.

Anyone got a good set up they can recommend or am I missing anything important here?

I have a variable K&F Concept K series Pro Slim ND Filter, ND2-400, 77 mm. It was affordable. It is absolutely enough for what I do. With wide angle fl (16 mm), the filter should not be used at its extreme ND setting to avoid the famous "x".

I also own a few square ND filters but to be honest, I almost never use them. Fixed ND filters are so much more hassle if you are not in a studio setting.

A variable ND filter is a huge advantage in terms of speed, as opposed to fixed ND filters.

Why? - Remember you will want to keep the ss constant when shooting video ("180° rule"). Very likely, most of the time, you will also want to keep your aperture constant (for consistency of your bokeh), at least you will not want to shoot your videos at the smallest apertures. You can only react to more or less light by changing the ISO - and by changing the ND value. Sometimes you will need to react fast.


Btw I also have a 77 mm CPL.

Bottom line, I'd go for 77 mm variable ND and CPL and buy step-up rings for all the rest. Personally, I skip the lens hood when using filters.

BR,

Martin

--
SmugMug - https://martinlang.smugmug.com
500px - https://500px.com/martinlangphotography
Insta - https://www.instagram.com/martin.lang.photography
Co-author on https://frickelfarm.de/

 

[wordforword]

Thank you very much to everyone who replied.

I really apppreciate the advice. Although in the end I've gone against the VND + step up/down ring suggestions and bought a 3 stop and a 6 stop fixed ND filter by B+W for the 35mm.

I'll play around with these for now and maybe down the line look at an expensive VND and step up rings.

Also, apologies for some misinformation/misunderstandings and thank you for the corrections.

Regarding largest lens thread diameter I had just quickly looked at the image on this site and didn't look into it any further.

Of course now I also read this line:

"The biggest issue I have with B+W filters is the strong colour cast they exhibit."

Whoops!

https://www.fujivsfuji.com/fuji-filter-thread-sizes

 

[William the X-T5 guy]

.....

Of course now I also read this line:

"The biggest issue I have with B+W filters is the strong colour cast they exhibit."

Whoops!

https://www.fujivsfuji.com/fuji-filter-thread-sizes

That was why I spent a little extra and settled on Breakthrough filters. Their ND filters are actually neutral. No colour casts.

--
Bill.
Proud user of Pentax and Fuji camera gear.

 

[dgbarar]

I’ll second the use of Breakthrough filters. I use their UV/Vis as a cover with no degradation. And both 3 and 6 stops (mostly the 3 stop) ND for videography. I cannot pick up any change in color. I also have NISI 1-5 stop ND. The NISIs are good, but not quite as good as the Breakthroughs. Plus, Breakthough is much easier to deal with than NISI. I wish Breakthrough made a screw on VND.

To the fairest,

Eris

 

[wordforword]

.....

Of course now I also read this line:

"The biggest issue I have with B+W filters is the strong colour cast they exhibit."

Whoops!

https://www.fujivsfuji.com/fuji-filter-thread-sizes

That was why I spent a little extra and settled on Breakthrough filters. Their ND filters are actually neutral. No colour casts.

It's funny. This person awards B+W the best ND overall in this comparison.



You mentioned going 52mm to 72mm would be a flare magnet so that also influenced my decison to go smaller.

Not to mention a large 3 stop and 6 stop ND from Breakthrough would be well over €‎300.

I'll have to do some tests and hopefully won't regret my purchase!

 

[William the X-T5 guy]

.....

Of course now I also read this line:

"The biggest issue I have with B+W filters is the strong colour cast they exhibit."

Whoops!

https://www.fujivsfuji.com/fuji-filter-thread-sizes

That was why I spent a little extra and settled on Breakthrough filters. Their ND filters are actually neutral. No colour casts.

It's funny. This person awards B+W the best ND overall in this comparison.
You mentioned going 52mm to 72mm would be a flare magnet so that also influenced my decison to go smaller.

Not to mention a large 3 stop and 6 stop ND from Breakthrough would be well over €‎300.

I'll have to do some tests and hopefully won't regret my purchase!

When I was researching this I saw a number of reviews that put the Breakthrough X4 filters slightly ahead of the B+W. They are very close in quality.

I have a complete filter set for each of the thread sizes I use, so although I don't use a lot of filters, I have a lot of filters. My filter set is 3, 6,10 stop ND and polarizing filters.

I have a full set in 82, 77, 72mm which allows me to use the built in lens hood as well as the filter. I'm in the process of getting a set of 6x6 inch filters for the 8-16. For this set I'll add a few grads as well and some stepping rings so I can mount the filter holder on other lenses so that I don't have to buy a bunch of grad filters.

I get it about the price of good filters. I've spent as much on filters as the lenses I use them on, and I'm not skimping on my lenses, I tend to buy the premium ones.

--
Bill.
Proud user of Pentax and Fuji camera gear.