Variable ND Filter System

[Dominik Muench]

Hi Guys

i know this is probably more a question for people with Canon/ Nikon lens mounts but I just found this nifty little filter here, its a variable ND filter that allows you to change the density between 2-8 stops in one filter.

http://www.singh-ray.com/varind.html

Now my question is, has anyone used one of these before and can tell me something about the visual quality ? Or would you guys stay away and rather work with stacked separate filters ?

cheers

 

[James T Mather]

2 circular polarisers at odds with each other - to see the effect before buying: take 2 polarised sunglasses, put one pair on - look at the other pair and rotate them - you will see they get progressively darker and go black at 90 degrees.

Only downside is you will get some funky effects with colour from time to time as the polarised light can pull the tones around.

 

[Martin Weiss]

Last week I sent an inquiry to them to find out if they had any plans on producing those filters in 4x4.

 

[James T Mather]

you could always experiment with just stacking 2circ or a circ and linear polariser filter in the MB. Its pretty much the same thing.

 

[christopher witzke]

I own the 77mm thin and love it.... obviously, if you go to dark IR becomes an issue, but for up to 8 stops it works perfectly.

 

[Dominik Muench]

awesome, thanks for the help guys, might go ahead and order one.
christopher: yeah im thinking of getting the 77mm one for my stills camera

 

[Michael McVicar]

Hi Guys

i know this is probably more a question for people with Canon/ Nikon lens mounts but I just found this nifty little filter here, its a variable ND filter that allows you to change the density between 2-8 stops in one filter.

http://www.singh-ray.com/varind.html

Now my question is, has anyone used one of these before and can tell me something about the visual quality ? Or would you guys stay away and rather work with stacked separate filters ?

cheers

I think you could have problems matching exposure continuity between shots with infinite variability but has got some advantages.

 

[Erik Bien]

There's also the less expensive 'Pol-Fader' from Hoya.

 

[Martin Weiss]

Is there a variable ND available for 4x4?

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

I bought one of these and for the price you guys might want to check it out to experiment. It cuts from "ND2 to ND 400 (2 to 8 stops density)". It does add a tinie touch of green. The one real regret I have about it is that it doesn't have hard stops which might be nice.

Considering the price of $200 for an 86mm thread, or $100 for 77mm thread, it is a bargain.

http://www.lightcraftworkshop.com/site/page1000.aspx

http://www.lightcraftworkshop-shop.com/product-list/2

They use a step up ring, so the outermost filter is a bit bigger than the thread.
My 77mm works on an APS-C (~S35) up to about 13.5mm.

I had some un-even ilumination issues on the wider lengths, but I think that may be just the nature of the dual pola beast (?).

 

[Dominik Muench]

I wouldn't really use one for my RED on bigger film shoots. But i just bought a Nikon D3s that does video too and I think for run and gun shooting it s a handy little thing to have in just one filter on the lens.

 

[Roberto Lequeux]

I got mine for the same application. I use it on a 7D. It is perfect for that IMO. With no NDs built in you need something, and "infinitely" variable ND does the trick for the hard jumps in ISO and f-stop. The "Fader ND" won't feel like a million bucks, but it does the trick and is well worth the investment.

If you do get one, the best idea might be to get the biggest and a set of step up rings so it works with all/most of your lenses. However for DSLR lenses the 77 is probably going to cover most and is 1/2 the price.

The Vario sounds overpriced. I'd rather put that kind of money into a MB system.

 

[Martin Weiss]

Finally got a reply from Light Craft Workshop. They are getting hammered with requests. They are working on a more pro-grade version of their filters which hopefully will also be available in 4x4 and 5.6x5.6. No timeline yet.