Choosing ND filters for 6K Weapon with Canon L-series lenses

[Brett Lyon]

First, this is my first post, so I apologize in advance if I am not adhering to any posting protocol or etiquette. I have the 6K Weapon coming next week, and it will be my first Red. I am obviously excited beyond all comprehension (and admittedly a bit nervous stepping into something new), but also look forward to being a part of this community, as camera forums in the past have been awesome experiences in and of themselves. So, thank you for welcoming me to your group.

My question is about ND filters, and whether or not my current collection of $130/ea Tiffen variable filters off of Amazon are good enough to get started (Amazon link below). I have heard of certain filters creating adverse effects for various reasons including (but not necessarily limited to) "IR pollution", adding unpleasant casts, such as a green cast. I have also heard that sometimes these casts cannot be easily graded out (important to note: I am a novice grader at best). However, I have also heard that some of the recent, post-Epic series cameras (such as the 6K Weapon?) handle IR pollution better than previous models.

As a lone wolf, run-and-gun type of shooter, it is obviously my hope that screw-on NDs will get the job done (especially if they are the NDs I already own:wink5. I have seen some people using that "Bright Tangerine" matte box system, and believe it includes NDs, but I would like to avoid the added setup/breakdown time and of course added costs if at all possible. But at the same token, I don't want to cheap out on filtration after buying one of the best cameras on earth.

I guess my overall question is: is there a significant difference in image when using my NDs versus when using "better" NDs? Because I have watched certain videos that test such comparisons, and some I can tell the difference, others I cannot.

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

Brett Lyon
Plymouth, MI

Link to my ND filters
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005TFU8CG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Samir Patel]

Brett, which type of content do you normally shoot? My gut says just get your camera in your hands, learn the ins and outs and test test test. You should be fine with your variable nd for many situations. If the budget is there for a job then buy better NDs then.

 

[Brett Lyon]

My content is most often travel portraits (hiking, action sports, exploration, outdoors, walking down the streets of London, Italy, beaches/volcanoes of Maui, etc.)

 

[Phil Holland]

The highest quality NDs you can purchase provide color consistency (approximately because lens aperture adjustment can indeed create a tint).

In terms of a set, a full basic set is .3, .6, .9, 1.2, 1.5, and 1.8. That's 1-6 stops of filtration and will cover you for a lot of situations. Like 90%.

If you find yourself shooting outdoors and looking for some shallower depth of field stronger densities are very useful.

Some will skip the .3 all together as it's merely one stop.

Personally I don't recommend stacking ND filters if you can avoid it. Some don't mind.