IRND with Dragon Sensor

[Jon Chema]

This topic MAY have already been beaten to death- I apologize in advance if it has. However, I did some searching and haven't been able to come up with a definitive answer. Here is my question: Are we supposed to use IRND or just straight ND with the Dragon sensor and standard OLPFs? (I've got the highlight optimized variant) Should IRND be used after a certain density? (Say 1.2 and up)

I've heard this topic go both ways. What filters are you guys having the best luck with? In MY experience, the Schneider platinum IRND's exhibit a very noticeable green cast when used with Dragon. I've noticed some other brands exhibit red casts. Also noticed that proper calibration solves some of these issues.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Phil Holland]

I've tested both the Skin Tone - Highlight and Low Light Optimized OLPF up to regular ND 3.0 with good results and I strongly recommend against using IRNDs with Dragon for the reason you mentioned.

I've literally tested 95% of the ND options out there. Personally I have Schneider, Tiffen, and Format-Hitech ND filters here as well as some very inexpensive stuff. All work well with Dragon. I'm using Format-Hitech Firecrest NDs for all of my work now after recently testing them out. That's more for their color neutrality across densities and these lead the way in that category.

Here's an example of the older V1 OLPF and the Skin Tone - Highlight OLPF with Schneider NDs at 2.7:

And here's both the LLO and STH OLPF on the Format-Hitech Firecrest NDs from 0.3 through 2.7:

 

[Jon Chema]

VERY helpful Phil. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Steve Strickler]

Phil, how does the Motion Mount ND work into all of this? I've just gotten one and have begun working/experimenting with it. Cool gizmo!

 

[adam mcclelland]

Those Format-Hitech Firecrest are impressive.

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

Hmmm…My entire ND set is Schneider Platinum IRND. Don't really dig the idea of having to buy new filters.

*sigh*

 

[Phil Holland]

Hmmm…My entire ND set is Schneider Platinum IRND. Don't really dig the idea of having to buy new filters.

*sigh*

You can likely sell your set used and buy a full set of NDs and still profit fyi..... I know I did. Twice. And I still have a set of IRNDs laying around.

 

[Phil Holland]

Hmmm…My entire ND set is Schneider Platinum IRND. Don't really dig the idea of having to buy new filters.

*sigh*

You can likely sell your set used and buy a full set of NDs and still profit fyi..... I know I did. Twice. And I still have a set of IRNDs laying around.

 

[Bob Gundu]

There are some coupon codes for the firecrest NDs floating around with considerable savings.

 

[Nick Fury]

Hmmm…My entire ND set is Schneider Platinum IRND. Don't really dig the idea of having to buy new filters.

*sigh*

Hi Jarek,

Also sold my IRND's and Firecrest on the way.

Thanks Phil!!

Thank you very much

Fury

 

[Carlos Gonzalez]

I've been using the Firecrest on an Alexa show for the last 8 weeks and I have to say I am very impressed. The color shift is negligible which was my biggest gripe with IRND's. These are the filters I will use for now on.

 

[Rafael Grasse]

There are some coupon codes for the firecrest NDs floating around with considerable savings.

Where did you find them? I could only find the Black Friday Codes, but they're no longer valid.

 

[Mike P.]

How do the Firecrests look on MX? Does it go to hell after 0.9-1.2?

 

[Ian Planchon]

Hey Phil....just wanted to make sure I understand. you tested the IRND's but are recommending straight ND's correct? anyone know where the best place is to purchase a few of these are? I saw some on amazon but they start at 1.8. I typically like .6 .9 1.2 as well.

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

You can likely sell your set used and buy a full set of NDs and still profit fyi..... I know I did. Twice. And I still have a set of IRNDs laying around.

Well if I go with the Firecrest those seem to be about $430 a piece. My Schneider ones are roughly $320 new. Unless I am looking at the wrong ones…

Anyone wanna organize a group buy? A lot of us new Dragoners will need to make this jump probably.

 

[Nick Fury]

Well if I go with the Firecrest those seem to be about $430 a piece. My Schneider ones are roughly $320 new. Unless I am looking at the wrong ones…

Anyone wanna organize a group buy? A lot of us new Dragoners will need to make this jump probably.

I know,

Been on it for several weeks-stay tuned.

Thank you very much

Fury

 

[Carlos Gonzalez]

Well if I go with the Firecrest those seem to be about $430 a piece. My Schneider ones are roughly $320 new. Unless I am looking at the wrong ones…

Anyone wanna organize a group buy? A lot of us new Dragoners will need to make this jump probably.

$430 is full retail price, you can get them from resellers like Abel for about $330.