Variable ND filters

[Paul Nordin]

Because it's still better to use ND's when you can, better optically.

ND is -significantly- superior optically to vari-NDs!
I might also add that the new Tiffen Vari-ND warms the image a bit, probably somewhere between 200-400k, and on a full-frame sensor just starts to vignette slightly at 24mm.

 

[Paul Nordin]

Whoah.

Yeah it was pretty intense...had to choreograph our moves from set to set to average 50 seconds each. That included moving camera, art, talent, lights, and agency folks.

 

[Stephen Pruitt]

Great advice, Jeff. I like it. I have noticed a subtle color shift in using our strongest Formatt IR+NDs (1.8 and the 2.1, which I sold), and I was pretty sure that that wasn't due to the IR pollution issue, as well. It's comforting to know that I'm not the only one who sees that sort of thing!

Thanks very much!

Stephen

 

[David W. Jones]

I own both ND filters/Matte Box and a Singh-Ray Vari-ND. The Vari-ND gets the nod on occasion when quickly working exteriors solo. AKA cheap client.
I will say that while handy, the Singh-Ray Vari-ND can exhibit IR pollution at higher ND levels so a screw-on hot mirror may be needed depending.

 

[Ryan Lalonde]

I've gone through 2 already by having a magical crack down the middle. I payed maybe $80 for it originally? I'm assuming it was from bringing in my camera bag from outside to inside too fast and the small guy couldn't handle it. Will stick with standard screw on or my 4x5.65 from now on!

EDIT: I purchased this filter for personal use so I didn't have to lug around a filter case when out shooting by myself, I would never use this in a professional environment.

 

[christopher witzke]

Nope.... Don't have a hot mirror.... Sorry..... I know I should, but haven't gotten around to getting one