Variable ND filter vs standard ND filters?

5 years 1 month ago #628270 by Mason Latka
Would you spend the extra bucks on a single variable ND filter or would you just get regular ND filters?  

Better yet, does it make a difference?  


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5 years 1 month ago #628363 by garyrhook
There's a search engine out there just waiting for you to use it. With lots and lots of thoughts about ND filters: variable vs. fixed, mounting systems, brands, etc.

The biggest problem with a variable is poor polarization that can create an "X" pattern over the image at the higher stops. Not all of them (mine doesn't) but it's an issue.

If you're serious about using ND filters, a system with good quality and sharpness will be preferred, I think.


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5 years 1 month ago #628377 by Don Granger

Mason Latka wrote: Would you spend the extra bucks on a single variable ND filter or would you just get regular ND filters?  

Better yet, does it make a difference?  



Hi Mason,

Variable ND's take the cake for convenience, and where as standard ND's are going to give you higher quality every time.  For me, standard is the winner.   However I do have a variable ND in my bag for those days that I head out with just my camera and one lens.  I'll usually leave the house with 2 filters:  Variable ND and polarizer.  


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5 years 1 month ago #630877 by Piechura
I have a variable ND filter for videos, but when I tried to use it for photography the other day, one of the photos had uneven exposure over the image. I don't really know why, because all the other photos were fine, but it was definitely the filter. I think it was at the highest setting. That's never happened with video though.

I'm not really sure about the question, but my logic would be that the more things you put between the image and the sensor, the worse it becomes. A variable ND filter has two bits of glass (or whatever it's made from) whereas a normal ND filter has one. But if you're going to stack them, then you obviously have however many you use, which may mean that it becomes a worse option. This is all conjecture though.


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