When the need of 15 stop ND filter vs 10 stop ND filter?

4 years 5 months ago #663422 by Erin Young
I'm learning about filters and also buying some.  I noticed one of the largest is a 15 stop.  However it seems like 10 stop is more common.  What are some situations when a 15 stop would be needed? 


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4 years 5 months ago #663425 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day Erin

Needing a '15-stop' ND filter .... can't think of one, but someone will invent a use for it :)

Using ND filters is more a strategic option for you, the photographer ... just how much do you wish to stretch out the exposure? If you're one of those wacky types who want to turn bright sun into moon light, 'maybe' - but if you just want to achieve some 1/2-minute exposures towards sunset when otherwise the camera can only give you 1 or 2 seconds x F22, then a ND10-stop filter might do the job nicely

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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4 years 5 months ago #663433 by effron
Yes, when you want to make a longer exposure than a ten stop offers. Sometimes the ten isn't enough on a bright day.

Why so serious?
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4 years 5 months ago #663539 by Moe
I tried one, I didn’t like the tinting that came from it and just stuck with my 10 stop


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4 years 5 months ago #663558 by ThatNikonGuy
Never found a need for anything greater than 10 stop


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4 years 5 months ago #663577 by Scott Klubeck
Actually I have one and I RARELY use that filter.  Come to think of it, aside from playing around with it when I first got it, I can't recall the last time I have used it. 


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4 years 5 months ago #663660 by Roy Wilson
Most of the time the only ND that I use are my 6 stop and 10 stop.  I do have a 3 stop, be even that one doesn't get used to much.  I guess if I really wanted to, I could stack the 3 on the 10 and have 13 stops.  I have done that and didn't have an vignetting.  Honestly, I stacked them once.  Other than that, I don't see the need for anything greater than 10 stops.  Not at least for the shooting I'm doing.  

Canon 5D Mark II, 30D, 40D, 50 1.2L, 16-35 2.8L Mark II, 24-105 4L IS, 24-70 2.8L, 70-200 2.8L IS, 85 1.8, 4 x 580 EX(II)
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4 years 5 months ago #663760 by Rob Conley
I had a 15 stop filter and found the same thing happening, you just get horrible colors if you have it on for any sort of time.  You are better going with a 10 stop and just dropping your ISO to lower levels, closing down your aperture if you need longer exposure times.  


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4 years 5 months ago - 4 years 5 months ago #663785 by effron
I always have iso at lowest native setting for extended exposure photography. Also, ALL ND filters have a color cast, its an easy one or two click fix in post.

Why so serious?
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4 years 5 months ago #663834 by Tim Kelley
10 stop is the darkest I have, and even that filter I don't use that often.  The ND filter that I find myself using the most is a 6 stop ND.  


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4 years 4 months ago #663927 by Cory J
Pretty much same with me,  6 stop ND and polarized filter are the only ones I use.  Never really even use my 10 stop that much, let alone the 15 stop. 


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4 years 4 months ago #664320 by Rawley Photos
+1 yep, same with me


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