Combining 2 polarized filters will equal a infinitely variable ND filter?

13 years 4 months ago #8428 by Overread
I just read a interesting blog post that suggested that if you combined 2 polarized filters, you could adjust them and ultimately create a infinitely variable ND filter.

I have not tried this, but it does sound like it could work. Anyone with thoughts on this? Have you tried this?


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13 years 4 months ago #8436 by Yasko
I've never tried this, but I can say with certainty it won't be infinitely variable. Circ polarizers reduce light around 1.5 to 2 EV regardless of where you position the ring, so I'm predicting you'd end up with an equivalent ND adjustment range of nd8 to nd16 (3 to 4 EV). Might as well just get an adjustable ND filter.


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13 years 4 months ago #8437 by Nod
It probably would work but you'd have to use linear filters.


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13 years 4 months ago #8450 by ArtWagner

Yasko wrote: I've never tried this, but I can say with certainty it won't be infinitely variable. Circ polarizers reduce light around 1.5 to 2 EV regardless of where you position the ring, so I'm predicting you'd end up with an equivalent ND adjustment range of nd8 to nd16 (3 to 4 EV). Might as well just get an adjustable ND filter.


Who makes a adjustable ND filter?


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13 years 4 months ago #8471 by Yasko
I know Singh-Ray makes a good quality Vari-ND filter, but it's not cheap. Expect to pay around 350 bucks for it :blink:


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13 years 4 months ago #8479 by Jim Photo
Now couldn't you place a linear polarized filter on the outer and place a circular polarized filter on the inside? I do recall hearing about this and I'm trying to get my facts together. By doing it this way I'm pretty sure you will get close to 100% darkness.


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13 years 4 months ago #8519 by KZAM
You know what, I have heard about this before. Interesting concept, but I think you would be better off just getting a Lee's 10 stop ND filter

I don't need no stink'in Signature! ha ha ha
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13 years 4 months ago #8528 by KVRNut
I have used stacked circular polorizers and have used them a fair bit. You will not get an infinately variable ND filter but you will get a form of variable polorized ND filter that is equal to about 6-8 stops, depending on how dark your polorizers are to begin with. If you want a darker filter, then stack a ND filter on the bottom of the stack closest to the lens.
A couple things to be aware of before you try a polorizer stack. Make sure that the brands of polorizer are the same . Different manufacturers have different ways of making polorized glass and you can end up with some "interesting" effects. (See first image) Using stacked polorizers can be a two handed affair so make sure that your camera is tri-pod mounted unless your one hand is good at turning the outer polorizer while holding the inner one steady.






You can have fun experimenting with stacked polorizers as you can never tell where or when you can use them. For these two pics I used a ND 4 filter along with a circular polorizer and a Cokin P warming filter and polorizer. ISO 100 Fuji Reala, f./32 @ 1/1000
Have Fun!!
Ernie






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13 years 4 months ago #8530 by Joves
What the top shot is a case of fringing caused by the two polarizers showing the glasses stress bands. I used to do this before coring sheets of glass for telescope mirrors. As Yasko said you are better off getting the Singh-Ray variable and stepping rings for it. They are the absolute best and come in a couple of different falvors.
www.singh-ray.com/


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13 years 4 months ago #8531 by KVRNut
Have been looking at those filters, in particular the Vari-N-Duo and thinking about getting one. I agree that they are good. Only draw back is the co$t of the things up here in Canada.


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13 years 4 months ago #8587 by James L

KVRNut wrote: Have been looking at those filters, in particular the Vari-N-Duo and thinking about getting one. I agree that they are good. Only draw back is the co$t of the things up here in Canada.


Those are pretty pricey filters regardless where you are located!


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