A post to say hello and ask advice about ND filters.

TB32

New member
Hello, this is our first Nikon camera we have ever owned.

We have bought a Nikon D7500 today along with a Tokina AT-X Pro wide angle lens and a Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm lens.

We are looking for some advice on ND filters. We are off to Iceland in Feb for the holiday of a lifetime and would like to take some long exposure shots of the various waterfalls there but are not totally sure what ND filters to go for, for the wide angle lens. We are thinking an 3 stop ND3 filter but as this is totally new to us, we would really appreciate the help of people with far more experience than we have.

Any help you could provide would be much appreciated.

Apologies for the long first post!
 

480sparky

Senior Member
A 3-stop would be a good start, but there's no single one-size-fits-all ND filter. Some folks are happy with a 3- and 6-, others drop the dime on a good variable 2-8 stop. They may add a 10-stop somewhere along the line as well.

Just keep in mind a 3-stop will be limited to....... well,........ three stops. So if you're lowest ISO and smallest aperture still required 1/4 sec without the filter, it will only get you to 2 seconds. You may need a longer exposure to get the effect you want.
 

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
That link doesn't work for me I'm afraid.

Sorry it doesn't work for you. You can do a search. ADVANCED SEARCH is at the top right side of the screen (under the yellow title line). Just type in ND FILTER, and click TITLE ONLY. It will bring up a list.
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
As Sparky mentioned, a 3-stop ND filter isn't overly strong. Either a 6-stop, 9-stop, or 10-stop might be a better option. I have a 10-stop by ICE which works well. However, one problem I experienced was that it was windy. And when the shutter speed is slowed down that much, tree branches blur due to swaying. So you'll want to keep that in mind. The ICE one wasn't too expensive--you might want to look at it along with a 6-stop. OR...adjust your shutter speed/ISO to compensate for the wind if you get a 9-stop or 10-stop. ;) Hindsight is 20-20. Lol.

Some people might suggest stacking a couple of filters together, but since you will be using a wide angle, you might wind up with vignetting (wide angle lenses are more prone to that). If possible, try to find a slim/thin profile filter which will help cut down on vignetting on a wide angle lens. Or zoom out a little to avoid it.

I don't know if you've ever heard of the variable ND filters. You rotate them and dial in the strength you want. But some reviews say they don't work well on the higher end (around 6-stops or higher than that). Personally I would rather spend the money on separate filters.

Lastly, there are phone apps you can use to help determine your settings (if needed). And consider using either a timer or remote due to the longer shutter speeds. It will help alleviate any blurring from pressing the button with your finger. And of course a tripod might be necessary--or use something to set your camera on like a Platypod. Hand holding at such slow speeds will probably be blurry. Have fun and be sure to show us your images when you get back. :)
 
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TB32

New member
Thanks Hark. Fairly sure we have everything we need with the exception of the ND filters. I think we'll likely go for a 6 and 10 stop filter.

Thanks for the welcome everyone else.
 

Skwaz

Senior Member
Welcome , look forward to seeing what you get , we went in September but the weather wasn't kind and our trip to
Sneafellness was cancelled half way there it was so windy the mini bus was rocking as we drove along . We did the golden circle tour , that was interesting but again weather was wind rain snow and bits of sunshine , would go again
 

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
Contributor
Thanks Hark. Fairly sure we have everything we need with the exception of the ND filters. I think we'll likely go for a 6 and 10 stop filter.

Thanks for the welcome everyone else.

If you have a circular polarizing filter, you can also slow down your shutter speed. The filter's box should list the filter factor (how much light is lost due to its darkness). Older CP filters tended to be darker than some of the newer ones. An older B+W that I used previously has a filter factor of 2.5 which translates to 1.3 stop less light getting through. So one can be used as an option if you want to slow your shutter speed slightly.

Nice to have you here. Good luck with whatever you choose!
 

Chris@sabor

Senior Member
I think you made the right choices in ND filters. That said, all ND filters are NOT created equal. I tried cheap and mid range ND filters and was very unhappy at the color cast. A strong blue or green, some times magenta, tint cast over the photo. I have read a few comments that this is easily fixed in Lightroom, I wasn't for me. I found it impossible to get to the true colors of the scene. Anyway, the point is, spend some money on pro grade filters. Read reviews with special attention to color casting and you'll be much happier with the results. Granted, this is just my experience. Good Luck on your trip!
 

nikonpup

Senior Member

if you have water falls in the area where you live i would test the camera and lens you have to see if they would work for you without the nd filters.
 
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