Light Craft Workshop Fader ND Filter Digi Pro-HD
Light Craft Workshop is known for their quality filters. The Digi Pro-HD is the newest in their lineup. This fader is capable of ND2-ND1000 and yes, this once 4X4 filter is now available for DSLR shooters (hence the name). Fader ND filters work by dialing in the exact amount of density you need when shooting in daylight settings while still being able to maintain a shallow depth of field. If you aren’t clear about what an ND filter does, I did a Neutral Density Filter Test video that you can watch HERE .
This Digi Pro-HD Variable ND Filter is a 77mm thread with a conical shape to it. This means that is opens up to an 82mm diameter so there is no introduction of vignetting in your images. When filters are stacked, this is a common issue. Since this fader is threaded to fit a 77mm lens, it doesn’t fit all of the lenses. A cheap solution to this problem is purchasing step up filter adapter rings. The step up filter rings I show in the video will allow the LCW fader to fit on a variety of lenses with different diameter sizes. With the step up rings in place, the standard lens cap won’t fit. So in order to protect all of the lenses, inexpensive 77mm lens caps were also purchased to fit each lens with the adapter ring attached. This way, if you’re out on an event shoot and you need to swap out lenses very fast, you won’t need to fumble around looking for the correct lens cap to fit. Speed and efficiency – priceless.
You can check out some of LCW’s still image tests for the Digi Pro HD fader on their homepage lightcraftworkshop.com. The new Digi Pro HD filters will be available very soon, and you can find all of the Light Craft Workshop (LCW) products available via eBay at their official store (click here).
Light Craft Workshop ND Filter Products
How is this different than the Mark II fader (e.g., less vignetting)?
Hi Andy,
Mark II = ND4 to ND400
DigiPro HD = ND2 to ND1000 (subject to focal length of the lens, normal usable range at ND 2 to ND400~450)
Both filters terminate to larger front glass to avoid vignetting. For example a 72mm Fader ND equips with a 72mm back thread that attaches to the camera lens, and a 77mm front glass filter/thread.
Do you have recommendations for step-up rings? I’m hesitant to buy general brand rings because I’ve read they can bind to the lens and ruin the threads. What kind do you use? Thanks!
Patrick, we are using the ones from this particular seller. We have tried all of the rings and there are no issues with threading Step Up Filter Rings (click here)
Would like to see how soft the images are with 70-200 and other lenses longer than 85mm. Please do a test. My LCW II Fader was terribly soft past 70mm.
Jason, LCW has some examples on their site, although I don’t think they’re the best comparison shots and quite honestly, I don’t completely understand them. Next week I’ll snap some pictures with a zoom lens and let you know what I find. I’m assuming the images are only soft when the filter is on your lens?
I checked out the tests on their website. The colour cast and resolution seem to be the same as the other brands. Am I missing something?
Hi Tim, I’ve used all kinds of ND filters, from the cheapest I could find to the more pricey, like the LCW Digi Pro. I can only speak to my experience and say that you often get what you pay for. In the case of the tests on their website, which are you referring to?
It seems your link HERE isn’t working for me. I am referring to the tests on this page http://lightcraftworkshop.com/fader-nd-digi-pro-hd-round.html
Scroll down to Resolution and Colour Cast Comparison. It is this test where I don’t see much of difference between the samples. Do you see any differences here?
Sorry about that link! Yeah, that’s the comparison test that I thought you were referring to. I don’t even really understand what they’re comparing to be honest with you. I personally think they could have done a better test. It’s not very clear to me either what is being compared.
Hi Olivia
How practical would it be to use this filter during a sunset time-lapse video (ie varying the ND by hand as the sunsets)?
Thanks
Ian A
Hi Olivia,
Have you managed to test the filter on a longer zoom yet? Say a 100-400mm. Problem with LCW in the past was that very soft on longer zooms.
About to purchase a Heliopan, but would like to know whether the latest update to the LCW range has resolved the soft focus issues.
Thanks
Just getting to this now.. testing, will report back!
Okay, tests completed. We tried a 24-105 on a Canon 5D mkii and experienced no softness at any focal length. I also tested a 200mm FD lens on my GH2 (400mm with crop factor) and there was no softness detected in the images. A tiny bit of vignetting was about all I saw and an ever so slight color cast. But nothing I was concerned with. Something to rememmer, a fader is more difficult to achieve optimal results with. LCW is one of the best I’ve used so far. Also, I like the look of it for video a lot.
Hello Olivia, thanks for your test !
I wondered if the “Light Craft Digi Pro-HD” had any front thread to screw on a lens hood or extra filter on it. This would be great : the Tiffen and schneider are not equiped with any front thread.
If yes, I understand that the 77mm one turns to a 82mm, what about the 82mm version ? I suppose it becomes 86 or 95mm, right ?
Many thanks.
Florian, I’d assume so since they want to avoid vignetting, I just emailed them to be certain, will keep you posted.