ND Filter Test and Video
Neutral Density filters are designed to allow you to keep your shutter open for an extended period of time in bright settings and avoid over exposure by cutting out the amount of light being let into your lens. You can adjust your exposure according to the density of your filter. Some are darker or more dense while others are lighter and have less density. You can also stack these to create your own density to dial in the exposure you desire.
Here is a little video and some actual shots that show how these work and how a simple filter can add some real creativity to your photography and videos. Even with your aperture closed down as much as possible, sometimes it’s still not enough to keep your shutter open for several seconds on a bright day. I’m using these filters to keep my shutter open longer than normal, so that i’m able to capture movement. A great technique for milky streaming waterfalls in mid-day, or to capture the movement of people in a busy market place or city street. There’s some beautiful examples of these types of shots over at Flickr. Below is a list of recommended ND filters that should provide you with clear, sharp Photos with no odd color casts.
There’s also a long list of very very cheap ND Filters, some ranging under $4 dollars. These ND’s can still help block out light, but usually will introduce a color shift. If the color shifts are not very extreme, they can usually be corrected and color balanced with Photoshop or similar software. These cheap ones are perfect for those who just shoot for a hobby and want to experiment with long exposure photography in mid-day without having to give up a days salary.
ND FIlters – Variety Densities Filter Ring Sizes
exposure, f stop, ND filter, neutral density filter, slow shutter speed
ND filters are great at the beach too to get beautiful misty water effects. I’ve never tried them with moving traffic – thanks for the tip!
Hi,
Did i miss something? I went to the links above and it goes to amazon. There are 4 pages of nd filters. Or was i only supoose to look at the tiffen and hoya filters at the top of the links?
Which are the specific versions that you like the most?
I bought a LCW fader II but i don’t like it. It makes my images soft. i can’t afford the Singh ray.
For that price, i can get glass, another LED light, should rig, or Small HD dp4!
thanks!
Tiffen and Hoya are of the best brands with glass that won’t make your images as soft as and LCW variable ND. Using one ND filter is better than using the variable type.
[...] Check out our neutral density filter video here to learn more about what they are and how they work….. Below is a list of recommended ND filters that should provide you with clear, sharp Photos with no odd color casts. [...]
[...] recently did a small introduction to shooting a long exposure image on a bright day using ND Filters. Here’s another really good example from Scott Kelby using a [...]
Hello! Watched Scott Kelby’s video on ND filters. Great video, but one thing that was lacking was how to adjust your exposure with the ND.
Let’s say I’m shooting a waterfall, and my meter says f/16 at 1/250 at ISO 100. In manual mode, I would set my Av at f/16 for DOF, and slow down my Tv to 1/30 (3 stops). Screw in the 0.9 3 stop ND and take the shot.
Is this methodology correct ?
Bill, yes, your method is correct, did you capture the shot you wanted using this? I normally adjust my exposure by either changing the shutter speed or by changing my aperture. It depends on the look you’re going for. I find myself just playing around and testing what I think looks best according to the look I want to achieve. There are websites and apps to help you find correct exposure as well. =)
Thanks. Actually I watched Scott’s video to decide if I wanted to buy ND filters. I like to know what I am supposed to be doing before I do it, and the question about exposure made me wonder how I would adjust for it.
Since I want the falling water to blur, I knew that the shutter had to be slowed down somewhat, but how much was the question.
I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question.
hi ! olivia .its very interestesting about all your video in regarding using the ND FILTERS.Me now im using the COKIN GREY ND4 for 67mm for my Canon 550d.what will the effect using this filter.Can you teach me how to explore my ND4 GREY .And im planning to buy also the POLARIZER.coz i see in your video its nice its cathes all the colors of the object you shoot.Thanks and im waiting for your response.GOD BLESS
The ND filter will stop down light coming into your lens so you can keep your aperture wide open and still shoot in bright daylight. For videographers, I really think this tool is a must to ensure they can keep a cinematic look to their film by fixing the shutter speed at 1/50th. Do you have any specific questions in regards to the ND filter?
I would also suggest the advantage of HiTech square nd filters available that can easily be held over the lens quickly by hand without having to use step up rings, filter holder, or buy specific sizes to match the lens. They are inexpensive w/ no to minimal color cast. Maybe not for the elite pro but certainly worth a try for those who are on a budget.