Could someone very kindly please explain to me in very simple terms/words how to use a ND filter please. I understand that they block light but I don't understand what filter strength to use in what situation and how I would manually set the camera if I was using these different strength filters, eg, what effect they have on shutter speed? I currently set my camera in manual mode by looking at the exposure meter, with a filter added would I still set the meter the same way? I have read various articles about them and am quite confused and can't get a handle on how I would use them in practice. Can anyone recommend any ND filters please? I have a Canon 700D and a Canon 100-300mm lens and a limited budget.
I ask mostly because in a few weeks I am going on a coastal vacation and will be on the beach most days at all different times of the day, and being in the UK I have no doubt in all different weathers too.
Can I also ask if anyone could please explain about polarizing filters as well and recommend any? Can you use these in combination with ND filters? Are there any times when polarizing filters should not be used? Can both ND filters and polarizing filters both be used in manual mode/ manual focus/ live view?
Sorry for all the questions and thanks for any advice/suggestions/recommendations.
I use a polarizing filter on my zoom lens since where I live (Southern California) the sun is harsh most of the year and with haze or other particulate matter in the air you get a lot of glare and diffusion of light -- the first tends to show up on metal and water and the latter washes out colors esp sky. The benefit of a polarizer is that you can have it on the lens as protection (like you would use a ND filter) and use it or not as you see fit. It will cut light a little so obviously I don't use it indoors (no need). The downside is sometimes it can exaggerate the intensity of colors so use it judiciously.
An ND (neutral density, don't know quite the exact origin of the term) will block a lot more light than a polarizing filter. They come in "stops" , one stop will allow you to shoot with twice the shutter time, 2 stops four times, 3 stops 8 times and so on. They are useful especially if you are looking for "long exposures" in not totally dark situations. Especially around water that can be "smoothed out."
My contirbution to this discussion is to suggest a CPL for eveything outside and sometimes inside (i.e. shooting through glass and water). I prefer VND's as they give more choices without changing filters. Yes, I stack my VND on my CPL. If you turn one you are most time also turning the other one, you should be careful. The benefits of using both are many and should be experienced. However, patience and a willingness to experiment are important attiudes to have when learning what these filters do.
My contribution is to respond to the question about metering. I guess it ultimately depends on the shooting conditions. With a 3 or 5 stop filter at midday, the camera will still probably be able to meter. But with low ambient light (and how many stops down you're going with the ND filter) then it is possible the camera will not be able to meter the scene for you in either viewfinder nor Liveview. I don't use an ND very often but when I do I usually first meter my scene in manual mode, then apply the ND filter. Once the filter is applied I manually adjust exposure based on the number of stops I've applied with the ND. E.g. A scene exposes at 1/100, f/8, ISO 100. If I apply a 5 stop ND filter I just (usually) drop the shutter speed by 5 stops which in this example would be 1/4s. There are several smartphone apps that can also be used, but it's fairly straightforward to do manually. In a lot of cases yes, the camera will still be able to meter. I've just developed the habit of metering first, then apply filter.
Oh, polarizing filters... I seldom use them for color enhancement, I would do that in post editing. But they can be useful if you want to cut out reflections, on glass or water or such. Often reflections add to the picture, but sometimes you might not want them, particularly if they are reflecting back the image of the photographer. :)
I use ND filters for 3 reasons. First is shooting with the largest aperture in bright light where the fastest shutter speed isn't fast enough. A 2 or 3 stop filter is enough with my cameras and lenses. Second is for panning with a moderate speed lens. Sometimes 3 stops is enough for the desired effect, usually I stack 2+3=5. Last reason is for tripod shots of moving lights (usually vehicles) near the end of the day. Five stops produces light trails I like without having to stop down the aperture to where image quality for the stationary objects falls off noticeably.
Thank you all so much for taking the time to comment and for sharing your knowledge, this is such useful information, every post has helped me understand this so much better. I need to do some more research on makes and prices now before I buy anything. Thanks again so much. @frankhymus@chapjohn@dbj@fotoblah
If you decide a bunch of new filters aren't in the budget, you might want to check out this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcZkCnPs45s@stephanies . It shows how to use Photoshop to get that nice smooth water effect without using an ND filter. I've tried it, and it works. I know you don't use Photoshop, but maybe the software you use has a similar feature? Whatever you decide, have a great vacation. I can't wait to see the photos!
One more thing. Buy filters for the largest diameter lens, use them on smaller lens diameters via step-up rings. There are probably some practical reasons or warnings about using a large filter on a small lens, but I'm not in that situation, so I don't know.
Wow, thanks so much Debby @debbyglynn that video is really interesting. I need to look at PSE and see if it is possible to do that in this program. I was kind of shocked at what he did to his lens at the end of the video and even more so by the fact that it made no difference to any of the pictures!
Hi John @chapjohn I have been researching VND's and I found this one http://www.amazon.com/Kenko-Variable-Neutral-Density-Filters/dp/B00JZM7W6O I wondered if you had any opinion on it please? May I ask too, which VND you use and which CPL please? There are so many polarisers that it is quite mind-boggling trying to decide which one to choose!
I have use mostly Promaster filters manufactured by Marumi. Marumis is probably the best maker of filters. There are three levels of Promaster filters--standard, ???, HGX. The HGX filters are great and are equal to or better than any other filters.
For good UV and CPL filters for less money, look at the Hoya Alpha filters.
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You can get fixed strength ones and can stack them on the camera, using the filter threads. You can also purchase "variable" ones that can increase or decrease the strenth by rotating them. here's a link where you can see what prices and features are.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/variable-neutral-density/ci/22490/N/4011740578
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For good UV and CPL filters for less money, look at the Hoya Alpha filters.