ND filters

[kross]

I'm getting it for my nokton f1.2 lens. Probably 1 or 2 3stops nd8 filters. Question is, which type to get? Cheapo little know brand (from $6) or the expensive(from $20) multicoat branded ones? Pls share your experience.

Will be using it for sunny days and still able to shoot wide open for subject isolation and dreamy look.

Thanks.

Edit: it's ND not BE. Phone's auto correction is a pain at times.

 

[ChrisN]

Cheapo ok for B&W; if shooting colour you will want to spend sufficient to avoid colour shifts.

 

[Honus]

I would respectively disagree with ChrisN. Why would you want to put a cheap filter in front of an excellent, relatively expensive lens?

You're going to want a 3 stop filter as well, if you want to shoot wide open on a sunny day.

 

[ChrisN]

Horses for courses - I have ND filters from both ends of the price/value scale and can't see much difference in their performance, for B&W. Colour is another story. The difference between "good enough" and "perfection" can be quite expensive.

"Now, understand that there's "good enough" and then there's "perfect." The former is achieved when most discerning viewers will look at a photograph and say, "That's real nice!" The latter is achieved when improving the photograph further makes no visible difference whatsoever." (Ctein, here)

 

[peter_n]

I use 55 and 58mm B+W neutral density filters and have not had any problems at all. If you have good glass I recommend you get a quality filter like B+W or Heliopan.

 

[whickus]

hoya hmc filters have worked out very well for me, color and b&w.

 

[ferider]

Just make sure they are well coated. B+W and Hoya HMC work well for me. 2filter.com has a new line of very good and affordable Sunpak DMC filters.

ND4 is the maximum that I go to avoid color shift and contrast change. ND8 only when I need it.

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[Bruin]

I use a polarizer as a 1.5-stop ND filter, so I'd get a ND 3-stop if I needed something stronger. B+W ND filters from 3-stop and up are only single coated, so I'd go with a Hoya HMC.