Canon EF Lenses with ND built in? at DVinfo.net

Lee Mullen · November 3rd, 2012, 01:31 AM

After watching this video

It made me wonder why no EOS/EF lens has any built in ND filter. Any readon for this or do some models have it, seems odd considering XL lenses had them?

Caleb Reynolds · November 3rd, 2012, 06:25 AM

I would rather stack them on the front of the lens so I can "fine tune" how much ND i use. Plus it helps me adapt to different lighting situations when I am using practicals (light from sources already there)

Ronald Jackson · November 3rd, 2012, 11:18 AM

You cannot stop down Canon XL video lenses below about F11, this may go for other makes of video cam.
Something to do with the cameras being at their optimum a stop of two or three away from maximum aperture. Thus built in ND filters.
I'd love a built in filter (three settings on my XLH1) on my EF lenses as a real pain having to screw/unscrew filters from the front, as today, in variable lighting conditions. A simple switch on the video lenses.
Judging by their prices, video lenses, broadcast ones, are a lot more technologically advanced than still ones.

Ron

Phil Murray · November 3rd, 2012, 08:13 PM

I, too, would love to have that feature. I'm sure there is a reason because they would certainly be helpful when using a DSLR. I'm the middle of the Peruvian Amazon right now and have variable ND filters for two of my lenses. They have, of course, made a huge difference in many situations. This trip came up at the last minute and I decided the day before that I would my 60D. It was a good choice, but in rushing to pack, I forgot the vari-ND filter for the only IS, walkabout lens that I brought. I can't tell you how many times I really needed it. Had to shoot at a very high shutter speed too much and don't expect the results to be very useful. (Fortunately, this is a quick scouting trip for a more lengthy shot sometime in the next 6-8 months.)

I find I worry about filters a lot less with video so I can shot flat keep a more consistent color across all shots for easier grading in post. Having the ND filter -- a MUST -- on the lens is so very convenient on my EX1r.

November 3rd, 2012, 01:31 AM	#1
Lee Mullen Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Western Australia Posts: 576	Canon EF Lenses with ND built in? After watching this video Canon 3x XL Wide Angle Video Lens - YouTube It made me wonder why no EOS/EF lens has any built in ND filter. Any readon for this or do some models have it, seems odd considering XL lenses had them?

November 3rd, 2012, 06:25 AM	#2
Caleb Reynolds Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 113	Re: Canon EF Lenses with ND built in? I would rather stack them on the front of the lens so I can "fine tune" how much ND i use. Plus it helps me adapt to different lighting situations when I am using practicals (light from sources already there) __________________ www.TeamKProductions.com Twitter Facebook

November 3rd, 2012, 11:18 AM	#3
Ronald Jackson Major Player Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Southport, United Kingdom Posts: 723	Re: Canon EF Lenses with ND built in? You cannot stop down Canon XL video lenses below about F11, this may go for other makes of video cam. Something to do with the cameras being at their optimum a stop of two or three away from maximum aperture. Thus built in ND filters. I'd love a built in filter (three settings on my XLH1) on my EF lenses as a real pain having to screw/unscrew filters from the front, as today, in variable lighting conditions. A simple switch on the video lenses. Judging by their prices, video lenses, broadcast ones, are a lot more technologically advanced than still ones. Ron

November 3rd, 2012, 08:13 PM	#4
Phil Murray Major Player Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Cusco, Peru Posts: 375	Re: Canon EF Lenses with ND built in? I, too, would love to have that feature. I'm sure there is a reason because they would certainly be helpful when using a DSLR. I'm the middle of the Peruvian Amazon right now and have variable ND filters for two of my lenses. They have, of course, made a huge difference in many situations. This trip came up at the last minute and I decided the day before that I would my 60D. It was a good choice, but in rushing to pack, I forgot the vari-ND filter for the only IS, walkabout lens that I brought. I can't tell you how many times I really needed it. Had to shoot at a very high shutter speed too much and don't expect the results to be very useful. (Fortunately, this is a quick scouting trip for a more lengthy shot sometime in the next 6-8 months.) I find I worry about filters a lot less with video so I can shot flat keep a more consistent color across all shots for easier grading in post. Having the ND filter -- a MUST -- on the lens is so very convenient on my EX1r.