ND Filters and White Balance?

[Danny Winn]

So when using a Variable ND filter, do I set White Balance before or after screwing it on the lens? Thanks!

[Sander Vreuls]

Theoretically it shouldn't alter the white balance..(Results may differ in the real world with cheaper ND filters though)... So to be sure I would do the white balance with the filter on, as that is how you will be shooting..

[Danny Winn]

Very cool, thanks much!

[Victor Nguyen]

with cheap ND filters, they do sometime add a tint such as green for example. It would be good if you can white balance with the ND filter on.

[Danny Winn]

Originally Posted by Victor Nguyen

with cheap ND filters, they do sometime add a tint such as green for example. It would be good if you can white balance with the ND filter on.

Cool, thanks Victor. I'm planning on getting the light Craft Workshop ND Filter, I think thats considered one of the better ones.

[Victor Nguyen]

I have the light craft workshop. A little bit soft and it add a hint of tint. I think the quality degrade with telephoto lens. It's decent for the money.

[Danny Winn]

Originally Posted by Victor Nguyen

I have the light craft workshop. A little bit soft and it add a hint of tint. I think the quality degrade with telephoto lens. It's decent for the money.

My lens is the canon 24-70, do you forsee any problem with this lens?

[Victor Nguyen]

I don't see why not. Just make sure that it has the right filter length. Test it out to see if you like it. I have use it in once outside and there was a dramatic loss in sharpness. I then try to test it inside and the filter was fine. I'm gonna do one final outside test one of these days.

[John Carroll]

It's always a good idea to roll a few seconds on your white/gray card under your final lighting at your final stop so you can adjust your WB in post if necessary. If you have color correction on your lens or lights be sure that is in place as well... but if you are adding color for effect aka "warming the scene up" be sure to white balance before you add the effect colors.

It's not always possible in the real world, but a white card at the head of each scene can really help you out of a jam you didn't notice on set or in your viewfinder. And if you aren't editing the footage yourself, your editor will be very grateful!

[Danny Winn]

Originally Posted by John Carroll

It's always a good idea to roll a few seconds on your white/gray card under your final lighting at your final stop so you can adjust your WB in post if necessary. If you have color correction on your lens or lights be sure that is in place as well... but if you are adding color for effect aka "warming the scene up" be sure to white balance before you add the effect colors.

It's not always possible in the real world, but a white card at the head of each scene can really help you out of a jam you didn't notice on set or in your viewfinder. And if you aren't editing the footage yourself, your editor will be very grateful!

Cool, thanks for your input John. No color effects, just a simple variable ND filter for bright outdoor shots.