Want to get a screw on ND filter at DVinfo.net

David Dixon · October 5th, 2011, 09:18 AM

I want to get a screw-on ND filter for my XF100 - never used one before - any recommendations? I want something decent enough to not degrade image quality. If you're using one of these, what have you found useful?

multicoating? what level - .6? .9? higher? variable?

brands? <$50 OK or do I need to spend more?

Thanks for any input.

Tom Hardwick · October 5th, 2011, 10:22 AM

You've got to be so careful when using filters with 1/3 inch chipped camcorders because of the very short focal lengths bringing any tiny blemish on either side of the filter into the shot. So as this filter will be your new front element, make sure you buy one with the best multi-coating you can find.

Jim Martin · October 5th, 2011, 10:51 AM

You should have a Tiffen or Schneider 58mm UV protector or clear filter anyway so if you run into something or something runs into you, you wreak the filter, not the lens. As for the ND, I'd probably suggest a ND.6.....2 stops should cover most of your applications. Also, if you are doing a lot of outdoor work, a circular polarizer should also be in your "tool box".

Jim Martin
Filmtools.com

David Dixon · October 6th, 2011, 10:32 AM

Thanks! I found a B+W 06 ND multicoated for around $40, and a non-coated Tiffen UV plus polarizer kit for about $60 that I will be ordering soon.

Charles W. Hull · October 6th, 2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David Dixon

Thanks! I found a B+W 06 ND multicoated for around $40, and a non-coated Tiffen UV plus polarizer kit for about $60 that I will be ordering soon.

I use a 0.9 ND filter, and set the gain to -6.0dB. This way on a sunny day you can turn off the automatic ND filter and just use the aperture to adjust exposure. I don't think a 0.6 ND filter will quite do the job.

October 5th, 2011, 09:18 AM	#1
David Dixon Major Player Join Date: May 2011 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 495	Want to get a screw on ND filter I want to get a screw-on ND filter for my XF100 - never used one before - any recommendations? I want something decent enough to not degrade image quality. If you're using one of these, what have you found useful? multicoating? what level - .6? .9? higher? variable? brands? <$50 OK or do I need to spend more? Thanks for any input.

October 5th, 2011, 10:22 AM	#2
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Re: Want to get a screw on ND filter You've got to be so careful when using filters with 1/3 inch chipped camcorders because of the very short focal lengths bringing any tiny blemish on either side of the filter into the shot. So as this filter will be your new front element, make sure you buy one with the best multi-coating you can find.

October 5th, 2011, 10:51 AM	#3
Jim Martin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Burbank, CA 91502 Posts: 949	Re: Want to get a screw on ND filter You should have a Tiffen or Schneider 58mm UV protector or clear filter anyway so if you run into something or something runs into you, you wreak the filter, not the lens. As for the ND, I'd probably suggest a ND.6.....2 stops should cover most of your applications. Also, if you are doing a lot of outdoor work, a circular polarizer should also be in your "tool box". Jim Martin Filmtools.com

October 6th, 2011, 10:32 AM	#4
David Dixon Major Player Join Date: May 2011 Location: Knoxville, Tennessee Posts: 495	Re: Want to get a screw on ND filter Thanks! I found a B+W 06 ND multicoated for around $40, and a non-coated Tiffen UV plus polarizer kit for about $60 that I will be ordering soon.