Fader/variable ND filters- any good?

[AndyA]

I was just looking at the Hoya ND filters on Ebay (ND400) and I noticed the variable/fader filters, they're selling for less, but is that because they're not so good?

[colin C]

Re: Fader/variable ND filters- any good?

I have just ordered one Andy, so I will let you know.

Although I use Lee Filters, I don't do many landscapes and it was difficult for me to justify the cost of the Lee, just to use maybe a couple of times a year. At the weekend, I did a camera club outing to the coast and a shot I "Saw" in my mind needed a 10 stopper. Unusually, out three superb landscape photographers within the clubn neither had their's with them, so I couldn't borrow to take the shot. That lost shot is now bugging me, so I ordered a cheapy variable NDfrom Ebay, so I can go back and take the shot.

I am aware that some of the cheapies end up with a slight colour cast, so I will be mindful of that. Probably be here for the weekend, but the weather looks pretty naff.

Colin

[AndyA]

Colin, I'm looking forward to hearing how you get on with it.

I visited Runswick Bay at the weekend and had a disastrous outing photography wise, the weather wasn't kind with regards to the light and I was very disappointed with my results. I wish I'd had a nice ND filter with me to try and capture some silky sea water shots. Hey Ho! :)

[DrJon]

Re: Fader/variable ND filters- any good?

I have one of the Heliopan variables NDs, but they aren't cheap (or in 2011 easy to get) and I'm not suggesting that as an alternative, just mentioning some of the things I found out while deciding on one. I think the trick with the cheaper ones is to avoid longer focal lengths as they can fall apart somewhat. Also the Heliopan at it's brightest lets in enough light that I can use Auto-Focus on a f4 lens, so perhaps keep an eye out for what's the least amount of light you lose.

Here's what I wrote last time this came up, including a link about the longer focal lengths:

http://www.eos-magazine-forum.com/showthread.php?8828-I-m-looking-to-buy-a-ND-filter-kit&p=67465&viewfull=1#post67465

John

[hhcanon]

Re: Fader/variable ND filters- any good?

Interesting topic, this one. Ive considered var, ND for some time but havent taken the plunge as yet. From what Ive seen the more expensive ones are the best, whilst, as Colin says, the cheapos give a colour cast. Heliopan are an excellent make, but I rekon youre going to spend about £120. The SingnRay goes for over £300...gulp.

Robin

[DrJon]

Re: Fader/variable ND filters- any good?

I have the 77mm Heliopan, it's come down a fair bit since 2011:

http://www.teamworkphoto.com/vario-fader-filters-c-1047_79_1158_1095.html

But like I said, not cheap... oh, hang on, they are ex-VAT prices, so it's about the same...
John