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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Variable ND filters for the budget conscious photo
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Canon R50
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
11/15/2013 11:58:16 AM · #1
I'm a cheap tight fisted budget conscious photographer. Since it's a weekend hobby and I don't have unlimited disposable income, I don't buy the best of everything. I don't always buy the cheapest, either, but I'm finding with variable ND filters, there does not appear to be an in-between.

First question...opinions of variable ND filters? While it's nice to only have to carry one filter and it gives an extended range, am I better off selecting a few stops , and buying individuals? I currently have .3, .6 & .9 for my 58mm thread lense, and I'd like to get something for my 10-20mm (77mm).

Second....does anyone have any real world experience with the Bower, Vivitar or Polaroid (or any other cheap entry level) variable ND filters?

I won't necessarily be using them a lot, but it seems like it would be nice to have in my bag.

https://secure.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Variable-Neutral-Density/ci/22490/N/4011740578
Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)
 11/15/2013 01:02:04 PM · #2
For the cheapest most economical solution you might try just getting a step-up/step-down ring so you can use your existing filters on the other lens. That way you can see how often you use them and better judge whether it's worth buying more/different filters.

You can also use two polarizing filters to create a fairly effective variable ND filter effect (I have some examples posted here).
Canon EOS-1D Mark II
Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon
 11/15/2013 03:30:47 PM · #3
You claim to be cheap and are looking at $150 ND filters?

If you are cheap, really cheap you use welding glass. Mine compare to a 5 stop and a 10 stop and sometimes I use both and threaten to blot out all light. You have to work to fix the color cast, but they are cheap.
Canon R50
Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
11/15/2013 03:42:07 PM · #4
Originally posted by BrennanOB:
You claim to be cheap and are looking at $150 ND filters?

If you are cheap, really cheap you use welding glass. Mine compare to a 5 stop and a 10 stop and sometimes I use both and threaten to blot out all light. You have to work to fix the color cast, but they are cheap.


I'm looking at the $20-$50 filters
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