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  1. #1
    Senior Member OldSchool's Avatar
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    ND filters and waterfalls ??

    Hi all,

    Typically, what ND filter is good to have to shoot long exposure waterfalls? I've been using my polarizer, and I don't think it slows the shutter enough (and it changes the color too). I hope to just buy one filter.... Thus, assume partly cloudy conditions.

    Many thanks to those who reply,
    Tim
    Samurai #17 |;^\

  2. #2
    Learning more with every "click" mjs1973's Avatar
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    Re: ND filters and waterfalls ??

    I keep a Cokin P154 in my bag that seems to work nicely for the type of shot you are talking about. If I remember correctly, it's an 8 stop ND filter. Not the top of the line filter, but it gets the job done. I also will throw on a polarizer if it's really bright out. It does change the colors a bit, but it helps to take the glare off the water if it's pretty bright out too.
    Mike

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  3. #3
    has-been... another view's Avatar
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    Re: ND filters and waterfalls ??

    Ever seen this one by Singh-Ray? I've tried it out and it's pretty cool, but expensive.

    It's a hard question to answer, actually. It depends on the light, film speed, how fast the water is moving, and your own taste for how much it should blur. One thing, a polarizer shouldn't change colors. It will make the white areas of the water look different, but if you're having color shift problems you might want to look at getting a better polarizer.

    In some cases, you can get two stops or a little more out of a polarizer but that depends on direct sun (which you probably don't want) and you'll have to point the camera a certain way to get the most benefit.

    I'm not usually a fan of stacking filters, but a two-stop ND and a polarizer are what I have. I'll use the ND, and then if I need a little more then I'll use the polarizer too. That usually works well (along with about f11), but I usually try to do stuff like that on overcast day at ISO speeds of 50 or 100.

  4. #4
    learning member
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    Re: ND filters and waterfalls ??

    Tim,
    I've used a cokin system filter holder w/ polorizer mounted to a polorizing filter screwd to the lens,
    This allows for variable ND effect from I think 3-8 stops. You change the filter density by rotating the filters. Maybe not what you had in mind, but pretty cool and usefull.
    Mark.

  5. #5
    Member
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    Re: ND filters and waterfalls ??

    That Singh-Ray looks pretty cool.
    Plus, the Singh-Ray's are known to be truly neutral. There have been reports of many other brands giving a colour cast

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