Thoughts on ND Filter?

[F8&Bthere]

I want a 77mm threaded ND filter for a wide angle lens. This would be for landscape shooting outdoors, to blur water etc. I don't want a set really because I hate fiddling with small things like that in the field. So I thought the perfect thing for me was this Singh-Ray Vari ND filter I've been hearing about. $500? Are you kidding me? I can buy a freakin Gitzo tripod for that, or 3 x Nikon/Canon 50/1.8 lenses!
So I'm thinking that I might just buy one decent ND8 and because my camera has very good high ISO performance if the 3 stops is ever too dark and can just vary my exposure in camera to lighten up. Anyone see flaws in that logic, aside from me being a cheap SOB?

[JAS_Photo]

I have been wondering which sort of filter system to get as well. The Singh Ray variable ND does have rave review from users. I guess, I will bite the bullet and save up for a couple of months.

[masp]

Ouch, that really is a lot of money for a flat piece of glass. Only thing I can think of maybe some kind of DIY approach, but image quality would probably suffer.

Cheapest option: holding a piece of smoked glass from IKEA in front of your camera.

[Marko]

If you are shooting on a tripod to capture water not sure why you'd want or even mention the high ISO. That seems to defeat the need for the ND, no?

In terms of cash - yup nutty cash for singh-ray.

If it's screw mount you want...not perfect.... but the cokin system attaches through a threaded adaptor. It 'could' stay on the camera's lens with the filter inside. and the filter can be removed fast if you don't want it. The ND is about 35 bucks the adaptor maybe 20 and the plasticky filter holder 25ish...something like that.

[Greg_Nuspel]

The only way I would consider these over priced suppliers is for graduated ND filters. For straight ND filter look at B+W for fine glass I actually prefer the 106 which is 6 stops. I find that if I want to slow things down I want to go to extremes, too many times I would have to stack filters to get as slow as I like and that just means more surfaces for reflections. Marumi ND Filters, Neutral density solids in ND2, ND4, ND8 filters at 2filter.com are rated pretty good as well I am looking to try some of these.

[Marko]

Wow good link to those inexpensive filters - nevr tried them - but i'd love to know if you have a good experience with them.

Thx!

marko

[F8&Bthere]

If you are shooting on a tripod to capture water not sure why you'd want or even mention the high ISO. That seems to defeat the need for the ND, no?

What I meant was go to one single dark filter and only in an unlikely situation where it is too dark using ISO to lighten up a bit while maintaining same aperture/shutter. I am completely aware that tripod mounted outdoor landscapes are best shot at minimum ISO, but also aware that bumping up a D700 to 400 or even 800 isn't that outrageous, if it's needed. The mention was only really in anticipation of someone saying "what if it's too dark?" to make an argument in support of a multi-stop ND kit, which I am not that much into as stated in OP.

If it's screw mount you want...not perfect.... but the cokin system attaches through a threaded adaptor.

I have the Tian Ya equivalent to the Cokin P but at wide angles it vignettes badly, so I could go to the Cokin Z system but there is no cheaper chinese knock off (I know...how stingy and unpatriotic of me) of that as far as I am aware so still a fair chunk of change. I like that system for graduated filters as you can adjust the break line to your horizon, but aside from that I find it clunky in the field (never fits in my bags with the filter holder mounted so always requires setup at every stop)

Quoting Greg...For straight ND filter look at B+W for fine glass I actually prefer the 106 which is 6 stops. I find that if I want to slow things down I want to go to extremes, too many times I would have to stack filters to get as slow as I like and that just means more surfaces for reflections.

Yes, exactly my thought- get one at the extreme end. I have also found that ND2s and ND4s have rarely been dark enough for my uses. I'll have to look into that.

I have Marumi circular polarizers, which I ordered off eBay after reading the reviews and comparisons online. I have been happy with them, so I'm sure their NDs are fine too, but Greg's B+W 106 has me interested too. It's not that I'm against paying for good quality, it's just some things seem to be priced outrageously- beyond the scope of any possible production cost/economical justification. All these accessories that a hobbyist like myself only uses occasionally can really add up.

Thanks everybody!

[scorpio_e]

You may want to check this place. I had good luck and the prices are reasonable.

[fastermaster]

..So I thought the perfect thing for me was this Singh-Ray Vari ND filter I've been hearing about. $500? Are you kidding me? ..

Supposedly you can achieve the same result by using a CP and a Linear Polarizer stack on each other. I never tried this myself but have read about it multiple times.

I didn't put to much effort into finding both types - and bought a 2/4/8 ND filter for ~120 shipped. The 8x is great for getting f2.8 in bright daylight.

[F8&Bthere]

Supposedly you can achieve the same result by using a CP and a Linear Polarizer stack on each other. I never tried this myself but have read about it multiple times.

I didn't put to much effort into finding both types - and bought a 2/4/8 ND filter for ~120 shipped. The 8x is great for getting f2.8 in bright daylight.

Excellent! I did order an ND8 and I already have a Cpol so I'm going to give that a try some day if/when the conditions warrant it. Thanks.