Neutral Density Filters

[JAS_Photo]

There probably is already a thread but I don't think we have had a good discussion on and when to use them and how much/many to use. Can a COPL be used instead in some cases? Can you use ND's at twilight? I know that Darwin Wigget uses them to intensify colors in his scenics. Discuss.

[Bambi]

ooh, let get my popcorn and sit back and watch! (and learn of course)

[kat]

I have one ND filter (4). I use it during mid day sun for certain shots that need more than what a polorizer filter can do. Great for slow shutter speeds. I don't use it too often though. Maybe this will give me more reason too.

I think if anything I would use a gradual ND filter more, can't wait to get one!

[Mad Aussie]

I've never gotten around to getting any ND filters yet but they are next on my list. I'd like both ND and GND (Graduated) filters.
Certainly the CP filter will help when a ND isn't available but I wouldn't say it's a great substitute. It just isn't the same thing.

When to use them is fairly simple ... when you have the need/desire to use a slower shutter speed but can't attain it with the settings you need due to the scene being too bright.

How many to use really again is similar to my answer above, but by stacking a couple of them (tends to produce vignetting on wide angle lens) you can vary the amount of leeway you want.

No problem using ND's at Twilight or even after dark if you want. In fact ... that's some of what I want to do with them.

[JAS_Photo]

The next big decision is which type to get once you have determined that is what you need. If you use the type with the holder vignetting should not be a problem I would think.

[Mad Aussie]

I did look at the Cokin system when I got my camera's but it's a bit bulky ... certainly easier to use though. Not sure on the vignetting but I'd think it still would on a wide angle lens. Perhaps not if the filter is wide enough itself.

[Fortytwo]

The P series from Cokin has a wide angle holder. It'll only hold 1 filter at a time, but what I've been told it works without vignetting on 10mm (crop camera). Not sure what it does on full frame though...

[zenon5940]

... I know that Darwin Wigget uses them to intensify colors in his scenics. Discuss.

This is where I would really like to know how these filters would help.

Good idea Raiven for this new subject.

[Mad Aussie]

This is where I would really like to know how these filters would help.

Me too as I thought 'Neutral Density' was describing that they don't change colours in any way.
The only thing I can think of is that in the brighter areas they allow a better exposure so it results in better colours there.

[kat]

I'm going through photos now to see if I can get an image up that ND was used. If you would like I can get examples of used/not used... but I only have the one ND. So it will be with just that. I can also throw in the CPOL and see what the difference is with that?