I just came across this deal for only the 77mm diameter variable ND filter.
This is a highly recommended filter by a lot of experts including Dave Dugdale and the cheapest you'll find anywhere else is A$219.
actually it is….the cheaper 72mm is $130US compared to $99US for this 77mm on B&H
How did that work out? For the B&H it's $112US inc shipping. With Amazon they don't even have the 77mm but the cheaper 72mm is $129 BEFORE shipping.
Am I missing something here?
Don't buy……tiffen is horrible…prepare for corner smearing and colour cast…
is that this actual one or are you referring to an article about Tiffen in general…can you link something to this actual filter?
I have to agree though that variable ND's aren't the best for critical work. Best grab a couple of standard ND's to suit your work
All VND filters cause colour casting and vignetting, even the hyper expensive ones that cost more than some decent lenses. It's a matter of degree. Generally, you can only use them upto 80-90% of the max stops. Beyond that, a black X mark will start to encroach on the frame. This betrays the fact that they are constructed with two polariser filters stacked together.
completely agree….I used the expensive singh ray variable ND for a while. Sometimes it would be fine and other times it could be temperamental. All depended on how much ND was dialled in, focal length and even sunlight direction. Far better getting a few good quality ND's
I rather spend $15 on ebay and buy a chines one. Corner smearing is similar or probably slightly better on the Tiffen. I have an alcheapo one and it does the job fine.
Really poor advice for anyone who has a clue.
how? This is not worth it.
I've had ultra-cheap Chinese UV filters that really ruin the photo. Just sap sharpness and contrast beyond what I'm willing to accept. Really noticeable. I use them on lenses only while in storage….and even that has bitten me once as I forgot to take it off. (Luckily it wasn't a special occasion).
I've also had cheap Hoya and Kenko UV filters that do the job just fine. Not as good controlling flare.
I think one reason people have such wildly different opinions on filters is that the filters themselves can vary wildly.
I've read pretty decent reviews on the Tiffen.
I would ignore the cheaper option advice. Almost all variable ND's are a compromise. If you really want to get high quality, consistent results it is much better to stick with standard ND's. Still, this IS a good price as far as I can see. Thanks for posting
Thanks for your comments slipperypete. Could you recommend which standard NDs I can start with?
Depends if you are only going to have 77mm diameter. I use Lee filters as can use an adaptor to stick them in. They aren't cheap though.
Edit: it depends on what you use them for..to reduce light so that you can use say 1.4 apertures or to do long exposures
@slipperypete:
I was looking at some video production. For bokeh in the day times.
Saw Dave dugdale rave about it on youtube.
Anything below (affordable) Lee?
@vermanium:
To be honest then I think this should be fine…especially as you have seen good reviews. Funnily enough, I didn't even consider you were looking at video!!! Dunno why…by all accounts then I, and I think others above are giving advice in the wrong contexts.
Sounds like these are perfect for your intended usages then and certainly of high enough quality. Good luck!!
It really isn't that bad, but also depends on what you will use it for. If you want long exposure stuff they can be problematic, but if you only want to vary/control a few stops of light then they are great…just can be inconsistant. Looks like a good price
It's not really on sale is it?