Question about Vari-ND filters
 

Just wondering how much better optically is the Singh-Ray
77mm Vari-ND Variable Neutral Density Filter over the Fader ND and how do they compare and
does the thin mount for the Singh-Ray help any with reduce vignetting?
I already have the 77mm Fader ND and I'm happy with it just wondering if it's worth the upgrade.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

I attended Philip Bloom's workshop in DC a few weeks back and he was saying that the new Genus VariND is pretty good and costs about $200 or less. The SingRay is the best but expensive.

Daniel Weber

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

thanks i did a search and found this.
Loving the Fader ND and Singh Ray Vari ND. Life savers in New Delhi! | Philip Bloom
philip says there's no drop in color reproduction or sharpness that he could tell in video mode but
my photography friends say there is a color shift on the ND fader but doesn't matter i wouldn't use
a Variable Neutral Density Filter for taking stills. anyway i will do my own test when i get a chance.
thanks for your input.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

also found this.
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-eo...ive-worth.html

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

Dan Brockett wrote that review when the Singh-Ray at $400 was the only variable ND filter on the market. It's a very good review of why a variable ND filter is so useful but the Fader NDs are decent & a quarter of the price of the Singh-Ray.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

Genus

Genus ND Fader Filter 77mm - Genus Video and DSLR products

It does absolutely fine job as Singh Ray but more then twice less cost.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/676824-REG/Genus_GL_GNDF_77_77mm_ND_Neutral_Density.html
Right now some has 77mm filter on eBAY for $134.00 with free shipping

http://cgi.ebay.com/GENUS-77mm-Neutr...item4cf61dcaaf

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

I use the Genus and it works fine. Don't waste the extra money on the Singh Ray.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

Neither perform particularly well when compared to using a normal ND filter.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

yeah i think i'm going with the Genus.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

Don't fool yourself the Singh Ray is much better than the Genus. I own a Genus simply because I can't afford the Singh Ray however my friend has the Singh Ray and there is quite a bit of sharpness lost with the Genus compared to the Singh Ray. I was filming a wedding the other day with a Canon 70-200MM 2.8IS stopped down with the Genus when I noticed how soft my images was when I zoomed in to focus, I decided to film at F4 instead without the filter for the particular shot I was doing.

The Genus is an affordable all round product that works wonders if you're on a budget but you do lose image sharpness as you stop down, as with all things in life you get what you pay for. Given the choice I'd buy Genus again for price vs function however the Singh Ray stays sharp.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

I've compared the Genus to the Singh Ray and found no loss in sharpness whatsoever.

Having spent thousands over the years on B+W and Singh Ray filters I do know what to look for.

Hurlbut is endorsing Tiffen ND filters. In my experience they make very low end filters. Maybe things change.

Tiffen and HV Collaborate To Make Extraordinary Images with Water White Glass | Hurlbut Visuals

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

I have a fader ND I'm happy with it but I'm wondering if its worth spending the money to get the Genus will I be able to see a difference in sharpness are they both about the same?

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

Kirk what glass did you use to test? I was quite surprised how much sharpness I lost, I wasn't doing any tests though I was simply filming and observed it.

Re: Question about Vari-ND filters
 

Nicholas I compared the two filters using the 24-70 L, 70-200 2.8 L IS and 85 1.2 L.

I shot identical setups with both filters.